Tool and plant hire yard for builders and trades

Builders, landscapers, small trades, property maintenance firms and some homeowners on larger projects.

Daily, weekly and longer hire rates, plus delivery, consumables such as blades and fuel, and damage or cleaning charges.

• Mechanical knowledge to inspect and maintain equipment
• Building trade contacts
• Pricing and stock management
• Chasing payments and dealing with trade customers

• Startup costs depend mainly on the size of your fleet: a lean start with used kit, a rented unit and a deposit, fit-out and insurance can still need tens of thousands of pounds
• Insurance covering hired-out plant, public liability and your premises, and employer's liability if you hire staff
• Some equipment needs regular inspection and records under workplace safety rules, so check what applies with the HSE
• Check planning and business rates for the unit before signing a lease
• Capital is tied up in stock, and idle machines and unpaid hire can hit cash flow
• Check the rules on delivering heavy equipment, including vehicle and trailer requirements

Startup costs are typically around £40,000 to £150,000, depending mainly on the size of your fleet, whether kit is used, and your unit, fit-out and insurance. These are estimates, so build your own budget.

Check what workplace safety inspection and record rules apply to your equipment with the HSE. Also check planning and business rates before signing a lease, insurance for hired-out plant, and vehicle and trailer rules for heavy deliveries.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on fleet size and how often equipment is out. Capital is tied up in stock, and idle machines or unpaid hire can hit cash flow.