Marquee and event furniture hire from a unit
Run a full-time hire business from a small unit, supplying marquees, tables and chairs for weddings and larger events.
- £8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
1,108 UK companies in this field, 41% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 77299 “Renting and leasing of other personal and household goods”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A hire business based at a rented unit or yard, stocking marquees, tables, chairs, linen and staging for weddings, garden parties and community events. You deliver, install with a small crew, and collect afterwards.
Your first three steps
- Visit local events and speak to hire firms, venues and planners to learn what is in demand and what prices are normal
- Cost a starter stock, such as one or two marquees and a range of tables and chairs, and compare buying new with buying second-hand
- Look at rental terms for a small unit or yard with vehicle access, and line up reliable casual helpers for installs
Who pays
Couples planning weddings, families hosting large parties, businesses, schools, clubs and local event organisers.
How it makes money
Hire fees by item or package, plus charges for delivery, installation, flooring, lighting and extras, with higher-value bookings in the summer season.
Skills that help
- Logistics and scheduling
- Practical, physical work and safe lifting
- Managing helpers or staff
- Quoting and customer service
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability insurance once you take on staff or helpers
- Check the planning and business use rules for your unit or yard with the landlord and council
- Safe erection of marquees, including weather, ground conditions and fire safety, so check current guidance and training
- Seasonal demand, which can leave quiet months, and the cost of storing and maintaining bulky stock
- A suitable van or trailer and driving licence category for your loads
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: marquee and event furniture hire
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 a marquee hire business?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on how much stock you buy, the size of your unit or yard, and the vehicle you need. Bulky stock also needs storage and maintenance.
How much can a marquee and event furniture hire business earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on how many events you supply and your prices. Demand can be seasonal, so quieter months may bring in less than busy ones.
What should I check before starting a marquee hire business?
Check public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you take on staff or helpers. Also check planning and business use rules for your unit with the landlord and council, and current guidance and training on safe marquee erection.
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Photo: Antranias on Pixabay