Principle Fork Lifts Marks 35 Years of Business Excellence
This October, Principle Fork Lifts proudly celebrates 35 years of trading, marking more than three decades of growth, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to customer service.
Founded in October 1990 by Peter Kingham, Bob Dowse, and Alan Childs, the company was built on firm principles: to always put the customer first, provide the very best forklifts at the most competitive rates, and deliver outstanding after-sales support. Those guiding values remain central to the business today.
From its early days in Southall, Principle Fork Lifts quickly outgrew its first premises, moving to larger facilities in Egham, Surrey as demand for its services expanded. What began with used forklift sales soon evolved into a business focused predominantly on forklift hire. Today, the company operates one of the largest forklift hire fleets in the South of England, with more than 200 trucks on flexible hire agreements at any one time.
Independent and Linde Specialists
As an independent forklift dealer, Principle Fork Lifts offers customers a truly personal service, free from the restrictions of large corporate structures. The company specialises in Linde handling equipment, recognised worldwide for its superior quality, advanced technology, and proven reliability. This combination of independence and premium equipment ensures customers benefit from both flexibility and the very best in forklift performance.
Customer-First Approach
One of the defining features of Principle Fork Lifts has always been its commitment to flexibility. While the industry standard is often lengthy five-year contracts, Principle offers month-to-month hire agreements at the same competitive rates. This unique model gives customers complete freedom and peace of mind, backed by a team that prides itself on transparent pricing with no hidden costs or penalties.
This customer-first approach has paid dividends. Many clients who first partnered with Principle Fork Lifts in 1990 remain loyal customers today — a testament to the reliability, service quality, and trust the company has built over the decades.
Adapting to Industry Change
Over 35 years, the forklift industry has transformed dramatically, particularly with the shift in technology. Principle Fork Lifts has embraced these changes, continually expanding its fleet to include the latest models and using advanced diagnostics to maintain trucks with speed and efficiency. This adaptability ensures customers always have access to modern, efficient, and environmentally responsible handling solutions.
Family Leadership and Trusted Service
At the heart of Principle Fork Lifts is its leadership team. Founder and Managing Director Peter Kingham continues to lead the company, supported by his son Oliver Kingham, who joined the business in 2008. This second-generation involvement ensures the founding values remain firmly embedded while driving the company forward into the future.
What Our Customers Say
“We’ve worked with Principle Fork Lifts for over twenty years, and throughout that time they’ve always been a reliable and professional partner. Their products are well maintained, their service support is excellent, and their honest approach and prompt response keep our operation running smoothly.”
Mike Prince, Managing Director, Advanced Handling
“When we talk about forklift trucks, we talk about Principle. They’ve always been our first and only call. With this huge milestone, it reminds us why we continue to use them — the service and support have been outstanding for more than 30 years and somehow keep getting even better. Well done and thank you, Principle Fork Lifts.”
Simon R. Phillips, Managing Director, SAI Logistics Ltd
“We have worked with Principle for over 20 years, and they have never let us down. Peter and Oliver ensure that maintenance and emergencies are handled quickly and efficiently, and their customer service is always of the highest standard. We wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them.”
Michael Mleczko, Managing Director Mleczko Delikatesy Ltd
“Putting customers first has been our mission since day one — and it will remain at the heart of everything we do.”
“When we first started the business back in 1990, our goal was simple — to put the customer at the heart of everything we do and to build a company based on honesty, reliability, and trust. Those founding principles have never changed, and they continue to guide every decision we make today. Over the past 35 years, we’ve grown from a small independent start-up into one of the most respected forklift hire specialists in the South of England, but we’ve never lost sight of the personal service, integrity, and commitment to quality that got us here.
I am incredibly proud of the relationships we’ve built with our customers — many of whom have been with us since the very beginning — and of the dedicated team who work tirelessly to deliver the highest standards of service every single day. Looking ahead, I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for Principle Fork Lifts. With Oliver and the next generation of leadership driving the business forward, we are well-positioned to embrace new technologies, adapt to the changing needs of our customers, and continue building on this legacy for decades to come.”
Managing Director – Peter Kingham
From the archives…
Looking Ahead
As Principle Fork Lifts marks this significant 35-year milestone, the company remains resolutely focused on the future. Building on a legacy of reliability and customer service, the business is embarking on an ambitious strategic plan designed to ensure continued growth, relevance, and leadership in a rapidly evolving materials-handling sector.
Central to this strategy is a sustained investment in the expansion and modernisation of its forklift hire fleet. Principle Fork Lifts will continue to broaden its portfolio with the latest generation of electric and low-emission equipment, enabling customers to meet increasingly stringent environmental standards while benefiting from enhanced performance, safety, and operational efficiency. This forward-looking approach aligns with the growing emphasis on sustainability across logistics, warehousing, and manufacturing industries.
In parallel, the company is actively preparing for the technological transformation shaping the future of warehouse operations. Advancements in automation, artificial intelligence, and data analytics are redefining how businesses manage their fleets and facilities. Principle Fork Lifts is committed to integrating these innovations into its service offering — from predictive maintenance and performance monitoring to AI-driven fleet optimisation — ensuring customers can leverage data-led insights to improve productivity, reduce costs, and minimise downtime.
Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will remain a key strategic priority. As supply chains become increasingly complex and the need for operational agility intensifies, SMEs require trusted partners who understand their challenges and can provide flexible, scalable solutions. Principle’s month-to-month hire model, transparent pricing structure, and responsive service ethos position the company as a long-term partner in helping businesses adapt, grow, and compete effectively.
With a proven track record spanning more than three decades and a clear vision for the future, Principle Fork Lifts is committed to remaining at the forefront of the materials-handling industry. By combining trusted family-run values with strategic innovation, the company is well-placed to support its customers through the next era of change — and to continue delivering reliable, future-ready solutions for many years to come.
Building the Future Together
Whether you’re a growing business looking for flexible short-term hire or an established operation seeking a long-term materials handling partner, Principle Fork Lifts is here to support you every step of the way.
Our approach goes beyond simply supplying equipment — we take the time to understand your operation, recommend tailored solutions that maximise efficiency, and provide ongoing support long after delivery. It’s this commitment to partnership and service that has allowed us to work alongside companies like SAI Logistics Ltd for more than 30 years, and it’s the same approach we bring to every new customer relationship.
Let’s build the next chapter of your success together — with reliability, flexibility, and a team that’s dedicated to helping your business thrive.
Contact us today to learn more about our full range of forklifts, flexible hire packages, and expert support. Let’s start a partnership that lasts.
