Getting safe access sorted is one of those things that can make or break a construction job. Pick the wrong scaffolding provider and you’re looking at delays, safety risks, or equipment that doesn’t quite fit what you need.
Pick the right one and your project runs smoother, your crew works safer, and you’re not chasing hire companies halfway through the job.
The UK has plenty of scaffold hire options, but they don’t all work the same way. Some specialise in quick tower hire for residential work. Others focus on powered access for commercial builds. Then there are suppliers who sell scaffolding materials rather than renting them out. Knowing which type of service fits your project saves time and money.
Lakeside Hire – Budget-Friendly PASMA-Certified Towers
Lakeside Hire built their reputation on straightforward scaffold tower hire at competitive prices. They’re PASMA-certified, which means staff know scaffolding properly. Equipment arrives clean and safety-checked. Pricing is transparent—no hidden fees jumping out when you pay.
They focus on Boss aluminium towers, podium steps, and GRP towers for electrical work. It’s not the biggest equipment range in the UK, but that keeps costs down and delivery fast. Nationwide coverage means they’ll deliver across England, Wales, and Scotland.
For Lakeside Hire scaffold hire London, they claim they’re 69% cheaper than competitors. That’s their figure, not independently verified, but their prices do sit at the lower end compared to high-street hire shops.
Boss aluminium scaffold towers are Lakeside’s core offering. These are industry-standard mobile towers used across UK construction sites. Heights vary from around 2.5m up to 12m working height, covering most residential and light commercial work.
All equipment is pressure-washed before delivery. Inspection happens after every return. PASMA guidelines aren’t optional here—they’re standard procedure. Equipment complies with Work at Height Regulations 2005.
Free delivery applies to hires over three weeks. Shorter hires incur delivery charges, but costs are clear upfront.
If your project is straightforward access work and your priorities are cost and speed, Lakeside’s worth calling.
Nationwide Platforms – Powered Access Specialists
Nationwide Platforms operates at a different scale. They’re the UK’s largest powered access hire company with over 14,000 machines, 31 depots, and 600+ employees. If you need cherry pickers, boom lifts, scissor lifts, or telehandlers, they’ve got the fleet and the expertise.
They’re not just equipment rental—they’re one of the UK’s largest IPAF training providers. That means operator training, site surveys, safety assessments, and technical support. Commercial and industrial projects use them when access needs are complex or heights go beyond what mobile towers can handle.
Both self-drive and operated hire options are available. If your team holds IPAF cards, you hire equipment and operate it yourselves. If not, Nationwide provides trained operators.
If you’re managing a commercial build where access is complex and safety documentation matters, Nationwide’s service model fits.
Portable Space – Site Accommodation and Storage
Portable Space doesn’t hire scaffolding. They provide site accommodation, welfare units, and storage containers. We’re including them here because they support construction project efficiency, which is part of running safe, well-organised sites.
Established in 2002, Portable Space operates from Suffolk with a team of 60+ and their own fleet of 13 delivery vehicles. They hold triple ISO certification (9001 Quality, 14001 Environmental, 45001 Health & Safety), which reflects serious commitment to standards.
Managing Director Mark Dolman runs a company that focuses on customer service and quality installation. Their Trustpilot rating sits at 4.3/5 from 22 reviews.
Minimum hire period is 4 weeks for containers. Linking and stacking capabilities mean you can create multi-room setups. Delivery covers the whole UK, with hire services focused on England.
Their own delivery fleet means trained drivers and reliable turnaround. Professional levelling and setup services mean containers arrive properly installed, not just dumped in your drive.
They’re not a scaffold hire company, but if you need site support services that keep projects running smoothly and safely, they’re worth knowing about.
First Fence – Scaffolding Materials Supplier
First Fence supplies scaffolding materials—tubes, boards, fittings, ladders. They don’t hire equipment out. If you’re buying scaffolding components to build your own structures, they’re a major UK supplier. Established in 2010, they manufacture in-house and deliver nationwide (and internationally).
Their 24/7 sales line (01283 512 111) means you can order outside normal hours. Trade accounts are available. ISO certifications cover quality, environmental, business continuity, information security, and health & safety.
Next working day delivery is available. Five-day guaranteed delivery option provides cost-effective shipping. Trade accounts with credit terms suit businesses buying regularly.
If you’re hiring scaffolding for a few weeks, this isn’t the company to call. If you’re building scaffolding structures and need quality materials delivered reliably, they’re a major supplier.
Jewson – Builders Merchant with Scaffold Hire
Jewson is a familiar name across UK construction—national builders merchant with hundreds of branches. They stock building materials, tools, and hire equipment including scaffold towers. If you’re already using Jewson for timber, cement, or fixings, adding scaffold hire to the same order simplifies logistics.
One-week minimum hire suits short-term projects. That’s standard for most hire shops.
Multiple branch locations mean local pickup is often possible. Click & collect saves delivery charges if you have transport.
Next-day delivery works for advance bookings. Delivery times and coverage depend on your local branch.
Trade accounts with payment terms benefit contractors managing multiple projects. Jewson’s trade account system integrates tool hire with material purchases.
Material estimation calculators and trade advice resources help plan projects. If you’re buying materials and hiring equipment at the same place, estimating and ordering is simpler.
Choosing the Right Service for Your Project
The right scaffold hire service depends on what your project actually needs. Budget matters, obviously. But so does getting equipment that’s safe, arrives when promised, and suits the job properly.
Lakeside Hire offers strong value for straightforward tower hire with PASMA-certified guidance. Nationwide Platforms brings full commercial capability when your build needs powered access and technical support. Portable Space provides site accommodation that keeps projects running smoothly. First Fence supplies materials if you’re buying rather than hiring. Jewson suits those wanting local convenience and integrated supply.
Safety certifications aren’t optional extras—PASMA, IPAF, BS EN 12811-1, and Work at Height Regulations 2005 apply regardless of which company you choose. Get quotes from a couple of providers, confirm delivery times for your area, and ask questions if you’re unsure which equipment suits your job.
If you’re unsure which option suits your project, a quick conversation can save time and cost. Hiring the right equipment from the start makes the job safer and smoother.
Read more:
Best Scaffold Hire Services Supporting Safe and Efficient Construction Projects
