Plant Hire Market Report UK 2025-2029
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The 13th edition of the Plant Hire Market Report UK 2025-2029 offers a comprehensive analysis of this dynamic and evolving industry. This latest edition provides an in-depth review of the plant hire sector, examining key trends, market structure, and the factors shaping demand across construction, infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, and events. With detailed insights into economic influences, legislative changes, and technological advancements, this report serves as an essential resource for industry professionals seeking to understand the latest market developments.
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Market Summary
The UK plant hire market is a highly competitive and fragmented industry, encompassing national equipment rental companies and regional independents. While construction remains the primary driver of demand, other sectors such as manufacturing, recycling, infrastructure, and events also contribute significantly. The market is shaped by economic conditions, government investment programs, and regulatory changes, with sustainability and technological advancements playing an increasingly important role.
Key product categories include earth-moving equipment, lifting machinery, generators, compressors, and road-making tools, each experiencing varying levels of demand depending on industry performance. The sector continues to evolve, with growing emphasis on digitalization, telematics, and hybrid or low-emission equipment in response to environmental regulations and efficiency requirements. Despite economic uncertainties and pressures on hire rates, the market remains resilient, with cross-hiring and partnerships helping firms adapt to fluctuating demand.
Report Overview
Competitive Landscape: The market is highly fragmented, with national rental firms like Sunbelt Rentals, Speedy Hire, and GAP Group competing alongside regional and specialist operators in various sectors.
Sector Demand: Construction accounts for around two-thirds of plant hire demand, with non-construction applications—including manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure, and events—playing an increasing role.
Key Product Categories: Essential plant hire equipment includes earth-moving machinery (34% of hire value), lifting equipment (34%), generators and compressors (7%), pumping and screening equipment (6%), and road-making machinery (6%).
Economic & Market Influences: Demand is shaped by construction output, industrial activity, government infrastructure investment, and weather-related factors, such as flooding, which increases the need for pumps and generators.
Equipment Ownership vs. Hire: Many companies prefer hiring over purchasing to avoid capital expenditure, mitigate risk, and benefit from maintenance and tax advantages. However, growing interest in second-hand equipment poses a potential challenge to the plant hire sector.
Cross-Hiring & Partnerships: To meet fluctuating demand and major project requirements, plant hire firms frequently collaborate, optimizing fleet utilization and regional availability.
Market Size
The UK plant hire market was valued at approximately £3.56 billion in 2025, reflecting nearly 24% growth since 2020. However, recent economic challenges have slowed annual growth to around 2%.
Market Analysis
The UK plant hire market is a competitive and diverse industry, catering primarily to the construction sector while also serving infrastructure, manufacturing, logistics, and events. Demand is closely linked to construction output, economic conditions, and investment in major infrastructure projects. While the market has experienced significant growth in recent years, economic uncertainty, rising operational costs, and tax changes have slowed expansion to around 2% annually.
The industry is adapting to stricter environmental regulations, with increasing demand for hybrid and low-emission equipment, particularly in urban and infrastructure projects. Advances in technology, such as telematics and AI-driven automation, are enhancing fleet efficiency and predictive maintenance. However, competition remains fierce, with national players like Sunbelt Rentals and Speedy Hire competing against regional and specialist firms. Cross-hiring and partnerships continue to be essential strategies for meeting fluctuating demand. Looking ahead, the market is expected to see steady but modest growth, driven by innovation, regulatory compliance, and a shift towards more sustainable equipment solutions
Forecast
While growth is expected to be moderate, the industry will continue evolving with increased adoption of digital technologies, sustainability-driven equipment choices, and service expansion beyond traditional hire models.
Infrastructure & Private Investment: Large-scale projects like HS2, Hinkley Point, and the Great Grid Update continue to drive demand, alongside investments in renewable energy and road maintenance
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
- 1.1 Background
- 1.2 Sources of Information
2. MARKET SUMMARY
- 2.1 Market Structure
- 2.2 Market Trends
3. MARKET INFLUENCES
- 3.1 PESTLE Analysis
- 3.2 Market Influences
- 3.2.1 Construction Activity
- 3.2.2 Legislation
- 3.2.3 Technological Developments
4. END USE SECTORS
- 4.1 Introduction
- 4.2 Non-residential Construction
- New Work Output
- 4.3 Residential Construction
- 4.4 Waste Management
- 4.5 Other non-construction
5. PRODUCT SECTORS
- 5.1 Market Structure
- 5.2 Product Mix
- 5.3 Hire Product Groups
- 5.3.1 Earth Moving Equipment
- 5.3.2 Lifting Plant
- 5.3.3 Pumping, Crushing and Screening Plant
- 5.3.4 Road Making Equipment
- 5.3.5 Generators, Compressors, Lighting and Welding
- 5.3.6 Others/Non-Mechanical Plant
6. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 6.1 Market Structure
- 6.2 Supplier Shares
- 6.3 Company Profiles
- 6.3.1 Market Leaders/General Plant Hire
- 6.3.2 Earth moving Equipment
- 6.3.3 Lifting Plant
- 6.3.4 Pumping, Crushing and Screening Plant
- 6.3.5 Road Making Equipment
- 6.3.6 Generators, Compressors, etc.
- 6.3.7 Others/Non-Mechanical Plant
7. REGIONAL ANALYSIS
- 7.1 Regional Construction Trends
- 7.2 Regional Segmentation of Plant Hire Companies
8. MARKET FORECASTS
- 8.1 Market Prospects
- 8.2 10-Year Market Overview
- 8.3 Forecasts by Sub-Sector
- 8.3.1 Earth moving Equipment
- 8.3.2 Lifting Plant
- 8.3.3 Pumping, Crushing and Screening Plant
- 8.3.4 Road Making Equipment
- 8.3.5 Generators, Compressors, etc.
- 8.3.6 Others/Non-Mechanical Plant
List of Tables and Charts Included
CHART 1: UK PLANT HIRE MARKET BY VALUE (£M AT HIRE MARKET PRICES), 2020 – 2025
TABLE 2: ESTIMATED SHARES BY TYPE OF HIRE COMPANY (PLANT, TOOL, SPECIALISTS) BY HIRE PRODUCT SECTORS, 2025
CHART 3: UK PLANT HIRE MARKET DISTRIBUTION STRUCTURE
TABLE 4: UK PLANT HIRE MARKET PESTLE SUMMARY, 2024/2025
CHART 5: WORKPLACE FATALITIES IN GREAT BRITAIN BY INDUSTRY (%), 2023/2024
CHART 6: CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT (GREAT BRITAIN) BY SECTOR 2023 – % BY VALUE
CHART 7: NON-RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT (GREAT BRITAIN) 2019 TO 2024 – BY VALUE (£ BILLION AT CURRENT PRICES)
CHART 8: NON-RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT NEW WORK ANALYSIS BY SECTOR 2023 – % BY VALUE
CHART 9: NON-RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT RMI ANALYSIS BY SECTOR 2023 – % BY VALUE
CHART 10: INFRASTRUCTURE OUTPUT BY SECTOR 2023 – % BY VALUE
CHART 11: VALUE OF ROAD AND RAIL CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT 2015-2023 (£M AT CURRENT PRICES)
CHART 12: UTILITIES MARKET GB CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT 2018 TO 2023 – BY VALUE (£BN AT CURRENT PRICES)
CHART 13: RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT (GREAT BRITAIN) 2019 TO 2024 – BY VALUE (£ BILLION AT CURRENT PRICES)
TABLE 14: UK: HOUSING STARTS AND COMPLETIONS 2019/2020 TO 2025/2026 – BY VOLUME ‘000
CHART 15: HOUSEBUILDING COMPLETIONS IN ENGLAND % MIX BY TYPE OF DWELLING (FLATS VERSUS HOUSES) 2012/13 TO 2023/24
CHART 16: UK MARKET FOR CONTROLLED WASTE MANAGEMENT CONTRACTING SERVICES BY VALUE (£ BILLION) 2018 –2024
CHART 17: PRODUCT MIX – HIRE MARKET – % BY VALUE, 2025
TABLE 18: UK EARTH MOVING EQUIPMENT HIRE MARKET 2020-2025, BY VALUE (£M AT HIRE MARKET VALUE)
CHART 19: PRODUCT MIX – HIRE MARKET FOR EARTH MOVING PRODUCTS – % BY VALUE, 2025
TABLE 20: UK LIFTING PLANT HIRE MARKET 2020-2025, BY VALUE (£M AT HIRE MARKET VALUE)
CHART 21: PRODUCT MIX – HIRE MARKET FOR LIFTING PLANT – % BY VALUE, 2025
CHART 22: PRODUCT MIX – HIRE MARKET FOR POWERED ACCESS EQUIPMENT – % BY VALUE, 2025
TABLE 23: UK PUMPING, CRUSHING AND SCREENING PLANT HIRE MARKET 2020-2025, BY VALUE (£M AT HIRE MARKET VALUE)
CHART 24: PRODUCT MIX – HIRE MARKET FOR PUMPING, CRUSHING AND SCREENING PLANT – % BY VALUE, 2025
TABLE 25: UK ROAD MAKING EQUIPMENT HIRE MARKET 2020-2025, BY VALUE (£M AT HIRE MARKET VALUE)
CHART 26: PRODUCT MIX – HIRE MARKET FOR ROAD-MAKING EQUIPMENT – % BY VALUE, 2025
TABLE 27: UK GENERATORS, COMPRESSORS, LIGHTING AND WELDING EQUIPMENT HIRE MARKET 2020-2025, BY VALUE (£M AT HIRE MARKET VALUE)
CHART 28: PRODUCT MIX – HIRE MARKET FOR GENERATORS, COMPRESSORS, LIGHTING AND WELDING EQUIPMENT – % BY VALUE, 2025
TABLE 29: UK HIRE MARKET FOR NON-MECHANICAL PLANT – MIX OF ENVIRONMENTAL, PORTABLE ACCOMMODATION AND OTHER EQUIPMENT AT HIRE MARKET VALUE – 2025
CHART 30: PRODUCT MIX – HIRE MARKET FOR HEATING, DRYING AND COOLING – % BY VALUE, 2025
TABLE 31: NUMBER OF UK PLANT HIRE OPERATORS 2020 AND 2024 – BY TURNOVER BAND (NUMBER OF VAT/PAYE ENTERPRISES)
TABLE 32: MARKET SHARES OF THE UK PLANT HIRE OPERATORS 2025
TABLE 33: SUNBELT RENTALS LTD
TABLE 34: SPEEDY HIRE PLC
TABLE 35: BRIGGS EQUIPMENT UK LTD
TABLE 36: VP PLC
TABLE 37: HSS HIRE GROUP PLC
TABLE 38: GAP GROUP LTD
TABLE 39: SELECT PLANT HIRE COMPANY LTD
TABLE 40: TURNER & CO. (GLASGOW) LTD
TABLE 41: CHARLES WILSON ENGINEERS LTD
TABLE 42: SMITH’S (GLOUCESTER) LTD
TABLE 43: BOELS RENTAL LTD
TABLE 44: COPPARD PLANT HIRE LTD
TABLE 45: SHORTS GROUP LTD
TABLE 46: MR PLANT HIRE LTD
TABLE 47: P FLANNERY PLANT HIRE (OVAL) LTD
TABLE 48: STORY CONTRACTING LTD
TABLE 49: L LYNCH (PLANT HIRE & HAULAGE) LTD
TABLE 50: MJ CHURCH (PLANT) LTD
TABLE 51: CLIVE BARFORD LTD
TABLE 52: QUATTRO PLANT LTD
TABLE 53: READYPOWER RAIL SERVICES LTD
TABLE 54: MORRIS LESLIE PLANT HIRE LTD
TABLE 55: PLANTFORCE RENTALS LTD
TABLE 56: B & T PLANT HIRE LTD
TABLE 57: BUCKHURST PLANT HIRE LTD
TABLE 58: H E SERVICES (PLANT HIRE) LTD
TABLE 59: BLACKWOOD PLANT HIRE LTD 94
TABLE 60: LIEBHERR-RENTAL LTD
TABLE 61: NATIONWIDE PLATFORMS LTD
TABLE 62: AINSCOUGH CRANE HIRE LTD
TABLE 63: SARENS (UK) LTD
TABLE 64: MAMMOET (UK) LTD
TABLE 65: ARDENT HIRE SOLUTIONS LTD
TABLE 66: SUMMIT PLATFORMS LTD
TABLE 67: KING LIFTING LTD
TABLE 68: AFI-UPLIFT LTD
Market Trends
- Sustainability and Green Equipment: The shift towards hybrid, electric, and Stage V-compliant low-emission equipment is accelerating due to stricter environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals.
- Increased Use of Telematics & AI: Digitalization is transforming the industry, with real-time fleet tracking, predictive maintenance, and automated performance monitoring improving efficiency and reducing downtime.
- Diversification Beyond Construction: The market is expanding into manufacturing, logistics, agriculture, and renewable energy, reducing reliance on construction sector fluctuations.
- Cross-Hiring & Strategic Partnerships: Collaboration between hire firms is increasing to meet demand surges and optimize fleet utilization without requiring excessive capital investment.
- Fluctuating Equipment Ownership Trends
- Growth in Infrastructure Projects
Market Influences
- Economic Uncertainty: Rising energy costs, inflation, Brexit-related supply chain disruptions, and tax changes.
- Government Investment in Infrastructure
- Labour & Skills Shortages leading to increased focus on operator training and automation.
- Weather & Seasonal Demand
- Urbanisation & Noise Regulations
Legislation & Regulations
- Stage V Emission Standards: EU and UK regulations mandate lower emissions for non-road mobile machinery (NRMM), pushing companies to adopt cleaner diesel, hybrid, and electric equipment.
- Health & Safety Regulations: Compliance with regulations such as the Work at Height Regulations 2005 and LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations) influences demand for specialized lifting and safety-compliant equipment.
- Construction Plant Competence Scheme (CPCS): Increasing emphasis on operator certification and training requirements, ensuring safe operation of hired equipment.
- UK Net Zero Targets (2050): Government policies encouraging carbon reduction are driving the transition to sustainable plant hire solutions, including hydrogen-powered machinery.
- Taxation & Incentives: Policies such as Full Expensing for Capital Investment (introduced in 2023) and lobbying efforts for tax relief on hire equipment are shaping investment trends in the sector.
Key Companies Influencing the Sector
These companies play a vital role in the UK plant hire industry, providing essential equipment and services across multiple sectors while competing in a highly fragmented and dynamic market
Sunbelt Rentals UK – One of the largest equipment hire firms, offering a wide range of plant, tools, and specialist equipment across multiple sectors.
Speedy Hire – A leading provider of plant, tool, and equipment hire services, catering to construction, infrastructure, and industrial markets with a strong national presence.
GAP Group – A major independent plant and tool hire company, supplying equipment for construction, infrastructure, and events, with a focus on customer service and fleet diversification.
Nationwide Platforms – A specialist in powered access solutions, providing a comprehensive range of aerial work platforms, telehandlers, and lifting equipment.
Select Plant Hire – A division of Laing O’Rourke, offering large-scale plant, crane, and lifting solutions tailored for major infrastructure and construction projects.
Briggs Equipment UK – Focuses on materials handling and industrial equipment hire, serving manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing sectors.
P Flannery Plant Hire (Oval) – A specialist in operated and self-drive plant hire, with expertise in earthmoving machinery for construction and infrastructure projects.
Portakabin – A market leader in portable and modular accommodation hire, widely used across construction, education, and healthcare sectors.
Vp PLC – Operates multiple divisions, including Ground force (excavation support), TPA (temporary access), and UK Forks (telehandlers), serving diverse industries.
HSS Hire – Provides a broad range of equipment hire services, with a strong presence in small plant, tools, and specialist lifting and power solutions.
Ainscough Crane Hire – A leader in mobile crane rental, supporting construction, industrial, and infrastructure projects across the UK.
Power Electrics (Bristol) & Generator Power – Key specialists in generator hire, offering temporary and emergency power solutions for construction, events, and industrial applications.
Product Category
Earth-Moving Equipment
- Excavators (mini, midi, and large)
- Bulldozers
- Dumpers and articulated dump trucks
- Backhoe loaders
- Skid-steer loaders
- Lifting & Access Equipment
Mobile and tower cranes
- Telehandlers
- Forklifts (counterbalance, rough terrain, etc.)
- Scissor lifts
- Boom lifts and cherry pickers
- Pumping, Crushing & Screening Equipment
Water and slurry pumps
- Crushers and screeners
- Dewatering equipment
- Soil compactors
- Generators & Compressors
Diesel and biodiesel generators
- Hybrid and battery-powered generators
- Portable and industrial air compressors
- Roadmaking & Surfacing Equipment
Road rollers and compactors
- Asphalt pavers
- Planers and milling machines
- Non-Mechanical Plant & Site Equipment
Portable site accommodation (cabins, offices, welfare units)
- Lighting towers
- Fencing and barriers
- Environmental equipment (dust suppression, noise control units)
- Welding & Power Tools
Mobile welding machines
- Cutting and grinding tools
- Drilling and fixing equipment
- Specialist & Niche Equipment
Trenchers and pipe layers
- Rail construction plant
- Tunnel boring machines
- Hydrogen and solar-powered equipment
Regional Analysis
London & Southeast
High demand driven by major infrastructure projects (e.g., Thames Tideway, Crossrail).
Strong construction activity, particularly in commercial and residential developments.
Increasing demand for low-emission and ultra-silent equipment due to stringent environmental and noise regulations.
Midlands
Industrial and logistics sectors generate consistent demand for lifting and materials handling equipment.
Infrastructure projects such as HS2 contribute significantly to plant hire activity.
Growth in manufacturing and warehousing facilities boosts requirements for powered access and material handling equipment.
Northwest & Yorkshire
Major investment in transport and energy infrastructure, including road and rail upgrades.
Expanding logistics and manufacturing hubs drive demand for forklifts, telehandlers, and warehouse equipment.
Continued regeneration projects in cities like Manchester and Leeds increase need for earth-moving and lifting equipment.
Scotland
Strong plant hire demand from renewable energy projects, particularly wind farms.
Infrastructure development in roads, bridges, and rail projects contributes to steady equipment hire.
More frequent extreme weather conditions (e.g., flooding) increase demand for pumping and dehumidification equipment.
Southwest & Wales
Infrastructure and utilities investments, including the Hinkley Point C nuclear project, drive demand.
Strong agricultural and rural construction activity fuels demand for compact and off-road machinery.
Seasonal events and tourism-related construction support rental of generators, lighting, and temporary accommodation.
Northern Ireland
A relatively smaller but stable market, influenced by infrastructure and housing projects.
Cross-border trade with the Republic of Ireland impacts equipment availability and hire rates.
Demand for roadmaking and maintenance equipment remains consistent due to ongoing transport upgrades.
Distributor and Supplier Analysis
Direct Sales & Rental Networks – Many suppliers operate through national depot networks, ensuring equipment availability and regional coverage.
Dealer Networks – Manufacturers distribute through authorized dealers, such as JCB, Caterpillar, and Hitachi, which supply both rental companies and direct customers.
Manufacturer-Linked Hire Services – Some equipment manufacturers, such as JCB, offer rental solutions directly or through partnerships with hire firms.
Online & Digital Marketplaces – Platforms like HAE EHA and online rental platforms are increasingly used for sourcing equipment, particularly for small-to-medium-sized projects.
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