Local AV equipment hire, delivered
Hire out projectors, screens and PA kit from home, delivering to local events, clubs and meetings.
- £1.5k-6k
- Side hustle
- From home
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
7,895 UK companies in this field, 21% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 77390 “Renting and leasing of other machinery, equipment and tangible goods n.e.c.”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small stock of projectors, screens, speakers and microphones, stored at home and hired out by the day or weekend. You deliver, set up the basics and collect afterwards.
Your first three steps
- Check local hire prices and pick a starter package, such as a projector, screen, two speakers and two microphones
- Buy or finance a small set of reliable kit and set up a simple booking calendar and hire agreement
- Contact local schools, village halls and community groups and offer a first hire at an introductory rate
Who pays
Community groups, schools, churches, small businesses, party hosts and local event organisers who need kit for a one-off occasion.
How it makes money
A daily or weekend hire fee per item or package, plus extra for delivery, setup and a refundable deposit held against damage.
Skills that help
- Basic knowledge of sound and projection kit
- Organised, with a good booking and tracking system
- Friendly, clear customer service
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance and cover for your own kit against theft and damage
- Portable appliance testing (PAT) and safe electrical checks on mains kit, check what is expected for hired equipment
- Check whether your landlord, mortgage lender or council allows storing stock at home
- Use a clear hire agreement and deposit to cover loss, damage and late returns
- Check your vehicle insurance covers carrying hired equipment for business
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: local AV equipment hire, delivered
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start an AV equipment hire business?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on how much kit you buy, its quality and what you spend on insurance and a booking system.
How much can I earn hiring out AV equipment from home?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around £300 to £2,000, depending on how much kit you own, how often it is booked and how far you deliver. Start small and add kit as bookings grow.
What should I check before hiring out AV kit?
Check public liability insurance and cover for your own kit against theft and damage. Also check PAT and electrical checks for mains kit, whether your landlord, lender or council allows home storage, and that your vehicle insurance covers carrying hired equipment.
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