Summer 2025 has arrived – and if you’re in the plant hire business, you’re probably already feeling the heat. Across the UK, demand for excavators, telehandlers, dumpers, cranes, and powered access equipment has skyrocketed. From major infrastructure projects to a flood of local construction work, plant hire companies are facing one of the busiest seasons of the year.
At Transition Finance, we’re working closely with plant hire firms up and down the country who are scrambling to expand their fleets, update equipment, and meet urgent customer deadlines. Many are discovering that flexible finance is the difference between seizing opportunities and turning business away.
So, how can you prepare your plant hire business to make the most of the summer season?
The Plant Hire Summer Rush: What’s Driving Demand?
The plant hire sector has become the go-to solution for contractors, developers and infrastructure firms who need immediate access to machinery. According to recent figures, the UK plant hire market is now valued at over £3.56 billion, with year-on-year growth driven by rising regulation, soaring ownership costs, and the boom in national projects like:
- HS2 and major rail developments
- The Great Grid Upgrade – a huge investment in energy infrastructure
- AMP8 water and utility frameworks
- Local authority and housing developments benefiting from 2024–25 government grants
Many contractors have moved away from owning their own machines due to the high cost of compliance and green upgrades. For them, plant hire offers an agile, capital-light way to stay on-site and on-time.
For plant hire businesses, this is a golden opportunity… but also a high-pressure one!
The Challenges Plant Hire Businesses Are Facing Right Now
While demand is up, many plant hire companies are struggling with:
- Fleet shortages: Businesses are running short on high-demand items like 8-tonne diggers, electric telehandlers, or low-emission dumpers.
- Cash flow pressure: With deposits, maintenance, and rising insurance costs, scaling up mid-season isn’t easy without putting a strain on cash reserves.
- Supplier delays: Lead times on some new plant equipment are still stretched. That means having access to capital or funding for second-hand equipment is critical.
- Increased customer expectations: Clients are demanding greener, safer, and more reliable equipment, especially as ESG targets get stricter across the board.
This is where fit-for-purpose finance becomes essential – not just a convenience, but a strategic advantage.
How Transition Finance Is Helping Plant Hire Firms Respond
At Transition Finance, we understand the specific needs of plant hire businesses because we work with them every day. Our funding solutions are designed to help you act quickly, protect your cash flow, and scale with confidence, right in the middle of the rush.
Here’s how:
✅ Asset Finance & Hire Purchase
Need to add machines fast? Hire purchase or finance lease arrangements allow you to spread the cost of new or used equipment over 2-7 years. We’ll work with your supplier, negotiate flexible terms, and get the deal done quickly.
✅ VAT-Differed Finance
Worried about a large VAT bill upfront? Our VAT-deferred structures let you take delivery of equipment without having to pay the VAT until your next quarter. An ideal solution when cash flow is tight.
✅ Low-Deposit or No-Deposit Terms
We can secure low or even zero deposit agreements for eligible clients – so you don’t need to delay that vital machinery investment.
✅ Refinancing Options
Already own the kit? We can help you unlock the value in your existing fleet through refinance solutions, giving you working capital to reinvest into more hire-ready equipment.
What Should Your Plant Hire Business Be Doing Now?
If your plant hire business is feeling stretched, now’s the time to act. Ask yourself:
- Do I have the fleet depth to cover new enquiries?
- Am I relying on cash reserves when flexible finance would be safer?
- Could I be growing faster with the right funding support?
The summer rush doesn’t wait – and neither should your business.
Work with a Finance Partner Who Knows Your Industry
At Transition Finance, we specialise in funding for the plant hire and construction support sector. We understand the urgency of your business, the value of uptime, and the importance of strategic asset management.
If you’re ready to expand your fleet, modernise your machinery, or simply smooth out the seasonal cash flow peaks, we’re here to help.
Let’s make this summer your most profitable yet.
Want more information on investing in your plant hire business and machinery? Reach out to the team at Transition Finance today on 01908 039 489 or request a callback here.