Frequently Asked Questions
If you can't find what you're looking for here, just give us a call on 01273 911382 or drop us an email - we're always happy to talk through anything.
Van Hire
Can I do a one-way hire - pick up in the UK and drop off in Europe (or vice versa)?
Yes, absolutely. This is something we do regularly. Just tell us your start and end points when you get in touch and we'll quote for collection accordingly. There's no set charge as it depends on the drop location and timing but we'll be clear about the cost upfront.
Can you deliver the van to Heathrow or Gatwick when we land?
Yes. We can meet you at any UK or EU train station or airport with the van ready to go. If you've also hired backline from us, we can have it pre-loaded in the van so everything is in one place when you collect. Just let us know your flight details and we'll arrange a meet point.
Can we leave the van in Amsterdam / Paris / Berlin at the end of our tour?
Yes. We'll collect it from wherever you finish. Just include your end point in your enquiry so we can factor in the collection cost.
Do we need a special licence to drive the van?
No, all of our vehicles are drivable on a standard Category B car licence. The driver needs to be 23 or over, have held a full licence for at least two years, and have no more than 6 points in the last three years. If you fall outside those terms, we may still be able to insure you, we'll just need to refer you to our insurers.
Is European driving really included?
Yes! Fully comprehensive insurance and EU-wide breakdown cover are included in all our hire prices as standard. The only additional charge is for a VE103b certificate at £25+VAT per trip. There are no mileage limits either.
Can you supply a driver if we don't want to self-drive?
Yes, we can arrange experienced tour drivers on request. Just mention it when you get in touch and we'll include it in your quote.
Can we leave our own vehicle with you while we're on hire?
Usually yes, and normally without charge. Just ask when you book and we'll confirm.
Do you accept out-of-hours returns?
Yes, usually without surcharge. We're flexible about returns, just let us know in advance so we can arrange it.
Backline Hire
Do you deliver backline to venues?
Yes. We deliver and collect backline throughout the UK and Europe to any venue, festival, hotel etc. If you've also hired a van from us, we can pre-load your gear into the van at our warehouse, so it's all in one place from day one.
Can you put together a fly pack - a small digital rig for an artist who's flying in?
Yes, this is something we do a lot. A typical fly pack might include a compact digital desk, IEMs, mic package and any transformers needed for US-spec equipment. Send us your stage plot and input list and we'll build a package around it.
What if you don't have a specific piece of gear we need?
Get in touch and tell us what you're after. We have a wide network of trusted partners in the industry, and if we can't supply something ourselves we can almost certainly source it. We'll always be straight with you about whether we have something or need to bring it in from elsewhere.
Do you support specific brands or artist endorsements?
Yes , we are endorsement suppliers for a number of industry-leading manufacturers. If an artist has a preference or an endorsement deal, let us know and we'll do our best to accommodate it.
Can I hire backline without hiring a van?
Of course! Backline hire is completely separate from vehicle hire - take whatever combination suits your tour.
Do you supply carnets for equipment crossing international borders?
Yes, we can assist with carnets for international touring. Mention it when you enquire and we'll make sure it's covered.
Combination Hires (Van + Backline)
Can you provide van and backline as a single package?
Yes, and this is one of the things that sets us apart. Because we do both, we can pre-load your backline into your van at our warehouse before you collect, or before we deliver to you. It saves you a separate delivery, a separate point of contact, and usually some money too. One call, one quote, one collection.
Can we rehearse at your place at the start of the hire?
Yes. We have two excellent rehearsal rooms at our warehouse. A lot of international touring clients book a day or two of rehearsal at the start of their hire - it's a good way to check your hired gear, get the band tight, and start the tour properly. Because all the equipment is already here, it's a very natural first stop.
Rehearsal Rooms
What are the rehearsal rooms like?
We have two rooms here at The Loft: our main production room, and a second room for smaller setups. Both are fully equipped with lots of power, natural daylight, good acoustics, and proper air conditioning. Take them empty or with our PA and/or backline. They're popular with touring artists doing production rehearsals as well as local bands and recording projects, and indeed video and photo shoots.
Can I rehearse on the backline I've hired before I take it out on tour?
Absolutely - that's one of the most sensible things you can do. If your hire backline is already here, we'll set it up in the room for you.
International Bands & Fly-In Tours
We're flying into Heathrow and touring the UK then Europe. How do we start?
Get in touch with your dates, routing, party size and backline requirements. We'll put together a quote covering the van (and backline if needed), confirm a meet point at Heathrow, and you'll be ready to collect and go on arrival. If you want to build in rehearsal time first, we can do that too.
We're ending our tour in Amsterdam - can you collect the van there?
Yes. Just include your end destination in your enquiry. We'll confirm the collection logistics and include any collection cost in your overall quote so you know exactly what you're paying. If you can get there in a van, we can meet you there!
Do you work with international booking agents and tour managers?
All the time. Whether the enquiry comes from the artist management, a tour manager, a booking agent or the band directly, we're used to working across the chain. We'll liaise with whoever needs to be involved.
We're a US band - can we drive on our US licence?
No problem! So long as you meet our other terms (aged over 23; no more than 6 points in last three years; held a full licence for 2+ years) then that's usually fine. Same for Australian, NZ, Canadian licences etc - all fine!
TV, Film & Production
Do you work with TV and film productions?
Yes. We regularly supply instruments, amplifiers and other production equipment to TV and film shoots. We're used to working around call sheets and production schedules, and we understand that returns need to happen on time. Give us a call to discuss your project.
Storage
Can we store equipment or flight cases with you between tour legs?
Yes, we offer secure storage at our warehouse. This is especially useful for international touring artists who want to leave equipment in the UK rather than shipping it back and forth. Get in touch for pricing based on volume and duration, either short term or long term.
Can we store our own vehicle with you while we're on tour?
Usually yes and usually without charge - just confirm when you book.
General
How far in advance should I book?
As early as possible for peak periods (April/May; summer festival season). That said, we're used to last-minute requests and will always do our best to accommodate them. If we can't, we'll say so straight away.
Where exactly are you based?
We're in Portslade, about 4 miles west of Brighton, 70 minutes from Heathrow and 30 minutes from Gatwick. We're close to the A27 and A23, giving good access north to London and the M25, and east/west along the south coast into cities such as Southampton, Portsmouth and Bournemouth one way and Bexhill, Margate and Hastings the other.
Are you members of any industry bodies?
Yes, we're proud members of the BVRLA (British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association), and we're part of the 1% For The Planet movement, donating 1% of our annual turnover to environmental causes.
How do I get a quote?
Call us on 01273 911382 or use our contact form. Tell us your dates, your routing, how many people, and what backline you need. We'll come back to you quickly with a clear, itemised quote.
