rapid hire centres limited rapid hire centres limited is a supplier of tool and equipment hire in the uk as well as being a logistical and technical partner to businesses of all sizes operating under the banner of rapid hire centres the company has a network of outlets one in huddersfield one in the village of honleyand one in the village of elland rapid hire centres originated in huddersfield west yorkshire in history the company was formed in by kirk stansfield on leeds road huddersfield initially known as rapid tool hire the shop focused on tool and equipment hire with a small stock of sale items in kirk stansfield joined forces with his friend andrew jones and opened a second shop in the village of honley near holmfirth kirk stansfield opened another shop in in the village of elland near halifax andrew jones built up the sales side of the business which now accounts for half of the company's turnover during the recession the building industry was in decline and it was decided soon after by the owners to set up an internet site selling tools and equipment this would give rapid hire centres a larger customer base and would save jobs rapid tools direct uk was formed by kirk stansfield and andrew jones in the company now services customers throughout the uk