Speedy Hire and B&Q expand in-store rental trial

UK DIY retailer B&Q and rental company Speedy have extended a trial of tool and equipment hire outlets within B&Q stores.

Five outlets are scheduled to open in January following the first stage of the trial in July. That stage saw Speedy concessions opened at nine B&Q stores across the UK, at Trafford Park, Stockport, West Thurrock, Beckton, Roneo Corner, Yeading, New Malden, Gillingham and Darnley.

The Speedy concessions, about 90 square metres in size, are located next to the TradePoint areas in B&Q stores. Trade and retail customers can rent access equipment, tower scaffolds, mini excavators, dumpers, plate compactors, floor sanders, mixers and heaters.

The concessions offer Speedy’s four-hour national delivery promise, and customers are able to order and collect products seven days a week, complementing Speedy’s own 200 strong depot network.

Russell Down, Chief Executive, Speedy said, “We are delighted to be trialling Speedy concessions in B&Q stores. These will make the option of hiring tools and equipment much more accessible to DIY customers and enable trade customers to hire equipment seven days a week.”

“We have a leading reputation in the construction market, and by joining forces with B&Q, the UK’s leading home improvement and garden living retailer, can offer customers a compelling and market leading proposition.”

Chris Bargate, Director of Business Development, B&Q said, “We’re committed to testing new initiatives and are delighted to be trialling this tool and equipment hire service in our stores with Speedy.”

The trial represents a significant move in the UK towards in-store rental operations. Builders merchants chains including Travis Perkins and Jewson have long operateed in-store tool hire operations, but B&Q is the best known general DIY chain in the UK, with a network of almost 300 stores.

The ‘in-store’ concept is well-established in continental Europe, where Boels Rental and Kiloutou both have long track records of operating in-store desks at builders merchants chains.