Cost of Audio Visual Equipment Hire
across the UK

# Audio Visual Equipment Hire Trade Body Accreditation

The main UK trade bodies relevant to audio visual equipment hire include the Association of Independent Show and Event Professionals (AISEP), the Association for Event Management (AEM), and in some cases, relevant insurance and safety certifications such as those from CHAS (Contractors Health and Safety Assessment Scheme) or certification under BS 6220 standards for equipment safety. Membership of these bodies means a provider has demonstrated professional standards, agreed to a code of conduct, and typically carries appropriate insurance. CHAS accreditation particularly matters because it shows the company has been audited for health and safety compliance, which is critical when equipment is being installed in live event environments. These accreditations are voluntary, so their presence signals commitment to best practice rather than mandatory legal compliance alone.

To verify a provider's credentials, check their membership directly on the relevant trade body websites—AEM and AISEP both maintain public registers of members—and ask for documentary proof such as membership certificates or CHAS cards. You can also request references from previous clients and verify insurance through their broker if needed. This verification matters because accreditation gives you contractual protection; if an accredited member breaches their code of conduct, you have a formal complaints process and recourse through the trade body, rather than relying solely on contract law. It also provides assurance that equipment has been properly maintained and that staff are trained to industry standards, reducing the risk of equipment failure or safety incidents during your event.

Accredited AV hire providers typically charge 10 to 20 percent more than non-accredited competitors, reflecting the costs of membership, insurance, training, and regular audits. However, this premium is generally justified because you're paying for accountability, reduced liability risk, and the confidence that equipment will be properly specified, installed, and supported. For business-critical events or