FORMER Wellington School pupils Tom Caughey and Annie Burdick have set up their own business, groundworks hire company Viper Hire.

Viper Hire has two diggers and a dumper which are hired to customers and the couple also offer an option of an operator for those who are not comfortable working the machinery themselves.

Until the end of the month Viper is offering free delivery for customers in Wellington.

Tom, aged 22, and 21-year-old Annie, saw a gap in the market for a smaller, local plant hire company as they noticed ‘only big national companies’ were available in the area.

One of Wellington's newest businesses is Viper Hire, formed by two ex-Wellington School students.
One of Wellington's newest businesses is Viper Hire, formed by two ex-Wellington School students.

Both had previous experience in the industry and felt confident enough to ‘take the risk and start a company.’

Tom said: “We set up at the end of November and it has gone a lot better than we expected.”

Annie said: “We have been popular since we started, which has been amazing, and quite surprising.

“We are so happy with the route this business is going and hope that we can grow as we go while building strong relationships with local companies.

“Receiving five-star reviews for all hires has also been an incredible feeling being so new in the industry.”

Clearing the site of Rockwell Green's historic water towers was one of Viper Hire's early contracts.
Clearing the site of Rockwell Green's historic water towers was one of Viper Hire's early contracts.

Despite its success, the start-up process has not been without its challenges.

Annie said: “So far, our struggles have been competing with these bigger companies, who of course can supply hundreds of machines at cheaper rates.

“We will always do what we can to match our pricing or as close as possible, but some rates are just not possible to match, with ours being a new company.

“Every client so far has been very understanding and have all come back for more hires.”

One of Viper Hire’s recent projects was the historic water towers in Rockwell Green, which were at risk from dangerously overgrown vegetation.

Viper was hired by owner London-based property magnate Anwar Ansari to clear up the site and carry out regular maintenance.

Wellington Mayor Cllr Marcus Barr said: “It is brilliant to see young people starting up a business of their own like this.

“I have seen some of the work they have done already like clearing up the water towers and they have done a fantastic job there.

“Wellington needs more entrepreneurs like Tom and Annie to help grow the town’s economy and generate jobs.

“I hope that they are very successful and have a prosperous future ahead of them.”