As an events sector company that expanded into the UK in early 2020, NicLen UK could have been forgiven for getting lost amid the pandemic. But by reaching out to Buckinghamshire Skills Hub and engaging with local schools, and with the support of its German head office, the company has been increasing its staffing levels and growing its operations.

NicLen UK, headed up by Managing Director Luke Merrilees, is a dry hire company* that rents out professional lighting, video and audio equipment, as well as rigging material. Luke had spotted a gap in the market and worked with the NicLen team in Germany to open a UK base, joining locations in the Netherlands, France and Switzerland as an important part of the NicLen family.

*‘Dry hire' describes a venue that only provides the use of their space, such as a hall or room, for an event, without any of the added extras like production, catering or decorations. NicLen UK is a purely dry hire company that provides a large portfolio of lighting, audio, rigging and video equipment for people to hire to populate their event space.

Post-pandemic, a boom in the UK events space meant that NicLen UK was able to increase staffing levels and move to a new warehouse in High Wycombe which is over five times the size of its previous space. To assist with the business’s need to recruit new staff to match the business growth plans, Luke approached the Buckinghamshire Skills Hub to undertake outreach activities within the secondary schools in Buckinghamshire.

Engaging with Bucks Skills Hub pays off

Firstly, Luke became a volunteer Enterprise Adviser, providing next-step career support to students at a local school in High Wycombe. He has been able to directly support and inspire several students about their possible career opportunities once they have sat their GCSEs.

Secondly, Luke booked an exhibition stand at the annual Bucks Skills Show in 2024. It’s the largest careers event in Buckinghamshire, reaching approximately 6,000 young people and job-seeking adults across two days. It has a reputation for being immersive, experiential and inclusive.

Among the many visitors to NicLen’s stand at the Bucks Skills Show was Lawrence Bostock. Lawrence was studying a Production Arts course at Berkshire College of Agriculture, but was feeling very unclear about what his next steps might look like. He’d attended various careers fairs but had not been inspired by what he saw there. His father persuaded him to attend the Bucks Skills Show in the evening session that's open to those over school age, and he was immediately attracted by the equipment on display at the NIcLen stand.

Lawrence has a background in theatre production and stage crew due to family connections, so instantly recognised the kit which NicLen hires to its customers. Luke and his Operations Manager, Fionn Clarke, knew Lawrence displayed the kind of enthusiasm they were looking for, so invited Lawrence to undertake some work experience with them during the college holidays. The result was Lawrence being recruited as a Warehouse Technician on a full time, permanent contract.

Lawrence has quickly become a vital member of the warehouse team in High Wycombe, with his efficiency, attention to detail, initiative and problem-solving skills meaning he deals quickly and calmly with the myriad circumstances which can arise on a daily basis. Fionn said: “Lawrence has quickly become an asset to the team. We are delighted he approached us at the Bucks Skills Show.”

“I am really pleased my dad talked me into visiting the Bucks Skills Show!”

Lawrence said: “I love working here at NicLen. It is a young team and everyone is positive and excited about growing the business. I am learning so much about the dry hire business and attending all sorts of product specific training. I am really pleased my dad talked me into visiting the Bucks Skills Show!"

Lawrence is enjoying his job so much that he has told his friends all about it. As a result, one friend from university undertook an internship during the summer and another friend, Sacha, has been recruited full time as an Operations Assistant.

Luke said: “NicLen has been going for over 30 years in Europe, and always saw huge potential in the UK market. With Brexit looming, it made sense to have a location and personnel in the UK. The growth we’ve experienced over the past five years – even after Covid – is a testament to the hard work of our team and the outstanding support we’ve had from NicLen’s German office.”

Marina Jackson, U19s Manager for the Buckinghamshire Skills Hub, commented: “This is why it’s so important for businesses to attend the Bucks Skills Show. They can inspire young people and help satisfy their own recruitment needs. What a great success for both NicLen and Lawrence! We look forward to seeing NicLen on their stand at the next Bucks Skills Show in March 2025.”

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Watch this video for a flavour of what attending the Bucks Skills Show is all about for businesses and young people.