Safe Digging, Smarter Growth | Vacuum Excavation for On Grade Earthworks
The Challenge: The High Risk of Service Strikes
On Grade Earthworks & Stabilisation, a premier enabling works specialist based in Kent, was facing a common industry hurdle: the increasing density of underground utilities on urban development sites. Traditional mechanical excavation carries a high risk of "cable strikes," which lead to costly project delays, heavy fines, and significant safety risks for the crew.
To maintain their reputation for innovation and safety, On Grade wanted to bring Vacuum Excavation (Suction Excavation) capabilities in-house. However, these units are high-capital assets—often costing significantly more than standard excavators—and their bank’s standard lending criteria didn't fully account for the specialized nature and high resale value of the equipment.
The REASN Solution: Seeing the Value in Safety
REASN stepped in to provide a bespoke Asset Finance facility that matched the long-term value of the vacuum excavator. We understood that for On Grade, this wasn't just another vehicle—it was a strategic "insurance policy" and a new revenue stream.
Our approach included:
Industry-Specific Credit Assessment: We looked at On Grade’s strong pipeline of infrastructure and stabilization projects across the South East, rather than just using a generic credit score.
Bespoke Hire Purchase (HP) Structure: We created a repayment plan that allowed On Grade to own the asset at the end of the term, while managing their monthly cash flow to align with their project billing cycles.
Speed of Execution: Recognizing that On Grade had a major upcoming contract that required "no-dig" zones, we fast-tracked the paperwork to ensure the unit was on-site and operational within their deadline.
The Result: A Competitive Edge in the South East
Since the acquisition, the vacuum excavator has transformed On Grade’s service offering:
Zero-Strike Safety Record: The firm can now safely expose buried services, such as high-voltage cables and gas mains, with surgical precision and zero physical impact.
Increased Productivity: The unit is up to six times faster than manual hand-digging, allowing On Grade to complete utility-heavy enabling works in a fraction of the time.
New Revenue Streams: By owning the asset, On Grade now offers vacuum excavation as a standalone service to other contractors in Kent and London, creating a new, high-margin income source.
Environmental Impact: The "clean-dig" nature of the machine means less spoil and a smaller site footprint, aligning with On Grade's commitment to sustainable earthworks.
Find out more about On Grade Earthworks here: www.ongradeltd.co.uk