The Benefits of Hiring Construction Equipment for UK Construction Projects

A report by The Report Cube valued the UK construction equipment rental market at $11.5 billion (equivalent to £8.5 billion) in 2025 and estimates the market to grow to $15.67 billion (equivalent to £11.52 billion) by 2034. That growth reflects how construction projects across the UK are being planned and delivered. Budgets need to stretch further, and sustainability targets are becoming harder to ignore.  

For many projects, hiring construction equipment is proving to be the simpler, more flexible option. It removes unnecessary risk, supports cash flow, and makes it easier to adapt when plans change without being left with assets to manage once the job is done. 

In this blog, we will discuss the benefits of hiring equipment and walk you through the hire process at HERMEQ.  

 

HIRING VS BUYING – HOW TO DECIDE WHAT MAKES SENSE FOR YOU 

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the hire versus buy debate. In reality, it comes down to the project, how often the equipment will be used, and what kind of storage and maintenance is required.  

Why project length makes a difference 

Project length is often the starting point for the decision. 

Short-term jobs (Few weeks or a couple of months)	Longer-term projects (Same products are used again and again)
Hiring usually makes things simpler. Equipment is on site for exactly as long as it’s needed, costs stay closely aligned with the project, and there’s no equipment left to manage once the job finishes.	Buying can be a sensible option. Owning equipment gives you guaranteed availability and can work well when it forms part of your day-to-day operations. That said, even on long projects, some teams still choose to hire because it offers flexibility and enables them to use more expensive equipment while still retaining cash flow.

Looking beyond the purchase price 

Buying equipment is about more than the upfront cost. Transport between sites, storage, inspections, and ongoing maintenance all need to be factored in, along with what happens to the equipment when it’s no longer needed. For businesses with regular demand and the space and resources to manage it, these things can be planned for and make ownership a practical choice. 

Hiring takes a different approach. Costs are clear for the hire period, support and maintenance are typically included, and equipment can be returned when it’s no longer required. That removes a lot of uncertainty and reduces the day-to-day admin. 

In practice, many businesses use a mix of both. They buy the equipment they rely on all the time and hire specialist or project-specific items as and when they need them.  

 

WHY UK CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS ARE CHOOSING EQUIPMENT HIRE 

For many construction projects, nonmechanical equipment such as barriers, fencing, ground protection, and access solutions is only needed for specific stages of the job. Hiring allows contractors to bring in the right equipment exactly when it’s required, without committing to longterm ownership of bulky items that may sit unused between projects. 

Hiring also removes many of the practical challenges that come with owning the equipment. There’s no need to arrange storage, manage inspections, or maintain stock levels. Once the equipment has served its purpose on site, it can be collected and returned, keeping sites clear and projects moving. 

Flexibility is another key reason hire is so widely used. Site layouts change, programmes shift, and safety requirements can evolve as work progresses. Hiring makes it easy to scale equipment up or down, swap products, or extend hire periods without disruption. 

With tighter margins across the industry, hiring also helps protect cash flow. Instead of tying up capital in equipment that may only be used occasionally, businesses can invest in labour, materials, and delivery, while still accessing wellmaintained, compliant equipment when it’s needed. 

 

THE KEY BENEFITS OF HIRING CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT 

Hiring non-mechanical equipment offers clear, practical advantages for construction projects. Instead of committing to long-term ownership, hiring allows teams to stay flexible while keeping costs under control. 

Key benefits of hiring construction equipment include: 

• Improved cash flow by avoiding large upfront capital expenditure on high-value items 

• Predictable hire costs that make budgeting and cost control easier 

• No need for long-term storage before or after a project 

• No responsibility for ongoing maintenance, inspections, or upkeep 

• Greater flexibility to scale equipment up or down as site requirements change 

Hiring equipment ensures costs remain aligned with the project, the equipment arrives when it’s needed, stays for the required duration, and is collected once the job is complete. This helps projects to stay organised and on track without unnecessary overheads. 

 

HOW HIRING CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT FROM HERMEQ WORKS 

Hiring from HERMEQ is designed to be straightforward and well-suited to the realities of construction sites. Below is a simple step-by-step overview of how the process works, from the initial enquiry through to off-hire and collection. 

Step 1: Discuss your project requirements 

Every hire starts with a conversation. Our hire team takes time to understand the wider project, not just the products you need. This includes project duration, location, and any site-specific requirements. By looking at the project as a whole, our team can recommend suitable equipment and the most appropriate hire period from the outset. 

Step 2: Confirm key site and delivery details 

To ensure delivery runs smoothly, we require some information upfront. This includes details like:  

• the expected hire period,  

• delivery location or locations, 

• any site access restrictions (for example: can articulated vehicles access your site?) 

• loading and unloading capabilities,  

• any booking-in procedures,  

• your preferred delivery times 

By providing these details early you help us avoid delays and avoid any additional charges at a later date.  

Step 3: Hire pricing and rental period 

Once the details are confirmed, we will send you a quote with your hire price. The minimum hire period is four weeks, with pricing becoming more cost-effective for longer project durations. Providing you with a fixed price from the start, gives you clarity and control over the costs of your hire. 

Step 4: Delivery to site 

HERMEQ delivers hire equipment to the agreed location once it is ready. Delivery dates are agreed in advance, and goods are supplied with a delivery and hire note detailing the items supplied.  

Step 5: Preparing for off-hire 

When your hire period comes to an end, simply let our team know that you’re ready to off-hire. We’ll take care of arranging a collection date, typically within five working days. 

Once the equipment has been collected and returned, our team carries out the final inspection in line with the hire terms. From there, the hire is complete and your site can be cleared - there’s nothing else you need to worry about. You can now start planning your next equipment hire!  

 

SIMPLE AND SUSTAINABLE EQUIPMENT HIRE

Hiring equipment from HERMEQ helps remove much of the uncertainty that can come with ownership. Costs are clear and predictable, end-of-project collections are straightforward, and site teams can stay focused on delivering the job rather than managing assets. 

Our hire team is there to support you at every stage. From planning your hire to advising on the right products for your project, we work with you to make the process simple and efficient. 

HERMEQ delivers hire equipment UK-wide and can support projects across multiple locations with coordinated multi-drop deliveries.  

Hiring from HERMEQ is also a more sustainable choice. Each hire is managed from the depot closest to your site wherever possible, helping to streamline logistics while also reducing transport distances and the overall carbon footprint. We take care of our hire products to ensure they are well-maintained and reused across as many projects as possible. Where damage does occur, plastic products are returned to the manufacturer for recycling, helping to extend material lifecycles and reduce waste. 

CONCLUSION  

For many UK construction projects, hiring offers a smarter, more flexible way to access the equipment needed to get the job done. It supports cash flow, reduces risk, and aligns with sustainability goals, all while simplifying site logistics. 

If you’re considering hiring equipment for an upcoming project, the HERMEQ Hire Team is on hand to help. Get in touch to discuss your requirements, explore your options, and find the right hire solution for your site. 

Tel: 0800 043 2520 
Mail: sales@hermeq.com