Running building and construction projects in the UK involves multiple moving parts, and securing on-site welfare provisions is one of them. According to UK regulations, on-site welfare and accommodation needs must be well in place before the construction work begins. Usually, contractors and clients contact welfare providers for HSE-compliant welfare facilities.
But with a vast array of welfare providers to choose from, whom do you entrust this important task to?
Of the many names in the hire market, three come up often – Hireforce Welfare, Welfare4Hire, and Nixon Hire. Here’s a guide closely examining these providers to understand how they differ and which one is likely to fit your site best.
Hire Provider Profiles
Hireforce Welfare
Hireforce Welfare is part of the Hireforce Group, an established independent tool and equipment hire business in the UK. It deals exclusively in welfare units with and without offices for hire, making them a preferred choice for UK construction and building projects.
A SafeHire and SSIP-accredited organisation, Hireforce Welfare proudly positions itself as a hire provider focused on delivering HSE-compliant, eco-leaning construction worker welfare through its Ecosmart range.
Welfare4Hire
Welfare4Hire is a hire provider established in 2010, dealing in mobile welfare, toilet units, and storage. With nationwide operations, it markets itself as one of the largest and most modern providers of mobile welfare fleets in the UK.
Nixon Hire
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne, Nixon Hire is a long-standing name in the plant and equipment hire space. It has depots in multiple locations across the UK and a large fleet of plant, welfare, toilets, and site accommodation.
Comparison Table
|
Feature |
Hireforce Welfare |
Welfare4Hire |
Nixon Hire |
|
Core Welfare Offering |
6 to 16-person Ecosmart towable units with office options |
6, 10, 12, 16-person towable units Solar Max eco units & mobile Toilets |
12 to 28 ft mobile eco welfare units All-in-one welfare cabins and welfare vans |
|
Coverage |
UK-wide |
UK-wide |
UK-wide |
|
Toilet Provision |
Integrated into welfare units |
Towable 1+1 and 2+2 mobile toilets |
Portable toilets, chemical units |
|
Fleet Positioning |
Curated range Specialist than large |
One of the largest fleets in the UK |
Large and diversified |
4 Core Factors to Consider
1. Type & Size of Fleet
Hireforce Welfare
Hireforce Welfare specialises exclusively in delivering welfare hire for construction and building projects across the UK. Their dedicated range of Ecosmart mobile welfare cabins comfortably accommodates 6 to 16 persons, complete with all necessary HSE-mandated amenities.
Their range also includes welfare cabins with a 3-person heated office with a separate entrance, to double up as a site office. A hydraulic system sets up these units in under 45 seconds, ready for use and easily movable to any part of the site. Hireforce emphasises offering curated, modern, eco-focused welfare cabins over large plant fleets.
Welfare4Hire
Welfare4Hire’s fleet includes mobile welfare cabins for up to 16 persons, solar variants, and mobile toilets. Towable units in multiple sizes make up its range.
Nixon Hire
Nixon Hire is a plant and accommodation provider, offering a broad range of welfare units from 12 to 28 feet in size and above. Their large and diversified range also includes static and solar welfare vans and other products.
2. Service & Support
Hireforce Welfare
Hireforce Welfare is committed to providing unparalleled service standards through its well-maintained, modern and well-serviced units. It relies on a reliable delivery network to deliver welfare units to project sites across the wider UK. From regular toilet servicing to maintenance checks, they’re ready to ensure their welfare units keep your workers comfortable while meeting your project’s needs.
Welfare4Hire
Along with flexible rental terms, Welfare4Hire promotes a nationwide delivery service across its five depots. They also extend out-of-hours delivery by prior arrangement.
Nixon Hire
Nixon Hire describes itself as a provider with a customer-focused service. By visiting site setups, they go the extra mile in ensuring amenities are up to client expectations.
3. Safety & HSE Compliance
Hireforce Welfare
Hireforce Welfare explicitly positions its welfare range as HSE-compliant, highlighting compliance across its 6 to 16-person cabins. You get a clean drinking water supply, hygienic toilets, hot water facilities, canteen areas with seating, storage, changing areas, and forearm and hand washing facilities in a compact, independently running cabin.
As a construction welfare hire specialist, Hireforce also integrates health, safety, and environmental considerations through ventilation, insulation, and safe layouts into its cabin design and functionality.
Welfare4Hire
Welfare4Hire states its units meet HSE compliance and have features to meet legal rules for projects in remote locations.
Nixon Hire
Nixon Hire’s units meet welfare regulations for on-site breaks and sanitary conveniences. Its key focus is on worker comfort and safety.
4. Sustainability & Eco Performance
Hireforce Welfare
Hireforce Welfare integrates eco-friendly features in its welfare unit design with hybrid-powered generators that support LED lighting, a PIR-activated hot water facility, reduced generator run-time, low fuel consumption, and reduced energy wastage. These features, along with efficient power use and good insulation, contribute towards reducing a project’s carbon footprint.
Welfare4Hire
They have multiple units promoted as low-emitting, with more fuel savings and reduced generator run time.
Nixon Hire
Nixon Hire’s welfare range includes eco mobile and static units with solar-powered options to lower costs and environmental impact.
Summing Up
Each of these top UK construction welfare hire companies offer their own advantages. Their scope of products and services allows them to cater to a wide range of building and construction projects in varying capacities.
It’s best to do your due diligence and confirm specs, coverage, and service commitments and align them with your project’s requirements before finalising your choice of welfare hire. Ultimately, the best construction welfare hire provider is the one that meets your project’s needs, keeps your site compliant, and keeps workers safe and comfortable.