Our Company.

Barry Verrent and Mick Lippard have been managing plant hire companies for the last two decades.  Forming Cobalt Plant Hire is the natural evolution and realisation of their combined ambition to lead one of the most successful machine hire businesses in it sector. In 2022, over £5 million was invested in brand new machinery to ensure Cobalt’s fleet is not only extensive, but is one of the most sophisticated in the industry.  Operating from their central distribution hub in Kent, their experienced family team offers a comprehensive hire and maintenance service that is agile and adaptable to the changing needs of the construction industry.

Our Team.

Barry Verrent

Managing Director

Barry joined the plant hire industry in 1986, operating and maintaining machinery. This stood him in good stead as he climbed through the ranks before managing the operations of several national plant hire companies. He now uses his wealth of experience as Co-Owner of Cobalt Plant Hire. Barry is a family man, who when not working, tries to squeeze in a game of golf and is a passionate Formula One fan.

Mollie Verrent

Depot Manager

Running the office, managing all the bookings and new accounts, Mollie is the backbone of the business and your first point of contact. As Barry’s daughter, Mollie had always had ambitions to join the family business. After leaving university and gaining two years’ experience working for a stone and aggregate supplier, she joined CPH and instantly hit the ground running. Mollie keeps everyone and everything in line! Once she’s left the yard, Mollie loves socialising with friends and is a keen jet skier.

Mick Lippard

Managing Director

Over the last 24 years Mick has worked in almost every sector of the plant hire business. Starting his career in 1998 as a machinery driver, Mick quickly moved into the sales, management, and the operational side of plant hire. He is now a proud Co-Owner of Cobalt Plant Hire. Mick has an enormous contact book and is a natural solution provider. Why not test his knowledge?

In the little spare time Mick has, he enjoys watching Charlton FC at The Valley and beating Barry at golf!

Jen Taylor

Accountant

Jennifers accounting career began in 2008 in the property industry where she spent over 10 years running the accounts teams in several large Blue Chip companies. Wanting to move away from the corporate world, Jen started her own Tax Return business where she took on the arduous task for private clients. In 2021 Jen accepted a role in Cobalt where she ensures all companies within the Cobalt umbrella are meticulously accounted for.

Jens’ laptop goes everywhere with her therefore free time is limited! When she does get to switch off, she loves to see friends and enjoys a good Netflix series.

Finley Lippard

Office Coordinator

Finley joined the company in 2022, as a member of the Lippard family you could say it’s in the blood! With ambition to build his experience across every element of the operation, he is quick to learn and exceedingly hard working. Finley is currently learning the ropes in the yard, supporting Mollie in the office and also auditing the machinery out on site. He loves playing and watching football but supporting Arsenal doesn’t go down too well in the Lippard household!

When he’s ‘allowed’ time off, Finley enjoys holidaying with friends and family.

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