GetBrent

Advice & Guides

Hire, buying and running it properly: trailers and towing, tools, plant, vehicles, storage, removals, clearance and the trades. Plain answers, UK law included.

Illustration for How Far Ahead Should You Book a Removal Company?
Removals

How Far Ahead Should You Book a Removal Company?

For most UK house moves, booking a removal company four to six weeks before your moving date gives you enough time to gather quotes, arrange a survey and confirm your slot. During busy periods, that…

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Illustration for CaSSOA Grades Explained for Caravan Storage
Storage

CaSSOA Grades Explained for Caravan Storage

CaSSOA grades are safety and security classifications for caravan storage facilities across the UK. The Caravan Storage and Security Association (CaSSOA) operates an independent accreditation scheme…

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Illustration for Do You Need a Licence to Hire Tools in the UK?
Tool hire

Do You Need a Licence to Hire Tools in the UK?

No government-issued licence is required to hire most power tools in the UK, but that does not mean you can simply pick up any piece of equipment and use it without restriction. Whether you need…

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Illustration for Hiring vs Buying a Mini Digger
Plant hire

Hiring vs Buying a Mini Digger

Hiring a mini digger suits short-term projects and saves capital outlay, whilst buying makes financial sense for regular, long-term work. The choice depends on project frequency, storage space,…

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Illustration for Are towing mirrors a legal requirement?
Trailers

Are towing mirrors a legal requirement?

Yes, towing mirrors are a legal requirement under UK law whenever a trailer is wider than the towing vehicle or blocks the driver's view behind.

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Illustration for Does Your Tradesperson Need to Be VAT Registered?
Trades

Does Your Tradesperson Need to Be VAT Registered?

No - a UK tradesperson does not have to be VAT registered unless their taxable turnover exceeds the current HMRC threshold of £90,000 in a rolling 12-month period. A sole trader, partnership or…

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Illustration for Hydraulic Hose Failure: Spotting It Before It Goes
Repair

Hydraulic Hose Failure: Spotting It Before It Goes

Hydraulic hose failure is one of the most dangerous faults that can develop on a vehicle or piece of plant equipment. Unlike a worn tyre or a flat battery, a burst hydraulic line does not give a…

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Illustration for What to check before you hire a van in the UK
Vans and vehicles

What to check before you hire a van in the UK

Before you hire a van in the UK, there are several practical checks worth making - on your licence, your insurance position, the vehicle itself and the hire agreement - because terms vary…

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Illustration for Hazardous Waste: What You Cannot Throw Away
Clearance

Hazardous Waste: What You Cannot Throw Away

Hazardous waste cannot be thrown away in standard skips or household bins. Many materials commonly found on building sites, in garages, sheds and during property clearances are classed as hazardous…

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Illustration for Questions to Ask a Removal Firm Before You Book
Removals

Questions to Ask a Removal Firm Before You Book

Before booking a removal company, the questions you ask matter as much as the price on the quote. A thorough set of questions, put to every firm you are considering, is the most reliable way to tell…

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Illustration for Do You Need Insurance for a Self Storage Unit?
Storage

Do You Need Insurance for a Self Storage Unit?

Most UK self storage facilities require you to have contents insurance in place before you move anything in, even though there is no law that compels you to hold it. The facility's own policy covers…

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Illustration for Delivery and Collection Charges on Hire Explained
Guides

Delivery and Collection Charges on Hire Explained

Delivery and collection charges on hire are fees added to your rental agreement to transport equipment to and from your location. They vary based on distance, item weight or size, vehicle type…

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