United Kingdom (UK) Aerial Work Platform Market Overview, 2029

The aerial work platform (AWP) industry in the UK has a long history, reaching back to the mid-twentieth century, when initial inventions were motivated by the need for safer and more efficient ways to access high areas in the building, maintenance, and warehousing industries. Notable advances include the late 1990s integration of sophisticated hydraulic and electric systems, which improved platform reliability, energy efficiency, and environmental friendliness. The 2000s saw the advent of hybrid and fully electric AWPs, which reduced reliance on fossil fuels. Intelligent control systems and IoT (Internet of Things)-enabled platforms are two recent technologies that provide real-time monitoring of platform health, predictive maintenance, and better safety measures. The UK AWP market is subject to rigorous safety rules, chiefly imposed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment rules (LOLER). These laws include frequent inspections, operator training, and the installation of safety equipment including harnesses, guardrails, and emergency stop systems on AWPs. Furthermore, platforms must adhere to the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), ensuring that all equipment is appropriate, safe, and well-maintained. Furthermore, AWP operators and manufacturers must comply with BS EN 280, the British Standard for mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), which specifies safety criteria, design features, and testing processes. The UK market also adheres to the ISO 18878 standard, which focusses on the training of AWP operators.

According to the research report "UK Aerial Work Platform Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the UK aerial work platform market is anticipated to grow at more than 7.91% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. The UK AWP market relies primarily on imported equipment, with key suppliers from the United States, France, and Germany. Major international manufacturers, like Terex (Genie), JLG Industries, and Haulotte, ship large quantities of AWPs to the UK market. Because domestic manufacturing is restricted, the UK relies heavily on imports of AWPs. The UK exports mostly used equipment, with secondary markets in Africa and Eastern Europe being popular destinations. Prior to being acquired by Loxam in 2017, Lavendon was a leading UK-based rental company that specialised in AWPs. Even after the acquisition, the brand Nationwide Platforms remains a prominent participant in the UK market. AFI Uplift, which is well-known for its large line of boom lifts, scissor lifts and telehandlers, also provides equipment rentals, sales and complete training. Several international brands, including JLG, Genie, and Haulotte, have a strong presence in the UK, working in partnership with local distributors and rental companies. In 2017, Loxam acquired Lavendon Group, which strengthened the rental giant's position in the European market by providing access to a larger fleet of AWPs and expanded service capabilities. Similarly, Genie and Nationwide Platforms have collaborated on training and safety programs, with the goal of educating operators on updated safety regulations and best practices for platform use. Trade events such as Vertikal Days are important forums for showcasing the latest AWPs in the UK, providing a location for manufacturers and rental firms to present their newest equipment, which include hybrid and fully electric lifts. The exhibition is also a showcase for technological developments including augmented reality (AR) devices for operator training and predictive maintenance.

In the UK aerial work platform (AWP) market, several solutions meet varied vertical access requirements, each with its own set of characteristics and applications. The three main forms of AWPs are scissor lifts, boom lifts, and vertical lifts. Scissor lifts are commonly used in construction, maintenance, and storage. Their crisscrossing supports allow them to raise straight up and are perfect for interior use on level surfaces. Boom lifts (articulating and telescopic) offer vertical and horizontal reach. Articulating boom lifts can travel over obstacles, although telescopic models have a longer horizontal reach. Boom lifts are used for construction, outdoor maintenance, and infrastructure operations that require height and flexibility. Vertical lifts are tiny, one-person platforms that raise straight up. These are typically used indoors for duties such as light maintenance, inventory picking, and minor repairs. They are lightweight and portable, making them ideal for confined locations and light duty. Scissor lifts dominate the UK market due to their adaptability, low cost, and applicability for a variety of indoor applications, particularly in construction and warehousing. International brands such as JLG, Genie, and Skyjack supply them frequently, as do domestic players such as Nationwide Platforms and AFI Uplift. Boom lifts are also popular, particularly in the outdoor and construction industries, but scissor lifts are the market leader due to its low cost, ease of use, and extensive demand across numerous sectors.

In the United Kingdom, aerial work platforms (AWPs) are used in a variety of industries, including construction, mining, transportation and logistics, and manufacturing, each having its own set of height access and mobility needs. AWPs, particularly scissor and boom lifts, are commonly employed in construction projects for building maintenance, installation and exterior work at height. Their capacity to provide secure and consistent access to elevated regions makes them vital in this industry. In mining, AWPs allow access to difficult-to-reach places for inspection and maintenance, particularly in open-pit and underground operations. Boom lifts with high weight capabilities and wide reach are recommended due to the harsh conditions and the necessity for flexibility. Scissor lifts are used extensively in warehouses and logistics centres to access high storage racks, conduct inventory checks, and execute routine maintenance. Their bigger platform size and compact design enable workers to complete numerous jobs efficiently in small indoor settings. In manufacturing, AWPs are utilised for equipment maintenance, assembly line activities, and repairs. Major suppliers include multinational firms like JLG, Genie, and Skyjack, as well as domestic rental and servicing providers like Nationwide Platforms and AFI Uplift. These companies offer a variety of solutions specialised to certain industries, making scissor lifts the preferred platform for a wide range of end-use applications.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029



Aspects covered in this report
• Aerial Work Platform market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product
• Scissor Lifts
• Boom Lifts
• Vertical Lift
• Others (All Terrains, Personal portable Lift, Rough Terrain)

By End User
• Construction
• Mining
• Transportation and Logistics
• Manufacturing
• Others

By Lifting Height
• Less than 20 Feet
• 20 Feet - 50 Feet
• More than 50 Feet

By Power Type
• Hybrid
• Electric Powered
• Engine Powered

The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Aerial Work Platform industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.