Cost of Marquee Hire
across the UK

# Marquee Hire Trade Body Accreditation

The main trade body governing marquee hire in the UK is the British Association of Removers (BAR), though marquee companies more commonly hold accreditation through the Association of Independent Festivals & Events (AIFE) or are members of the Event Supplier Association. Some providers also seek certification under relevant health and safety standards such as BS 6954, which covers temporary structures, or hold qualifications through the Association for Exhibitions and Events (AEE). These accreditations mean the provider has undergone formal vetting, maintains public liability insurance at required levels, and adheres to industry standards regarding safety, structural integrity, and professional conduct. Understanding which bodies certify your potential supplier helps establish what safeguards and guarantees apply to your hire.

To verify a provider's accreditation, ask directly for their membership number and certificate, then cross-check this on the relevant trade body's website where legitimate members are typically listed. This verification step is worth the effort because it provides genuine assurance that the company has passed independent safety inspections, maintains appropriate insurance cover, and has recourse mechanisms if things go wrong. Accredited companies are also required to display their credentials transparently, so if a marquee hire firm cannot easily produce evidence of membership or becomes evasive about their standing, this is a genuine red flag. A quick telephone call to the trade body itself can confirm status within minutes and gives you peace of mind before committing funds.

Accredited marquee hire providers often charge 10 to 25 percent more than unaccredited competitors, reflecting the costs of maintaining membership, insurance, and compliance standards. While this premium may seem significant, it typically proves worthwhile because you gain structural safety guarantees, professional liability protection, and formal complaint procedures that unaccredited traders simply cannot offer. In the event of weather damage, structural failure, or