HIRE & BUY
We hire and sell a wide range of new and used, gas, diesel, and electric-powered Forklifts and Access equipment in the North East of England.
MEET THE TEAM
OVER 65 YEARS OF COMBINED EXPERIENCE
Kraig Gray
Managing Director
Kraig has more than 20 years’ experience in the materials handling industry, initially starting his career as an apprentice and qualifying as a Forklift Engineer at Lex Harvey. He then moved on to another large UK-based company as a Service Engineer, before being promoted to Service Manager and then Branch Manager at the company’s North East base.
Since leading the team in Washington, Tyne and Wear, Kraig has worked closely with a large number of local and national businesses, managing high-value accounts and service contracts, while maintaining the highest possible standards and customer service.
This is something he is extremely passionate about and feels he can only truly deliver by running a company himself. This is why, alongside a trusted team of colleagues, he started Forklifts and Access.
Peter Graham
Managing Director
Peter started his working career at the age of 16 as an Apprentice Forklift Engineer for Lex Harvey, gaining specialist experience in all aspects of material handling equipment.
Once qualified, Peter worked as both a Depot and Field-based Engineer, before moving companies to again work alongside Kraig as Workshop Foreman and Technical Support Specialist. Peter has more than 24 years’ experience in the materials handling sector, which makes him one of the most experienced in the business.
David Goundry
Service Manager
In 2026 David has been promoted to Service Manager, this is an expansion of his previous role as an experienced Senior Engineer, he has wealth of knowledge and experience in this sector.
After completing his engineering apprenticeship with Barloworld Ltd, David changed companies and worked alongside Kraig and Peter for 20 year plus. He is an accomplished engineer and highly skilled in managing large sites of over 40 machines, ranging from hand pallet trucks to VNA equipment.
He is looking forward to working with you and keeping all your materials handling equipment up and running!
Karen Pickering
Office Manager
Karen has worked with Kraig and Peter all her working life and has over 20 years’ experience in the material handling sector. Karen has covered a huge number of roles including Purchase Ledger, Asset Controller, Service Controller, Hire Controller, and Depot Secretary, before being promoted to Office Manager.
Having the customer at the heart of everything she does is just one of her many strengths. Karen is a key part of the Forklifts and Access family and looks forward to working with you soon.
CUSTOMER FEEDBACK
They know their stuff, fair pricing and a pleasure to deal with. Nothing is too much trouble so if you want a reliable company to look after you, look no further.
Great service from Kraig and the team. We needed help when we moved to a bigger factory and Kraig sorted out our problems. Couldn’t have asked for more. Thanks!
Fantastic service from everyone at Forklift and Access, very knowledgeable and experienced engineers who give an honest assessment and go above and beyond to get your machinery working again.
Fantastic service, Kraig and Peter fixed our truck when no one else could. The bigger the problem the bigger the challenge.
The customer service over the phone is brilliant, I was called a few times just to make sure the truck was still running ok.
Really brilliant company. I found them through a Google search and they have been absolutely fantastic every time we have used them. We have had repairs and servicing through here now…I cannot fault anything thank you for always being such a pleasure to deal with at work!
Called this morning to see about a burst pipe on a manitou, 30mins later Kraig was with us, had the machine sorted and back to work within the hour at a great price!
We recently purchased two 2-ton Toyota forklifts from Forklift and Access, and we couldn’t be happier with the quality and performance. The machines are solid, reliable, and exactly what we needed for our operations.
I am the Supervisor at Plastic Furniture Company Gateshead and today we received our new 2.5 tonne Cesab forklift from Forklifts and Access.
We are very happy with the truck and the service provided.
“Skilled Engineers and Staff who go that extra mile to save you money by getting the right equipment for your needs”
“Excellent service as always, fast and so reliable keep up the good work.”
“They know their stuff, fair pricing and a pleasure to deal with. Nothing is too much trouble so if you want a reliable company to look after you, look no further.”
WHY CHOOSE US
SERVICE & REPAIR
We can service and repair any make or model of Forklifts and Access equipment, with thorough examinations carried out by our engineers.
4HR RESPONSE TIME
We offer 24-hour breakdown support with a 4-hour response time and no callout charge. How's that for service!
INDUSTRY EXPERTS
What we don't know about Forklifts and Access equipment servicing, repair, and short and long-term hire isn't worth knowing!
Our Office Hours Are:
Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 5:00pm
Forklifts and Access Ltd
- Unit 5,
- Pattinson North Industrial Estate,
- Walton Road,
- Washington,
- NE38 8QA
CONTACT US
Simply fill in the form below and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
0191 676 0940