How does Heavy Plant Hire look in 2025?

The heavy plant hire sector will continue to innovate and grow in 2025. There are always challenges to be faced up to, as seen with the potential problems the latest budget from the government has caused the industry with expensing allowances for leased equipment not at the level the industry needs. Despite these challenges, the drive in innovation, the focus on sustainability and the continuous development of technologies, ensures that the plant hire industry remains resilient and ready to improve.

What to expect from 2025 and beyond

Let’s take a look at a few of the factors that will shape the future of the heavy plant hire industry in 2025 and beyond.

Demand for sustainable equipment

Every industry is looking towards a collective goal to reach net zero, with sectors such as construction, which is heavily linked with the plant hire industry, looking for new technologies, machinery, and equipment that aligns with long-term net zero targets. If we are to reach net zero by 2050 there is a requirement to significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption, to lower carbon footprints, and to minimise the impact on the environment.

New technology

Smart technology and digital improvements will continue to drive where the plant hire industry is heading. Digital tools for tracking individual assets on site and during application will continue to help project managers to understand where to maximise opportunities and bring down costs. Utilising clean technology will bring down emissions, whilst smart fuel management helps to understand the use of fuel and improve performance, lower costs, and have a positive impact on the environment.

Potential future technologies

What will we see beyond 2025 in the plant hire industry? Technology is the biggest driver of innovation, and we could see greater use of virtual reality (CR) and augmented reality (AR) for equipment demonstrations on site to help with plant hire training and to improve safety standards and efficiencies on any site. These types of technology can only help to improve the planning process for any project.

Heavy plant hire industry shows in 2025

There are a few important shows and conventions this year in the UK and Europe that will help shape not only 2025 but the next few years in the industry. This includes:

Executive Hire Show

Coventry Building Society Arena, Coventry, UK.

12-13 February 2025

The trade-only Executive Show is an event that traditionally focuses on rental companies for equipment and technology but has recently introduced the Innovation Trail. This shines a light on eco-friendly technologies and advancements in this part of the industry, which has gained greater importance in recent years with the shift in focus towards net zero.

IPAF Summit and International Awards for Powered Access

Dublin Royal Convention Centre, Dublin, Ireland.

12-13 March 2025

The International Powered Access Federation (IPAF) Summit provides a range of networking and educational opportunities across the weekend for the global access industry. The weekend will also celebrate excellence and best practice as it is seen throughout the industry.

On Site On Hire

EXCEL, London, UK.

7-9 May 2025

On Site On Hire comprises of two annual shows, one in London and one in Birmingham, co-located with the UKs Construction Week exhibition. The exhibitors are focused on the improvement in technology relating to solar power, hybrid, battery technology, hydrogen, and electric ranges of machinery and equipment.

ERA Convention and European Rental Awards

Radisson Bly Royal Hotel, Dublin, Ireland.

4-5 June 2025

Bringing together the European rental industry, the ERA Convention hosts industry leaders discussing a wide range of important topics, such as sustainability, skills shortages, and energy transition.

Plantworx

Newark Showground, Nottingham, UK.

23-25 September 2025

A biennial show that attracted over 10,000 visitors in 2023, expect to see a wide range of demonstrations and new technologies at this year’s Plantworx, with over 300 exhibitors on site over the course of the weekend.

The future of the heavy plant hire industry remains an exciting one. With plenty of innovation, a demand for tech developments, a greater push for net zero in the industry, and the use of smart technology in everything from digital tracking of assets, safety features and smart fuel management, there is a lot to look forward to. We’ll continue to push forward with innovation, improving the already high standards we set to help our clients to maximise performance whatever the project they are working on. If you would like to speak with a member of the Ardent team about your up-coming plant and machinery requirements, please feel free to contact us at hire@ardenthire.com, or by calling 03333 202 555.