A UK construction equipment hire specialist employing 55 people has entered administration after more than three decades in business. Nationwide Hire Ltd, the trading entity behind Nationwide Hire Solutions, filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators before officially entering administration on 28 July.

The Hampshire-based company, which has been operating since 1995, acts as a nationwide equipment hire broker, sourcing machinery, tools and site equipment through a network of more than 900 suppliers. Its latest financial accounts, covering the year to September 2024, showed turnover of £11million. However, the business recorded a pre-tax loss of £1million while employing 55 members of staff.

On its website, Nationwide Hire describes itself as “the UK’s original equipment hire broker”, offering customers a single point of contact for sourcing powered access equipment, plant machinery, tools, fuel, site welfare units and other construction essentials across the country.

Despite entering administration, the business has been rescued through a sale.

Suppliers were informed this week that Nationwide Hire Solutions has been acquired by Alliance Hire Solutions Ltd, part of the Alliance Tool Hire Group.

Under the deal, ownership of the business transfers to Alliance Hire Solutions, although it will continue trading under the Nationwide Hire Solutions brand.

Alliance Tool Hire Group is one of the South of England’s largest independent tool hire operators, with a network of 10 depots. The group provides access to powered access equipment, heavy plant machinery, tools, welfare units and waste management systems through a single point of contact for customers.

The acquisition means the Nationwide Hire Solutions brand will continue operating despite the collapse of its trading company, bringing an end to a challenging period for the long-established construction hire specialist.