About

With family traditions, Kougar Tool Hire prides itself on it’s friendly service, loyalty and honesty to our customers.

In 2018 Kougar Tool Hire celebrated its 28th year of successful trading. Our Hire Team has over 45 combined years of service at Kougar Tool Hire. Alongside our Hire Desk team, our four drivers and workshop staff, Kougar can cater for all your tool hire requirements.

Kougar’s vans can be seen all over London on a daily basis and even as far afield as Brighton, Bromley, Liverpool and Windsor.

All our equipment is tested regularly by our team of fully trained service engineers and Kougar is a long-standing member of the Hire Association of Europe.

Whether you know exactly what you want, or you need some help in choosing the right equipment for the job, you can pop into our depot for expert hands-on instruction in the safe use of all our equipment.

What’s in a name?

A “Kougar car” was a sports kit car that Bob spent many hours building in his garage with his son, Toby, and a group of good friends who loved nothing better than spending their weekends covered in grease! When the opportunity arose to set up Kougar Tool Hire, part of the initial funding came from the sale of the much loved sports car – hence the name (and logo) of Kougar.

Our Founder
Bob Drinkwater

Bob Drinkwater, the Founder and Managing Director, now has over 30 years experience in the tool and plant hire industry.

Founder Bob, established this friendly family run business in 1990, after having spent many years in the construction industry and having previously run a nationally known plant hire group. His idea was to serve London and the Home Counties with the most extensive range of small plant and power tools to the construction and DIY industries.

Bob has been married to Sue for nearly 50 years, and has two grown-up children, Emma and Toby. When not spoiling Oliver and Fred, his two young grandchildren, he can often be found on the golf course in his spare time and is a lifelong Arsenal supporter and season ticket holder.

The Team

Paul Liffen (Manager)

How long have you been working at Kougar? I’ve been with Kougar over 21 years. Hopefully there’s another 21 years left in the tank. What do you like most about working for Kougar? After all these years I’ve seen a fair few people come and go but there’s always been a good bunch of people working at Kougar. All our customers are really nice too! What do you do in your spare time? I like watching good TV and films, which is tricky when Love Island and The Kardashians are on. Travelling to near and far flung places whenever possible is always on my to do list. What football team do you support? I struggle watching football these days. I used to support Wimbledon but since they and I have moved it’s always a bit hit and miss . More miss. Just like Wimbledon! Cat or dog? Dog. And cat. Tea or coffee? Until a tea is invented that can have cream, caramel and chocolate on top, it’s got to be coffee.

Jon Butters

How long have you been working at Kougar? On and off about 15 or 16 years. What do you like most about working for Kougar? Everyone is easy to work with. Also taking money off Jamie when he bets against New Zealand in cricket or rugby! What football team do you support? West Ham (kind of). Cat or dog? I have a cat. Tea or coffee? Coffee unless it runs out, then tea.

Jamie Green

How long have you been working at Kougar? 21 years (man and boy). What do you like most about working for Kougar? Job satisfaction, dealing with our multi-national customer base. What do you do in your spare time? Play golf and cycle. What football team do you support? Play golf and cycle. Cat or dog? Dog (cats are a waste of time). Tea or coffee? None.

Neil Dakin

How long have you been working at Kougar? 8 years. What do you like most about working for Kougar? The family atmosphere and the professional approach. What do you do in your spare time? Collect football shirts and boots from professional footballers. What football team do you support? Arsenal. Cat or dog? None. Tea or coffee? Tea.

Wayne Cooper

How long have you been working at Kougar? 19 years and counting What do you like most about working for Kougar? Working in a good friendly atmosphere, with good work colleagues. What do you do in your spare time? Watching the mighty Eagles!! Whatever the wife tells me to do! Occasional game of golf. What football team do you support? Crystal Palace. London’s No.1 team! Cat or dog? Fish. Tea or coffee? Coffee. Accompanied by chocolate Hob Nobs.

Mark Kelleher

How long have you been working at Kougar? 16 year and many more to come. What do you like most about working for Kougar? Working with good friends as a team. More like a family. What do you do in your spare time? A bit of DJ-ing (love my music), snooker, and taking my Granddaughter out. What football team do you support? Chelsea (sorry Bob, top team!) Cat or dog? 3 snakes and 1 cat. Only got the cat as we had mouse that got in five floors up. Tea or coffee? A nice strong cup of coffee.

Richard Moody

How long have you been working at Kougar? 15 years. I was involved in the computer technology industry. I know find myself building construction equipment, what’s the difference? Well, it’s bigger and greasier. I get on with what needs to be sorted to keep the fleet up and running.

Mick Rankin

How long have you been working at Kougar? 12 years. What do you like most about working for Kougar? The preservations of ancient technologies and crafts. What do you do in your spare time? Sim online racing. What football team do you support? LIRFC (London Irish) Cat or dog? Dog. Tea or coffee? Coffee. And water with an infusion of the choicest hops, rice and best barley.

Testimonials

We have used Kougar Tool Hire for years when executing our gardening and landscaping projects. Remarkable service from start to finish. Always great quality modern tools available for same day deliveries. Their expertise is second to none and prices are competitive. I would highly recommend these genuine and passionate tradesman to anyone looking for a professional and helpful service.

Ed Belderbos,

Director, Belderbos Landscapes Ltd.

I have had an account with Kougar Tool Hire for over 20 years & wouldn’t dream of going anywhere else for my hiring needs.Not only are the staff delightful, they are extremely knowledgeable & always ready to help.The hire equipment is of an excellent standard & competitively priced and they’ve always been happy to deliver, even with very little notice.

Hilary Charlewood ,

Premises Manager, All Saints Church Fulham

On joining G M Developments as their Buyer in August 2006 I was given a list of the suppliers that were currently being used. Kougar Plant Hire was listed as the company's main supplier for all small plant. I arranged to meet Bob the proprietor to discuss terms and introduce myself. Having discussed our business, high end refurbishments and new build large houses/flats we agreed very competitive rates and our expectations from his company. We could not have a better company to work with. Their level of service is impeccable, all their staff are extremely knowledgeable, polite and always very helpful. Over the years we have built up an excellent rapport and I would highly recommend them to other contractors.

Lekh Naraine,

Buyer, GM Developments

Having worked with Kougar Tool Hire for 20 years we highly recommend this company. They have a proactive, can do mentality and have repeatedly gone the extra mile when requested. Kougar is well run and a very efficient business. The staff are friendly and have all worked at this company for many years which is a testament to Kougar Tool Hire itself. We look forward to many more years of business with this outstanding company.

Chris Edwards,

Director, CC Construction

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