Cost of Audio Visual Equipment Hire
across the UK

# Audio Visual Equipment Hire Accreditation Guide

The main trade bodies relevant to audio visual equipment hire in the UK include the Association of Independent Rental Professionals (AIRP), which represents companies across event services and equipment rental, and the Association of Live Events (ALE), which focuses on event industry standards. Additionally, many AV specialists hold affiliations with the British Association for Audio Visual Professionals (BAAVP) or work towards ISO 9001 quality management certification, which demonstrates consistent operational standards. For larger or more specialised operators, particularly those handling high-value installations or working in sensitive environments, compliance with the FEECCI (Federation of Event Industries) standards and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines becomes relevant. These accreditations indicate that a company has been independently vetted, maintains proper insurance, follows industry best practices, and keeps equipment to defined standards.

To verify a provider's credentials, you should ask for specific accreditation details and request to see current certificates or membership documents directly from the trade body websites rather than relying solely on marketing claims. Check whether their public liability insurance is appropriate for the scale and type of hire required, and confirm that any stated certifications have not expired. Most reputable trade bodies maintain online directories where you can cross-reference a company's membership status instantly. It matters because accreditation provides genuine protection: it means the hire company has undergone independent assessment, is bound by professional codes of conduct, and has recourse procedures if standards slip. Without verification, you risk engaging with uninsured operators or companies without proper health and safety protocols, which could leave you liable if things go wrong.

Accredited AV equipment hire providers typically charge 10–25 per cent more than unaccredited competitors, reflecting their higher insurance premiums, staff training investments, regular equipment maintenance and testing, and compliance administration costs. This premium is usually justified because accredited operators