

Our History
HSS is the UK’s original tool and equipment hire company. We’ve come a long way since we were founded in 1957 – here are a few of the key milestones.
2019
- Disposal of UK Platforms completed
- Launched HSS App
- Launched new rehire platform in OneCall
2018
- Successful network reconfiguration and cost reduction programme
- Refinancing completed. £245m new debt facilities
- Extensive customer segmentation review complete
- Record financial results (adjusted EBITDA = £71.3m)
2017
- Steve Ashmore appointed CEO
- Comprehensive strategy review completed
2016
- HSS opens its National Distribution and Engineering Centre (‘NDEC’) in Cowley, Oxfordshire
2015
- HSS Hire Group plc lists on the London Stock Exchange
- HSS acquires UK heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (“HVAC”) hire company, All Seasons Hire
- HSS launches the hire industry’s first eCommerce website hss.com
2014
- HSS acquires Scottish generator hire company, Apex
2013
- HSS acquires equipment maintenance providers, TecServ
- HSS acquires powered access specialists, UK Platforms
- New Training Academy opens
2012
- HSS acquires generator specialists, ABird
- Wins HAE Hire Company of the Year award
- HSS was acquired by Exponent Private Equity
2011
- New operating platform roll out completed
- Wins ERA European Hire Company of the Year award
2010
- HSS acquired rail safety training specialists, MTR Training
- Achieves OHSAS18001
- Wins awards from both the HAE and European Rental Association
2009
- HSS LiveHire, the revolutionary online management system is launched
- Achieves ISO14001
- Wins Hire Company of the Year awards from both the HAE and Contract Journal
2007
- 3i sells HSS Hire to Och-Ziff Capital Management and Aurigo
- New business plan in place focused on network optimisation, operational efficiency, key account growth and customer-focused culture
2005
- Awarded Safe-HIRE quality mark by the HAE
- Acquisition of Laois Hire
2004
- 3i venture capital backed management buy-in from Davis Service Group completed
- Event Hire division and German operations sold
- Purchase of A1 Hire & Sales in Bournemouth
- Pioneers ‘one stop shop strategy’ to consolidate equipment
2000’s
- Launch of specialist divisions including HSS Safe & Sure and HSS Hire Weld
- New services launched: Training, One-Call and Work shops
1990’s
- International expansion with franchise agreements in Greece, Spain, Holland, Norway, Italy & Middle East
- First Irish Branch Opened (Belfast)
- HSS Acquired by Davis Service Group plc
- HSS Rental Stores opened in the USA
- Growth drive sees 25 Hire Shops and 11 Lift and Shift depots opened in UK
1980’s
- Specialist divisions established, including HSS Event Hire and HSS Lift & Shift
1970’s
- Expansion continues outside of London, including branches in Birmingham, Southampton, Cardiff and Manchester
1960’s
- The Hire Service Company & Hire Shops Ltd merge to become Hire Service Shops Ltd
1957
- Bert Taylor opens Britain’s first dedicated tool & equipment hire shop which is soon named The Hire Services Company