Quick answer
The best-known temporary building suppliers in the UK include Portakabin, Algeco, Wernick and Elliott.
The right choice depends on whether you need modular offices, site compounds, temporary warehouses or industrial workshop structures – and whether groundworks, access, power and welfare servicing have been planned correctly.
- Modular site offices: Portakabin, Algeco, Wernick
- Temporary warehouses: Spaciotempo, Losberger De Boer
- Common delay: welfare, drainage and access not aligned with building install
Temporary buildings are central to site mobilisation across construction, utilities, infrastructure and industrial projects.
This independent guide outlines the main UK suppliers and the practical factors that determine whether a temporary building works efficiently on site.
Related euroloo industry guides
UK Temporary Building Market (2026)
Temporary and modular buildings are typically deployed for:
- Site offices and contractor compounds
- Temporary workshops
- Large-span warehouse structures
- Infrastructure hubs
- Education and healthcare overflow space
Demand is closely aligned with infrastructure investment and industrial capacity shifts – sectors also covered in our
Facilities Management guide and Water Utilities overview.
Top Temporary Building Suppliers in the UK
Portakabin
Best for: Modular offices and long-term compounds
Official website
Algeco
Best for: Large hire fleets and national coverage
Official website
Wernick Group
Best for: Portable accommodation and modular buildings
Official website
Elliott Group
Best for: Relocatable modular buildings
Official website
Premier Modular
McAvoy
Spaciotempo
Best for: Temporary warehouses and industrial structures
Official website
Losberger De Boer
Röder
Neptunus
Hire vs Buy
- Short-term projects usually favour hire.
- Long-term installations require cost modelling.
- Relocation, crane access and reinstatement must be factored.
Planning & Building Regulations
Temporary buildings may require planning permission depending on duration and site context.
Drainage, fire safety and sanitation arrangements must also comply with regulations.
For operational risk planning, see our guide: No Water at Work.
Site Setup Checklist
- Groundworks and level base
- Access for HIAB/crane delivery
- Power connection or generator placement
- Drainage and waste servicing
- Welfare and sanitation planning
Key takeaways
- UK temporary building suppliers fall into two main categories: modular offices/compounds and engineered industrial/warehouse structures.
- Hire vs buy is mainly a duration and relocation risk decision — include install and removal costs in the model.
- Most delays come from base prep, access, power lead times, drainage and welfare servicing not being aligned before delivery.
FAQs
Do temporary buildings need planning permission?
It depends on duration and local authority interpretation.
Are temporary buildings covered by building regulations?
In many cases, yes – especially where occupied.
What causes delays during installation?
Groundworks, power lead times, drainage planning and welfare provision.
