Plant rental company Vp eyes growth after changes

A plant hire firm says it is “well positioned” to exploit growth opportunities after matching a restructure with market robustness.

Vp is targeting work across water and electricity transmission infrastructure markets.

Bosses revealed the blueprint in a six-month trading update to September 30, where they said the company’s “resilience” leaves it poised to meet full-year financial expectations.

The update comes after the Harrogate-headquartered firm last year revealed changes to axe about 400 jobs across 60 Brandon Hire Station branches to prioritise lucrative B2B business over the consumer market.

According to analyst figures, 2026/2027 revenue is tipped to hit £351.3 million, with profit before tax, amortisation and impairment of goodwill, trade names and customer relationships and exceptional items earmarked at £32.5 million.

Officials say progress has been driven by work across electricity transmission, where the business “continues to perform well”, as well as “encouraging momentum” in water activity and a “stable” rail market.

They add its Brandon Hire Station division “has improved” following the restructure, despite “continued challenges in the general construction market”.

Chief executive Alice Woodwark said: “The first half of the financial year has again demonstrated the strength and resilience of our diverse business model.

“Momentum in our UK segment increases our second half confidence, where we remain well positioned to take advantage of supportive infrastructure markets, specifically in water and electricity transmission.”

The business previously struck a deal for Cork-based powered access company Charleville Hire and Platform, with its portfolio additionally including Tamworth-based rail equipment hire firm Torrent Trackside and Worksop-based portable roadway and walkway supplier TPA.

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