AV hire business with setup and technician
Run a stocked unit hiring sound, screens and projection, with setup and on-site support for events.
- £8k-35k
- Full-time
- Own premises
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 larger stock of AV kit held in a small rented unit, hired out with optional delivery, installation and a technician on the day for conferences, school events and parties.
Your first three steps
- Research local demand and competitors, and cost a unit or shared storage space near good road links
- Build a core stock list and compare buying new, used and leasing, then arrange insurance
- Visit venues, event planners and schools to offer packages with setup included, and ask for early repeat bookings
Who pays
Event organisers, businesses, schools, colleges, venues and wedding or party hosts who want the kit working without doing it themselves.
How it makes money
Hire fees for kit packages, plus charges for delivery, setup and technician time, with repeat bookings from regular corporate and school clients.
Skills that help
- Hands-on AV setup, including sound balancing and projection
- Booking, stock and maintenance management
- Reliable and calm under pressure at live events
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, stock insurance and employer's liability insurance if you take on staff
- Regular PAT testing and safe rigging, cabling and electrical practice
- Unit lease terms, business rates and whether the use is permitted, check with your landlord and council
- Equipment can be expensive to replace, so use deposits and clear damage terms
- Busy periods can bunch up, so plan stock and transport carefully to avoid double bookings
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: aV hire with setup and technician
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 hire business with a unit?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the size of your kit stock, the unit you rent and the vehicle and insurance you need.
How much can an AV hire business with a technician earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue of typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your stock, how many events you cover and whether you add setup and technician services. Busy periods can bunch up, so plan carefully.
What rules and insurance should I check for AV hire?
Check public liability and stock insurance, plus employer's liability insurance if you take on staff. Also check PAT testing and safe rigging and cabling practice, and your unit lease terms, business rates and permitted use with your landlord and council.
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