Welfare Hire will be exhibiting at Highways UK 2026, taking place at the NEC Birmingham on 14–15 October. Visit us on Stand E4 to meet the team and discover how our innovative welfare and lighting solutions can support the demands of the highways sector.

Highways UK brings together organisations and professionals from across the highways and roads infrastructure sector to explore the latest thinking, innovation and solutions shaping the future of the UK’s road network.

This October, Welfare Hire will be there on Stand E4, showcasing how we’re helping contractors and infrastructure partners provide high-quality welfare for their teams while improving efficiency and reducing environmental impact on site.

Supporting the highways sector

Highways projects present a unique set of operational challenges. Teams can be working across multiple locations, in remote environments and on projects where access to power, water and permanent facilities can be limited.

Having the right welfare provision in place is therefore essential to keeping teams supported and projects moving.

Welfare Hire provides a range of modern mobile welfare solutions designed for demanding working environments, helping customers create comfortable, practical and efficient facilities wherever they’re needed.

Our team will be on hand throughout Highways UK to discuss your requirements and how our solutions can support projects of different sizes and durations.

Smarter, more sustainable site welfare

Sustainability and efficiency are increasingly important considerations across highways and infrastructure projects.

Our ECO welfare range has been developed to help customers reduce their reliance on traditional power sources while maintaining the high standard of facilities their teams need on site.

Alongside our mobile welfare solutions, visitors can also speak to us about our lighting solutions and how Welfare Hire can support projects as the industry continues to focus on safer, smarter and more sustainable ways of working.

Meet the Welfare Hire team at Stand E4

Whether you’re planning an upcoming highways project, reviewing your current welfare provision or simply want to find out more about the latest solutions available, we’d be delighted to meet you at Highways UK.

Highways UK 2026
14–15 October 2026
NEC Birmingham
Stand E4

Planning to attend?

[Get in touch] with our team to arrange a time to meet us on Stand E4 and discuss how Welfare Hire can support your upcoming projects.

Access Hire Nationwide Heads to Connected Britain 2026

We’re delighted to announce that Access Hire Nationwide will be exhibiting at Connected Britain 2026, taking place at ExCeL London on 9–10 September 2026.

As one of the UK’s leading events for connectivity and digital infrastructure, Connected Britain brings together organisations and decision-makers involved in building, operating and maintaining the networks that keep the country connected.

For Access Hire Nationwide, it’s an ideal opportunity to demonstrate how our specialist fleet, nationwide capability and industry expertise can support the next generation of UK infrastructure projects.

Visit Us on Stand H30

Throughout the two-day event, you’ll find the Access Hire Nationwide team on Stand H30.

We work closely with customers operating across telecoms, utilities and infrastructure, providing specialist powered access solutions designed for the demands of complex projects and challenging working environments.

From network deployment and infrastructure upgrades to ongoing inspection and maintenance, having access to the right equipment can make a significant difference to safety, productivity and project delivery.

That’s why we continue to invest in the UK & Ireland’s most advanced specialist access fleet, providing our customers with the equipment, expertise and support they need to keep projects moving.

Specialist Access for a Changing Infrastructure Landscape

The continued expansion and modernisation of the UK’s connectivity infrastructure is creating increasingly complex operational requirements.

Projects can involve difficult-to-reach locations, restricted sites and challenging terrain, while operators must balance productivity with stringent safety and compliance requirements.

Access Hire Nationwide provides a comprehensive range of specialist access solutions, including van-mounted and 4×4-mounted MEWPs, backed by a team that understands the environments in which our customers operate.

Our nationwide capability means we can support everything from individual maintenance requirements to major network rollout and infrastructure programmes.

Meet Kelling Fleet Solutions

We’ll also be joined at Connected Britain by Kelling Fleet Solutions, our specialist commercial vehicle leasing and conversion business, providing purpose-built fleet solutions for organisations operating across telecoms and critical infrastructure.

From bespoke vehicle conversions and specialist leasing to full lifecycle support, Kelling Fleet Solutions works with customers to develop vehicles around the real-world demands of their operations – with a focus on productivity, safety, sustainability and reliability.

Visitors to Stand H30 will also be able to discover our purpose-built Splicing Van, engineered specifically for the telecommunications industry to provide fibre engineers with a safe, efficient and fully integrated working environment in the field.

Backed by 24/7/365 support, proactive maintenance and end-to-end fleet expertise, Kelling Fleet Solutions helps keep specialist vehicles operational, compliant and ready for work – minimising downtime when it matters most.

Meet the Kelling Fleet Solutions team on Stand H30 to discuss how we can help build a smarter, more capable specialist fleet for your operation.

More Than Equipment

Connected Britain is also an opportunity for us to meet the people behind some of the UK’s most important connectivity and infrastructure programmes.

Whether you’re planning a network rollout, upgrading existing infrastructure, managing a specialist vehicle fleet or looking for ways to improve operational efficiency, our teams will be on hand to discuss your requirements.

Our focus is simple: providing the equipment, expertise and support that help our customers keep projects moving safely, efficiently and on schedule.

Let’s Talk at Connected Britain 2026

If you’re attending Connected Britain this September, we’d love to meet you.

Come and speak to the Access Hire Nationwide and Kelling Fleet Services teams on Stand H30 to explore our specialist fleet, discuss your upcoming requirements and find out how we could support your operations.

Connected Britain 2026
9–10 September 2026
ExCeL London
Stand H30

Book a Time to Meet Our Team

Planning to attend Connected Britain?

Make the most of your visit by booking some time with one of our sales team in advance. Whether you have an upcoming project to discuss, want to explore our specialist access fleet or would like to learn more about our fleet management capabilities, we can arrange a dedicated time to talk through your requirements on Stand H30.

Get in touch today to book a time with our team at Connected Britain 2026.

[GET IN TOUCH & BOOK A MEETING]

We look forward to seeing you at ExCeL London.

National Grid’s recent announcement of a £1.2 billion programme to upgrade more than 1,000km of overhead transmission lines across England and Wales highlights the scale of investment required to support Britain’s future energy needs. The programme forms part of wider efforts to increase network capacity, improve resilience and enable new electricity connections as demand continues to grow.

As the UK accelerates its transition towards a lower-carbon future, electricity infrastructure is becoming increasingly important. Growing demand from electrified transport, renewable energy generation, data centres and industrial decarbonisation places additional pressure on the network, creating the need for both new infrastructure and upgrades to existing assets.

For the infrastructure sector, announcements of this scale provide greater confidence across the supply chain. Long-term investment programmes enable businesses to invest in equipment, innovation and workforce development while helping to maintain the skills required to deliver critical national projects. National Grid has stated that its wider investment plans could support thousands of jobs across the UK and strengthen supply chain capability for years to come.

Delivering major overhead line upgrades requires more than engineering expertise alone. Access solutions, specialist commercial vehicles, welfare facilities and site support services all play an important role in helping contractors work safely, efficiently and sustainably across often remote and challenging environments.

The announcement also reinforces the importance of collaboration throughout the infrastructure sector. With significant investment planned across energy, transportation and utilities, organisations throughout the supply chain must work together to improve productivity, develop skills and support successful project delivery.

At Kelling Group, we continue to see strong demand for specialist infrastructure solutions that help contractors achieve these objectives. Through our market-leading welfare, access and fleet businesses, we remain committed to supporting the organisations delivering some of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects.

As investment in the UK’s energy network continues to accelerate, it is encouraging to see long-term programmes that not only strengthen national infrastructure but also create opportunities for innovation, skills development and sustainable growth throughout the supply chain.

Kelling Group is proud to have been featured in the latest edition of Business Focus Magazine,

Recognising the company’s growth, specialist expertise and contribution to some of the UK’s most important infrastructure projects.

The feature highlights Kelling Group’s journey over the past 20 years, supporting customers across telecommunications, power, water, rail, highways and utilities through the provision of specialist equipment and operational support. Today, the business operates through three complementary divisions: Access Hire, Welfare Hire and Fleet Solutions, each designed to meet the unique requirements of infrastructure-sector customers.

As the UK’s leading provider of vehicle-mounted access platforms, Access Hire supports engineers and technicians working safely at height on projects ranging from fibre broadband rollouts to electricity network upgrades. Welfare Hire has become the UK’s largest provider of eco-efficient welfare units, helping customers reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions while providing high-quality on-site facilities. Meanwhile, Fleet Solutions delivers bespoke specialist vehicles tailored to the needs of infrastructure contractors across the country.

He also emphasised the importance of operational support and service excellence in helping customers minimise downtime and keep projects moving efficiently.

The article explores Kelling Group’s continued investment in its people, assets and operational capabilities, which has helped drive consistent growth throughout the company’s history. It also highlights the strong partnerships built with customers and suppliers, many of whom have worked with the business for years.

Looking ahead, Kelling Group remains well-positioned to support the significant investment planned across the UK’s infrastructure sectors over the coming decade. With growing demand across telecommunications, power, water and utilities, the company continues to focus on delivering specialist solutions, industry-leading service and sustainable growth.

We would like to thank our employees, customers, suppliers and partners for their continued support, and Business Focus Magazine for featuring Kelling Group’s story.

Read the full Business Focus Magazine feature: Click here

Kelling Group Partners with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Kelling Group is pleased to announce its partnership with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, a leading environmental charity dedicated to protecting and restoring wildlife and wild places across Yorkshire. This collaboration marks a significant step in Kelling Group’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

Photo: Barn owl by Doug Swinson

Through the partnership, Kelling Group will provide financial support, as well as engage in hands-on conservation efforts alongside the Trust to promote wildlife protection, habitat restoration and biodiversity across the region. The partnership aims to strengthen the Trust’s ongoing projects, which include safeguarding vital habitats, reintroducing endangered species and tackling the effects of climate change on local ecosystems.

“We are thrilled to be supporting the incredible work of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust,” said Matthew Jowett, CFO at Kelling Group. “As a company, we believe it is our responsibility to give back to the environment that we work in and support efforts that protect our natural world. For years, we have been helping our customers reduce their carbon footprint by providing the most efficient equipment for their needs. By partnering with the Trust, we hope to make a meaningful contribution to wildlife conservation and inspire others in the industry to take similar action.”

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has been at the forefront of local conservation efforts for nearly 80 years, with a mission to create a wilder Yorkshire. The charity works tirelessly to protect wildlife and restore landscape scale habitats, raise awareness of environmental issues, and engage communities in nature conservation.

Photo: Seagrass by Georgia Bennett

Rachael Bice, CEO of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, added, “This is fantastic support from the Kelling Group who join us as valued corporate members. We are grateful for their commitment which will help us continue our vital work protecting and restoring wildlife and wild places right across the region. With their involvement, we can expand our reach and have an even greater positive impact on the region’s biodiversity. We also look forward to welcoming them to one of our beautiful nature reserves soon.”

Kelling Group will also be taking steps to incorporate sustainable practices within its operations, further reducing its environmental footprint. The company plans to encourage employees to get involved in volunteering opportunities with the Trust and will host awareness campaigns to promote environmental stewardship within the community.

This collaboration is just the beginning of Kelling Group’s ongoing efforts to drive sustainability and foster positive change within both the business and environmental sectors.

For more information about Kelling Group’s partnership with Yorkshire Wildlife Trust or to learn more about the Trust’s initiatives, please visit www.ywt.org.uk/.

About Kelling Group

Kelling Group is a leading rental and leasing provider of modern, specialist vehicles and equipment for the infrastructure and construction sectors. With a strong commitment to sustainability, Kelling Group reduces environmental impact through innovation, smart practices and partnerships that promote a greener future. www.kellinggroup.com

About Yorkshire Wildlife Trust

Yorkshire Wildlife Trust is a leading conservation charity, part of The Wildlife Trusts UK-wide movement dedicated to protecting and restoring the wildlife and natural habitats of Yorkshire. With a vision to create a thriving natural environment for wildlife and people, the Trust works across the region to protect endangered species, restore vital habitats, and inspire future generations to take action for nature.

For media enquiries, please contact marketing@kellinggroup.com

Kelling Group is a leading provider of specialist Access, Welfare and lighting equipment hire and services to key infrastructure and construction sectors.

UK’s leading provider of specialist equipment

Built on nearly two decades of market leadership, this new arm of the business is set to redefine what it means to deliver efficient, modern and sustainable fleet assets to industries where uptime, safety and performance are critical.

A Specialist fleet built for modern-day demands

Kelling Fleet Solutions offers businesses a smarter, more agile way to manage fleet needs. Whether your operation is in highways, telecoms, utilities, public services or construction, the offering is clear: custom-built vehicles that work harder, last longer and deliver more.

The core of Kelling Fleet Solutions is built on two established market leaders:

Access Hire – Safe, Sustainable Elevated Work Platforms

Access Hire powers the UK’s largest fleet of vehicle-mounted Mobile Elevated Work Platforms (MEWPs). From fully electric and hybrid options to fibre splicing vans and 4×4 platforms, the fleet is built for demanding environments and emissions-conscious operations.

Backed by 24/7/365 support, stringent maintenance protocols, and flexible hire and lease terms, these assets are tailored for mission-critical work in low-emission zones, remote rural terrain and everything in between.

Welfare Hire – Eco-Friendly Mobile Welfare Solutions

Welfare Hire sets a new standard with the UK’s most modern, eco-efficient fleet of mobile welfare vans and towable units. Designed with both sustainability and user experience in mind, the range includes innovations like the all-electric Welfare Zero van, helping businesses cut emissions without compromising comfort or compliance.

These solutions provide vital onsite facilities for workers while helping businesses meet stringent ESG and net-zero targets.

Kelling Fleet Solutions – Custom-Converted Commercial Vehicles

What makes Kelling Fleet Solutions different isn’t just the assets—it’s the approach. Every solution is built around your business’ needs, from bespoke converted assets with zero emissions options to fully managed lease and service solutions. The result? Vehicles that are not only fit for purpose, but also optimised for productivity, safety and sustainability.

Whether you need rapid nationwide delivery, 24-hour support or modern fleets across multiple projects, Kelling Fleet Solutions offers tailored solutions backed by deep expertise and a service-first mindset.

The Kelling Guarantees: More Than a Supplier

At the heart of Kelling Group lies a commitment to five core guarantees:

Quality
Service
Environment
Wellbeing
Value

These principles ensure that every asset delivers measurable impact—be it through lower downtime, enhanced user experience, or reduced environmental footprint.

Your Fleet, Future Ready.

Kelling Fleet Solutions is about creating a partnership that drives operational success. With dedicated specialist teams, sustainability at the core and a focus on tailored service, it’s a smarter way to think about fleet.

For businesses looking to stay ahead of the curve and power forward with confidence, Kelling Fleet Solutions is your new specialist fleet partner.

The power sector is a cornerstone of the UK’s economy, supporting over 700,000 jobs and contributing £27 billion annually in gross value added.

However, the industry has faced significant challenges in 2024, including decarbonisation pressures, renewable energy integration, rising costs, and geopolitical uncertainties. Addressing these issues requires substantial investment and innovation across all operational facets, from strategic planning to the deployment of specialised equipment like vehicle-mounted access platforms.

1. Decarbonisation Pressures

The UK government has committed to achieving a 78% reduction in economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 2035.

While the nation has made notable progress in decarbonisation, fossil fuels still account for a significant portion of energy production. Transitioning away from these sources presents substantial challenges.

Rising Electricity Demand

The shift towards electric vehicles and heat pumps is expected to increase electricity demand by approximately 2% annually over the next two decades, leading to a projected 56% rise in demand.

Meeting this demand sustainably necessitates scalable, reliable, and affordable energy solutions.

2. Renewable Energy Integration

Renewable energy sources are crucial for meeting future energy needs. In 2020, wind and solar power contributed 43% of the UK’s electricity.

However, scaling these sources requires significant investment and innovation.

Infrastructure Challenges

Slow planning processes and inadequate grid infrastructure hinder the expansion of renewable energy. Addressing these issues may require a comprehensive redesign of the energy market to facilitate distributed energy integration, demand-side response, and more flexible power services.

Investment Needs

Estimates suggest that achieving a renewable-powered economy will require approximately £200 billion, with annual investments reaching £50 billion by 2030 to meet current targets and demand projections.

3. Rising costs

The power sector is experiencing unprecedented price pressures. In October 2024, the UK’s energy price cap increased by 10%, raising the average household’s annual energy bill to £1,717.

This surge is attributed to a combination of factors, including extreme weather events and geopolitical tensions.

Impact on Businesses

Businesses are also affected by rising energy costs. New legislation has led to a significant increase in the price of red diesel, compelling companies to adapt their fuel usage or face substantial increases in overheads.

4. Geopolitical Uncertainties

The UK’s reliance on imported energy exposes it to global market fluctuations and geopolitical events. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has disrupted energy supplies, leading to increased gas bills and highlighting the risks of dependence on foreign energy sources.

Towards Energy Self-Sufficiency

These challenges underscore the need for the UK to enhance energy self-sufficiency. Developing domestic energy sources and reducing reliance on imports are essential steps toward a more resilient and sustainable power sector.

Conclusion

The UK power sector faces complex challenges in 2025, including decarbonisation, renewable energy integration, rising costs, and geopolitical uncertainties. Addressing these issues requires coordinated efforts, substantial investment, and innovation across the industry. By understanding and proactively tackling these challenges, the sector can continue to support the economy and contribute to a sustainable future.

About Access Hire Nationwide

Access Hire Nationwide supports the power industry by providing innovative solutions to meet operational and sustainability goals. Our electric vehicles, including MEWPs and specialist utility vehicles, contribute to decarbonisation efforts, helping businesses reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining efficiency.

Through our Access Lease offering, the power industry benefits from brand-new, high-performance vehicles such as 4x4s, supported by a fully managed and inclusive maintenance package. This ensures reliability, streamlines operations, and enables more accurate budgeting, empowering businesses to focus on delivering energy solutions without unexpected costs or downtime.

Leading the Way in Eco-friendly Mobile Welfare Solutions

Kelling Group is delighted to announce its latest expansion project: the establishment of an innovative facility at Boscombe Business Park in Avonmouth, Bristol. This new facility is set to become the central hub for Welfare Hire Nationwide, a leading division of Kelling known for its groundbreaking eco-friendly towable mobile welfare units, WCs, lithium lights, and welfare vans.

With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Welfare Hire boasts the largest fleet of modern, innovative, and eco-friendly, mobile towable welfare units on the market. The ECO range represents the pinnacle of innovation, integrating smart and unique design features to optimise onsite welfare and lighting, setting new standards for efficiency and sustainability.

“As the market leader in the mobile eco welfare hire sector, our mission at Kelling is to redefine the standards of onsite welfare solutions,” remarked Stephen Moore, CEO of Kelling Group. “Our investment in the Bristol facility underscores our dedication to providing cutting-edge solutions that not only meet, but exceed the expectations of our clients.”

One of the hallmarks of Welfare Hire is its steadfast commitment to quality and service. Kelling continuously invests in maintaining the highest standards, ensuring that clients benefit from the latest advancements in welfare technology, including solar, lithium batteries, rainwater harvesting and telemetry.

The Bristol facility, on a site stretching to over 3 acres, will serve as a testament to Kelling’s long-term investment in the sector and dedication to innovation and sustainability, providing a strategic base for the ongoing development and deployment of next-generation mobile eco welfare solutions.

As Kelling prepares to have operations fully up and running throughout May and June, the company looks forward to ushering in a new era of innovation, service excellence, and sustainability in the welfare solutions landscape. The Bristol facility will see Kelling create new jobs in the region for depot and field-based engineers, drivers and valeters.  Any potential applicants should send their CVs to hr@kellinggroup.com with the subject “Bristol Expansion”.

For more information about Welfare Hire’s products: Mobile Welfare Unit Hire | Towable Welfare Units & Welfare Vans | Kelling (kellinggroup.com)

 

Our dedication to pioneering eco-friendly solutions in the infrastructure sector shines through our innovative Access Hire and Welfare Hire divisions. With the UK’s largest, modern fleet of eco assets, we’re leading the charge in reducing carbon emissions in the built environment, which accounts for around 30% of the UK’s total annual emissions.

Our commitment to sustainability is evident in our continuous investment in electric and hybrid technologies, smart eco assets, and data-driven environmental strategies. Our efforts have significantly reduced waste to landfill and carbon footprints, supporting our partners in achieving their ESG targets. This recognition is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication to building a more sustainable future.

Over the last year, we’ve released the market’s first fleet of fully-electric van mounted MEWPs, as well as zero emission welfare vans. On top of Welfare Hire’s ever-expanding range of eco-friendly mobile welfare units and tower lights, all proof of our commitment to continue with a sustainable approach.

 

The calibre of finalists was very high with good representation of businesses from different industries across the region.

Kelling Group were delighted to accept the award of Mid-Market Corporate of The Year at this year’s The Yorkshires. Business Awards and would like to congratulate the other nominees and winners, as well as the event attendees, in supporting the incredible event for Yorkshire Children’s Charity.

Aside from celebrating the best of what the Yorkshire region has to offer in business, the event supported the Yorkshire Children’s Charity to raise awareness and funding. In excess of £182,000 was raised on the day, which will go a very long way to supporting the region’s most vulnerable children throughout the winter.

“On behalf of the entire Kelling team, I am honoured to accept the award of Mid-Market Corporate of the Year. There was also a fantastic amount of money raised on Friday – very well done to all the hard working team at the Yorkshire Children’s Charity.”

Stephen Moore, CEO

Kelling Group is a leading provider of specialist Access, Welfare and lighting equipment hire and services to key infrastructure and construction sectors.