Construction projects in the UK carry both a legal and ethical responsibility to provide workers with safe, clean and fully compliant welfare facilities. The most effective way to meet this requirement is by hiring welfare cabins, also known as portable cabins, site accommodation or mobile welfare units. These facilities not only keep projects in line with health and safety regulations but also help maintain worker morale, productivity and overall site efficiency.
As demand grows for sustainable, flexible and nationwide solutions, the challenge lies in finding providers that consistently deliver on quality, compliance, service and support. Not every supplier offers the same standards, and choosing the wrong partner can lead to delays, added costs or regulatory risks.
This article is designed to make your search easier. We compare 14 welfare cabin providers across the UK, highlighting their strengths and offerings so you can choose the partner best suited to your project’s needs.
1. Hireforce Welfare
Overview
At the top of our list,Hireforce Welfare is a division of the reputable Hireforce Group, a leading tool and non-mechanical equipment hire company in the UK. For years, Hireforce Welfare has been serving the construction, building, and engineering industry with top-quality products and services.
As longstanding construction welfare specialists, Hireforce Welfare offers quick-to-set-up welfare solutions for construction and demolition projects across the UK. It offers a range of self-contained mobile welfare cabins for 6 to 16 persons with and without an office space. Designed to be compact and run independently, Hireforce’s portable cabins are ideal for any type and size of site.
They’re committed to delivering quality, compliant and reliable welfare hire solutions that meet any project’s needs.
Key Features
- Well-maintained fleet of mobile welfare cabins
- Lightweight and towable to any part of your site
- Compact design takes up limited space
- Quick setup and unrestricted mobility
- Heated seating/canteen area with a table and storage under the seat
- Sink, kettle and microwave
- Drying/storage room
- 240v and 12v USB sockets for charging devices like phones, laptops, and tablets
- Recirculating toilet with regular emptying organised by Hireforce
- Built-in hybrid power system, with battery and generator
- 10 and 16-person variants include a heated 3-person office with a separate entrance
- Spacious office space with shelving and coat hooks
Unit Range
- 16-person Ecosmart welfare cabin with office
- 10-person Ecosmart welfare cabin with office
- 10-person Ecosmart welfare cabin
- 6-person Ecosmart welfare cabin
HSE Compliant
Yes
USP
- The hydraulic system supports a quick 30 and 45-second setup time
- Reliable delivery network across the wider UK
- SafeHire-certified company
Pros
- Quickest setup times: 30 seconds for the 6-person unit and 45 seconds for all the other units
- Powered by eco-friendly technology such as hybrid generators, PIR-activated LED lighting
- Low power consumption
- Quiet generator
- 1-2 hours for a full battery charge
- Energy-saving hybrid technology and nationwide coverage from a central UK hub
Cons
- Focused mainly on welfare units
Here’s a review by Mark Bance:
“Used these welfare units several times on-site projects and will continue to use them moving forward. Modern, well-equipped welfare units every time, coming with frequent and reliable servicing. The guys were always helpful and reacted quickly when I needed their assistance, even at short notice.”
2. Portable Space
Overview
Based in Suffolk, Portable Space is an award-winning supplier offering containers, modular buildings, and welfare units for sale and to hire.
Key Features
- Steel-wheeled welfare cabins
- Container-based solutions, good mix of hire and purchase options
- Chemical toilets
- Generator for heating and lighting
- Weekly toilet servicing
Unit Range
- 12 ft steel mobile office
- 12 ft mobile canteen
- 16 ft steel mobile office
- 16 ft mobile canteen
- Groundhog 12 ft mobile welfare unit
- Groundhog 16 ft mobile welfare unit
HSE Compliant
Yes
USP
- Broad portfolio, including sales and conversions
Pros
- Wide choice; offers purchase as well as hire
Cons
- Less specialised in welfare; eco-features not very advanced
3. Welfare4Hire
Overview
Welfare4Hire is an independent specialist in towable welfare and toilet units, with five depots across the UK.
Key Features
- Modern towable units up to 16-person
- Drying rooms, canteen, office
- Eco-smart models with PIR lighting
- Low generator use
Unit Range
- 6-, 10-, 12-, 16-person, including Solar Max, office variants, and mobile toilets
HSE Compliant
Yes
USP
- Eco-conscious fleet with nationwide coverage
Pros
- Flexible hire/purchase options
Cons
- Slightly slower to innovate
4. Portakabin
Overview
Portakabin is a household name in modular buildings ready for hire. They provide portable solutions for multiple applications, from storage to dental surgeries.
Key Features
- Portable cabins ranging from 7 sq m to 67 sq m
- Quick delivery
- Cabins available by application, number of users, and dimensions
Unit Range
- Their cabin selection is diverse, ranging from a small, compact open-plan cabin to a 20-foot construction site cabin.
HSE Compliant
Yes
USP
- Established brand in modular solutions
Pros
- Trusted name, robust units
Cons
- Focused more on modular buildings than welfare cabins
5. Nixon Hire
Overview
Nixon is a well-known plant, site, and accommodation hire company with welfare offerings. They are making waves in the welfare hire sector for their sustainable and full-service site solutions.
Key Features
- Offer mobile welfare and solar welfare solutions
- Separate male and female toilets
- Insulated walls and ceiling
- Drying room and storage facilities
Unit Range
- 8 ft to 32 ft mobile welfare units
HSE Compliant
Yes
USP
- Integrated plant hire and welfare units
Pros
- One-stop shop for plant and welfare hire
Cons
- Welfare is not their core focus; service is less specialised
6. Wernick
Overview
Wernick is a long-established portable accommodation hire brand that also offers off-grid power solutions.
Key Features
- Combine solar charging with a lithium-battery bank to power units
- Toilet compartment with handwashing facilities
- Canteen area with seating, a kettle, and a microwave
- Drying room for clothing and PPE
- Freshwater and waste tanks
- Lighting and heating
- Secure anti-vandal construction
Unit Range
- 6-person towable unit
- Twin-toilet unit for up to 14 people
- Combined welfare and office unit for 8 staff + 2 office users
HSE Compliant
Yes
USP
- Large UK coverage
Pros
- Up to 90% reduction in generator run-time and fuel costs
Cons
- Eco-features are not as advanced, and they may be available at a premium
7. Reactive Hire
Overview
Reactive Hire is a welfare hire company focused on eco-friendly mobility and short-term site solutions.
Key Features
- Almost entirely solar-powered mobile welfare vans and towable cabins
- 100% carbon neutral and near-zero emissions
- Can be run on HVO biofuel
Unit Range
- EcoPro Solar welfare cabin with 7-person canteen and twin toilet
- EcoPro Solar welfare cabin with 10-person canteen, office and twin toilet
- EcoPro Solar welfare cabin with 10-person canteen, office, drying room and single toilet
- EcoPro Solar welfare cabin with 15-person canteen, office, drying room and single toilet
- EcoPro Solar welfare cabin with 10-person canteen, office, drying room and twin toilet
HSE Compliant
Yes
USP
- No diesel generator
Pros
- Sustainable choice, more useful for smaller sites
Cons
- Limited unit range
- Lacks large team accommodation
8. Algeco
Overview
Algeco is a well-known, large multinational modular building provider, also offering welfare units for remote locations and sites without power and water connections.
Key Features
- Comprehensive modular construction solutions
- Canteen with seating space
- Separate unisex toilet
- A generator room, which also acts as a warm room
- Suitable for 4 persons
Unit Range
- 12 ft mobile welfare unit
HSE Compliant
Yes
USP
- Secure 11 lever locking system
Pros
- Popular brand, high availability
Cons
- Welfare units are just part of a broader catalogue
9. LOC Hire
Overview
LOC Hire is a welfare and accommodation hire specialist that also offers eco-friendly alternative solutions.
Key Features
- Space-efficient portable cabins
- Under-seat space for storage
- Drying room for wet clothes and work gear
- Canteen area
- Water heater for handwashing and showering
Unit Range
- LOC 6, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14 and 15
HSE Compliant
Yes
USP
- A good choice for outdoor events and spaces
Pros
- ECOHire units powered by 100% renewable energy sources
Cons
- Region-based, not nationwide focus
10. Vinco Sales Ltd
Overview
Vinco Sales Limited specialises in the hire and sales of new and pre-owned portable buildings, including mobile welfare units.
Key Features
- Eco+ mobile welfare range
- Seating and dining areas
- Toilets and kitchen space
Unit Range
- 12 ft units are ideal for small teams, accommodating up to seven people
- 16 ft units are perfect for larger groups, accommodating up to ten people
HSE Compliant
Yes
USP
- Delivery with a 4×4 vehicle
Pros
- Dual model (buy or rent)
Cons
- Smaller scale than larger competitors
- Limited eco-innovation
11. Sunbelt Rentals
Overview
Sunbelt Rentals is a major UK rental firm offering plant, tools, and welfare services.
Key Features
- Huge fleet
- Reliable delivery
- Units can be stacked and linked
- Waterless urinals
- Interiors can be customised
Unit Range
- 10 ft to 32 ft fire-rated, eco and anti-vandal portable cabins for hire
HSE Compliant
Yes
USP
- Customisation of welfare cabins is available. Can be spray-painted in your corporate colours
Pros
- Large fleet
- Strong logistics network
Cons
- Welfare hire is only a small part of their focus
- Less focus on welfare-specific needs
12. Kabin Hire Limited
Overview
Kabin Hire is a specialist provider of portable accommodation, welfare and storage solutions based in Wales. They also offer generator and welfare maintenance, water refill, toilet cleaning, effluent tank emptying, and container disposal and refurbishment services.
Key Features
- Suitable for 4 to 6 persons
- Recycling toilet and hand-washing facilities
- Microwave, sink, hot water, paper towel dispenser
- Drinking water supply
- Canteen area with table and modular seating, heating and lighting
Unit Range
- Welfare unit with or without an office
- Solar power welfare unit with office
HSE Compliant?
Yes, as well as Network Rail standards
USP
- Towable welfare units available in standard and eco specs
Pros
- Three-minute setup
- HSE and Network Rail compliant
Cons
- Water refill is chargeable
13. Norspace
Overview
Since the 1980s, Norspace has been in the industry of supplying temporary site accommodation for construction, events, and healthcare. Based in Ireland, it was formerly known as Northern Hire.
Key Features
- Portable welfare cabins for construction sites and events
- LED lighting
- Fully insulated walls and ceilings
- Toilet cubicle
- Hot water supply
- Soap and towel dispensers
- Drying area
- Seats up to 7 people
Unit Range
- 12 ft and 20 ft mobile welfare cabins
HSE Compliant
Yes
USP
- All steel construction
Pros
- Multi-point locking system
Cons
- Limited eco-friendly tech
14. Alan Coward and Son
Overview
Based in Bristol, Alan Coward and Son is a regional welfare unit provider offering welfare hire within a 35-mile radius of Bristol.
Key Features
- A range of mobile and static welfare cabins
- Toilet compartment
- Wash station
- Drying room
- Hot and cold water supply
- Six-seater canteen area with a microwave and kettle
Unit Range
- 12 ft mobile welfare unit
- 20 ft and 24 ft static welfare unit
HSE Compliant
Yes
USP
- Localised, personal service
- Three-minute on-site setup
Pros
- Good for projects in Bristol and the surrounding areas
- Weekly servicing
Cons
- Small fleet
- Limited reach and network
Conclusion
There is no shortage of welfare cabin hire providers in the UK, but the key is to choose a partner with proven expertise in welfare hire specifically. A provider that focuses on portable welfare solutions, rather than spreading attention across broader plant or modular hire, is more likely to deliver consistently high standards of quality, compliance and service.
The right welfare cabin partner will keep your site fully compliant, your workforce safe and comfortable, and your project running efficiently from start to finish.
We hope this guide has given you the clarity you need to make a confident, informed decision when selecting a welfare cabin provider for your next project.
