Our story so far...
The Journey of L.F. Hire and L.F. Trade & DIY Supplies
Our story begins in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2020, with the world slowly emerging from lockdown, I, Lewis Foster, was working full-time as a transport manager, but I also had a passion for DIY that ran deep. Growing up, I spent countless hours by my father’s side. My dad, a highly skilled joiner and all-around builder, gave me hands-on experience with tools from a young age. Over the years, I had accumulated a decent collection of my own equipment, but like many during that period, I was searching for a way to generate additional income for my growing family.
A Humble Start
It all started with a single post on Facebook Marketplace. I had an old petrol compactor that I had bought a few years earlier for personal projects, and I figured someone might need to hire it. I listed it online, not knowing what to expect, and to my surprise, it was a success! People started reaching out, asking for other tools and equipment — some I had, some I didn’t. In that moment, I realized there was a real demand for tool hire.
At the time, L.F. Hire wasn’t even a formal business. I was operating with only a few hundred pounds in the bank and a growing customer base, so I began to source new and used equipment, learning how to maintain and repair them through YouTube tutorials. There were plenty of challenges along the way, but I was determined to provide for my customers, whatever it took.
By early 2021, I faced another turning point. My dad, preparing to retire and emigrate abroad, had a full arsenal of tools and equipment. I knew that with his collection, I could expand the business significantly. After a bit of persuasion (and a colorful conversation), I managed to purchase his tools, and suddenly the scope of L.F. Hire grew. With a more robust fleet of equipment, we were ready to take on more customers.
Growing Pains and a Growing Business
Those early days were not without their growing pains. Our living room became more of a makeshift storage facility than a home, with chainsaws, cement mixers, and power tools scattered everywhere. With our daughter, Emily, just 3 years old, and our second child, Amelia, on the way, Amy and I knew we couldn’t continue running the business out of our house. It was time to find a proper premises.
However, finances were tight, and renting a commercial unit wasn’t feasible yet. Instead, we settled on renting shipping containers. I spent hours designing and building custom shelves to maximize space, and before long, we had several containers filled with equipment, plus a makeshift workshop for repairs. As the business grew, we took on more containers, even transforming one into a small store for nuts, bolts, and hand tools. This small shop was the first seed of what would later become L.F. Trade & DIY Supplies.
Finding New Ways to Expand
In 2021 and 2022, as L.F. Hire continued to grow, I began attending local markets and car boot sales on weekends, setting up stalls at 4 a.m. with hand tools and accessories. What started as a few tables quickly grew into a full market pitch with hundreds of product lines. These early sales efforts laid the groundwork for our retail expansion.
Then, in 2023, we had a breakthrough. A unit on the same site as our shipping containers became available for rent. While it was little more than an empty shell, I saw potential. I had always envisioned having a dedicated space for both tool hire and retail sales, and this was my opportunity. Amy and I poured our energy into transforming that empty unit into what would become the physical home of L.F. Trade & DIY Supplies. From building the stud walls to constructing the counters and displays, we worked day and night to make the shop a reality. We upcycled materials where we could, and I built a bespoke workshop in the back for equipment maintenance and repairs.
Opening the Doors to L.F. Trade & DIY Supplies
By July 2023, we were ready to open our doors. With the support of our amazing reps, including Darren from Rubi and Kevin from Toolbank, we were able to stock high-quality products from top brands like ProSolve, Centurian, Faithfull, Blue Spot, and Neilsen. These partnerships allowed us to offer the very best tools, accessories, and site essentials to our customers, both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
We didn’t stop there. In 2023 and 2024, Amy and I attended the Executive Hire Show, even making the trip while Amy was heavily pregnant with our third child! At the show, we forged new relationships with suppliers and manufacturers, ensuring that we could continue to offer the best products and services to our customers.
A Family-Run Business with Big Dreams
What started as a simple Facebook listing for a petrol compactor has grown into a thriving business, but in many ways, we feel like we’re just getting started. With the support of my fiancée, Amy, who handles the financial side of the business, and the dedication of our growing customer base, we’ve been able to create something special.
We’re not just about tool hire or retail. We’re about providing a personal, reliable service that our customers can count on. Whether you’re hiring equipment for a major construction project or picking up tools for a weekend DIY job, we’re here to help.
Our long-term vision is to continue expanding, improving our services, and offering more products. I want to build something that one day our three girls Emily, Amelia, and our youngest Sarah can be proud of, and maybe even want to take over.
We’re incredibly grateful for the support of our customers, suppliers, and community, and we’re excited to see where the future takes us. This journey has been challenging, rewarding, and full of learning, but it’s only the beginning…