SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey is a well-established name in the UK commercial vehicle rental industry, known for offering flexible hire options, specialist vehicles, and professional fleet support. Originally based in Romsey, Hampshire, England, the company started as a family-run operation and gradually became one of the most respected fleet providers in the region. Over time, it has grown and evolved, eventually becoming part of a larger global mobility group, ensuring its services remain competitive and far-reaching.
Businesses across southern England and beyond have relied on SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey for reliable, purpose-built transport solutions. The company’s reputation stems from its decades of experience in understanding business requirements and providing vehicles that meet a wide variety of operational needs. Whether a company needs a standard van for deliveries or a specialised off-road vehicle for construction work, SHB has been a trusted provider for nearly half a century.
Origins and Early History
SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey began life as SHB Hire Ltd, officially incorporated on 29 September 1978. In its early years, the company was small and family-owned, but it quickly earned a reputation for personalised service and attention to customer needs. Unlike larger, impersonal rental operations, SHB focused on understanding the unique requirements of each client. This approach allowed the company to expand steadily, adding vehicles such as 4×4s, tippers, golf buggies, and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) to its fleet.
Industry Recognition and Awards
The company’s dedication to service quality and customer satisfaction did not go unnoticed. As SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey expanded its operations, it earned recognition in the industry, including awards like the Van/Truck Rental Company of the Year at the Commercial Fleet Van Awards in 2015 and Supplier of the Year at the Fleet Van Awards in 2014. These awards highlighted the company’s commitment to reliability, fleet diversity, and professionalism, cementing its position as a leader in the vehicle hire sector.
Acquisition by Enterprise Rent-A-Car
A significant turning point for SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey came in 2019 when it was acquired by Enterprise Rent-A-Car UK, part of the global Enterprise Holdings group. The acquisition, completed under the Enterprise Flex-E-Rent brand in April 2020, marked a new era for the company. This integration allowed SHB’s long-standing customers to benefit from a larger and more diverse fleet, advanced fleet management tools, nationwide depot coverage, and enhanced customer support. The core strengths of SHB were maintained while gaining the advantages of a global operational network.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Company Name | SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey |
| Founded | 29 September 1978 |
| Location | Romsey, Hampshire, England |
| Industry | Vehicle Hire / Fleet Solutions |
| Services | Van hire, truck hire, 4×4/off-road vehicles, specialist vehicles, custom builds |
| Acquired By | Enterprise Rent-A-Car UK (2019) |
| Key Features | Flexible hire terms, nationwide coverage, professional maintenance, custom vehicles |
| Website | shb.co.uk |
Fleet Diversity and Specialist Vehicles
Even after its integration with Enterprise, SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey retained features that distinguished it from other vehicle hire companies. One of the most notable advantages is its broad and specialist fleet. SHB has historically offered a variety of vehicles beyond standard cars and vans, including light commercial vehicles, heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), pickups, off-road 4x4s, and event-specific vehicles such as golf buggies and ATVs. This diversity makes SHB particularly appealing to sectors like construction, logistics, utilities, and local government, where specialised transport solutions are often required.
Flexible Rental Options
Another defining characteristic of SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey is its flexible rental options. Clients can choose from short-term rentals for temporary projects, fixed-term agreements with predictable pricing, or long-term fleet solutions that align with business growth plans. Additionally, the company offers ad-hoc vehicle hire for urgent or unforeseen requirements. This flexibility allows businesses to operate efficiently without the burden of vehicle ownership or long-term lease commitments, providing both convenience and financial control.
Maintenance and Fleet Management
Maintenance and fleet management have always been a cornerstone of SHB’s service. SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey provides scheduled servicing, MOT and compliance testing, 24/7 breakdown support, and mobile technicians who can attend sites to minimise downtime. Regulatory compliance and safety inspections are also handled professionally, ensuring that vehicles remain safe and legal for road use. These services make SHB a reliable partner for businesses whose operations rely heavily on mobile transport solutions.
Custom Vehicle Fabrication
Beyond standard rentals, SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey also offers custom fabrication and specialist vehicle builds. The company’s depots are equipped to design and construct vehicle bodies tailored to specific business needs. From utility vehicles and service rigs to maintenance trucks, SHB has enabled clients to obtain vehicles that are built precisely for their operational requirements. This capability sets SHB apart as more than just a rental company; it is a true fleet solutions provider.
Benefits for Businesses and Individuals
Customers of SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey enjoy numerous advantages. The company provides access to one of the most comprehensive commercial fleets in the UK, spanning small vans, heavy trucks, and specialist vehicles. Flexible contracts allow businesses to scale their fleets according to seasonal demands or project requirements. Professional fleet support ensures vehicles remain safe, operational, and compliant, while national depot coverage provides convenience and accessibility. By offering hire solutions rather than vehicle ownership, SHB also helps businesses save capital and avoid depreciation costs.
Corporate Culture and Customer Focus
The corporate culture of SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey emphasizes honesty, responsiveness, efficiency, and customer-first service. Even after joining Enterprise, these values continue to guide operations. The company prioritises fair treatment of clients, listens to feedback, and continuously seeks to improve service quality. This focus on customer satisfaction has been a consistent element of SHB’s identity throughout its history.
Impact of Enterprise Integration
Integration with Enterprise brought additional advantages to the legacy of SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey. Customers now have access to an even larger combined fleet, advanced fleet management systems, enhanced customer service infrastructure, and a growing selection of electric and low-emission vehicles. Financial backing from a global organisation provides greater operational stability and allows SHB to innovate in ways that would not have been possible as a standalone business. This ensures that the company remains a leader in the UK vehicle hire market
Future Outlook
Looking to the future, the principles that have made SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey successful continue to influence commercial vehicle hire standards. The business is embracing electric and hybrid commercial vehicles, advanced diagnostics and telematics, AI-driven fleet management tools, faster digital booking platforms, and stronger emissions compliance solutions. These innovations ensure that SHB remains at the forefront of the industry while meeting the evolving needs of modern businesses.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey has evolved from a small family-run hire company into a major fleet solutions provider within the UK. Its broad and diverse vehicle offering, professional maintenance support, custom build capabilities, flexible hire terms, and customer-focused approach have made it a trusted partner for businesses across multiple sectors. Today, under the Enterprise Flex-E-Rent network, the SHB legacy continues to deliver high-quality, reliable, and flexible vehicle hire solutions. Whether a company requires a short-term van, a bespoke service truck, or a long-term fleet solution, SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey remains synonymous with excellence and professionalism.
FAQs
Q: What is SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey?
A: SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey is a UK-based company offering commercial and personal vehicle hire, including vans, trucks, 4x4s, and specialist vehicles.
Q: Where is SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey located?
A: It is based in Romsey, Hampshire, England, and operates depots across the UK for nationwide vehicle hire services.
Q: What types of vehicles can I hire from SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey?
A: Customers can hire standard vans, light commercial vehicles, heavy goods trucks, 4x4s, and customised specialist vehicles.
Q: Can SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey provide short-term rentals?
A: Yes, SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey offers flexible short-term, long-term, and ad-hoc vehicle hire options for businesses and individuals.
Q: Does SHB Vehicle Hire Romsey offer vehicle maintenance support?
A: Yes, they provide scheduled servicing, 24/7 breakdown assistance, MOT checks, and fleet compliance support.
