About Britannia Equipment

Building Britain's infrastructure since 1985

Our Story

From humble beginnings to industry leaders

Founded in 1985 by Michael Thompson, a former construction site manager with a vision to provide reliable equipment to the growing construction industry, Britannia Equipment Ltd began as a small rental operation in Manchester with just five machines.

Over the decades, we have grown into one of Britain's most trusted providers of construction equipment, with a comprehensive fleet of machinery and a reputation for excellence in service and support. Throughout our journey, we have remained committed to our founding principles: quality equipment, exceptional service, and technical expertise.

Today, we operate across the United Kingdom, serving contractors, builders, and industrial clients with an extensive inventory of premium equipment from the world's leading manufacturers.

Our Mission & Values

What drives us every day

Our Mission

To empower construction professionals with reliable equipment and exceptional service that enables them to build Britain's infrastructure safely, efficiently, and sustainably.

Integrity

We conduct business with transparency, honesty and accountability in all our dealings with clients, suppliers, and employees.

Safety

We are committed to providing equipment that meets the highest safety standards and promoting safe practices on construction sites.

Sustainability

We strive to minimise our environmental impact by investing in fuel-efficient equipment and implementing eco-friendly practices.

Our Journey

Key milestones in our history

1985

The Beginning

Michael Thompson founds Britannia Equipment Ltd in Manchester with a small fleet of rental machines.

1992

Expansion

The company expands operations to Birmingham and adds heavy equipment sales to its services.

1998

Service Division

Launch of dedicated maintenance and repair division with factory-trained technicians.

2005

National Coverage

Expands to five locations across the UK, offering nationwide equipment solutions.

2012

Training Academy

Establishes the Britannia Training Academy for equipment operator certification.

2018

Green Initiative

Introduces eco-friendly equipment options and implements sustainable business practices.

2023

Today

Continues to lead the industry with innovative equipment solutions and exceptional service across the UK.

Our Leadership Team

Meet the experts guiding our company

James Thompson

Chief Executive Officer

With over 25 years in the construction equipment industry, James has led Britannia Equipment's growth strategy since 2010, focusing on innovation and customer excellence.

Sarah Mitchell

Operations Director

Sarah oversees our daily operations across all UK locations, ensuring smooth delivery of services and maintaining our high standards of equipment quality.

Robert Blackwell

Technical Director

With a background in engineering, Robert leads our technical services department, ensuring all equipment meets strict safety and performance standards.

Our Certifications & Memberships

Industry recognitions and associations

ISO 9001:2015

Certified for quality management systems, ensuring consistent service excellence and customer satisfaction.

Construction Equipment Association

Active member contributing to industry standards and best practices.

OHSAS 18001

Certified for occupational health and safety management, demonstrating our commitment to safe work environments.

ISO 14001:2015

Environmental management certification, showcasing our dedication to sustainable practices.

Join Our Team

Interested in a career with Britannia Equipment Ltd?