Innovation Trail highlights the kit shaping hire’s next chapter

Every year, I walk the floor at the Executive Hire Show looking for the kit that genuinely moves the dial – the products that aren’t just clever on paper, but make sense for hire fleets and for the people using them day in, day out. In 2026, that search feels more relevant than ever.

The 19th Executive Hire Show is sold out, with 148 exhibitors and 25 newcomers filling every corner of the CBS Arena on 11th & 12th February.

That alone tells a story. Hire is busy, expectations are rising, and the sector is being asked to do more – cleaner, safer, smarter – often with tighter margins and less certainty about what the next 12 months will bring.

Across 2025, activity has shifted depending on sector and location, but hire has stayed firmly at the centre of how work gets done. Contractors are using it to stay agile, bring in the right machine at the right time and avoid locking themselves into long-term decisions. For hire businesses, that brings opportunity. Fleets are being asked to do more, and the kit needs to be robust, easy to run and ready for sites that increasingly expect cleaner, quieter and safer ways of working.

That is why the Innovation Trail matters this year. It brings together products that respond directly to what the market is dealing with right now – from safer working and cleaner processes to smarter use of power, water and time. Positioned front and centre on the show floor, it is designed to be practical, hands-on and relevant, with live demonstrations built around the realities of plant and tool hire.

This year’s line-up includes electric and low-emission equipment, smarter site systems and cleaner working solutions that make a difference day to day. Together, they offer a clear picture of where hire is heading – practical innovation that is ready for site, ready for fleets, and ready to support the changing demands of the market.

A key part of the Innovation Trail is its credibility. The ‘live’ shortlist has been created with the support of the team at Hire United, and all 10 products have been independently verified before selection. That process ensures the Trail reflects genuine innovation rather than marketing claims, giving visitors confidence that each product has been assessed by people with real, hands-on experience of hire and an understanding of what works in the field.

Products on the Innovation Trail:

Avant Power

The Avant Power OptiTemp Cube 50 is a compact portable energy storage system designed to support electric loaders and work machines on site. It provides two full charges for Avant’s 27kWh battery and up to four charges for the 13kWh version, helping extend working time without relying on fixed power. Using immersion cooling and an intelligent thermal management system, it maintains optimum performance in both hot and cold conditions, automatically pre-heating in low temperatures and regulating heat during use. The result is a robust, high-density power solution built for real-world hire and site environments.

Altrad Belle

Altrad Belle’s BMD 300E+ is a heavy-duty, battery-powered mini dumper designed for professional use across rugged terrain. Powered by an 82V lithium-ion system, it delivers emission-free performance with the strength to handle loads up to 300kg, climb 20-degree inclines and operate safely indoors or in poorly ventilated environments. Built for hire, it combines durability, versatility and zero-emission working without compromise.

Demon Pressure Washers

The Demon Pressure Washers Tornado Maxi Bowser E is the first fully electric, self-propelled industrial pressure washer with a genuinely long run time. Using a 24V LiFePO4 battery system, it delivers up to four hours of real-world working time without cables or generators. With a 225-litre onboard tank and powered drive, it provides true go-anywhere cleaning for construction, facilities management and local authority work.

Rubi

Rubi’s DC-250 Smart Advance introduces intelligent automation to tile cutting. Its automatic feed system adjusts motor speed and feed rate in real time, delivering consistent, precise cuts across different materials. By reducing blade stress and adapting continuously during operation, it improves finish quality, extends blade life and boosts productivity for professional users.

Himoinsa

Himoinsa’s HCompact+ lighting tower rethinks traditional design through the use of a heavy-duty polyethylene canopy, reducing weight, lowering noise and enabling full recyclability at end of life. Delivering 210,000 lumens with ultra-quiet operation, it is engineered for construction, rental and events where low noise, efficiency and sustainability are essential.

Husqvarna

Husqvarna’s A25, A45 and A100 air cleaners are designed to tackle dust and airborne contaminants on site in a safe, efficient way. Lightweight, stackable and easy to transport, they feature intelligent design, IPX4 protection and LED status indicators. With HEPA filtration as standard and optional carbon filtering, they provide practical dust control for modern construction environments.

Steve Vick International

RENSET is a portable, emission-free power system built for modern site demands. Its interchangeable LiFePO4 battery modules can be swapped without interrupting the load, allowing continuous operation. With peak output of up to 10kW and a rugged, weatherproof design, RENSET offers a practical alternative to diesel generators for tools, cabins and light equipment.

ABAX

ABAX Site Operations is a plug-and-play visibility system that gives businesses real-time oversight of tools, materials and equipment across indoor and outdoor sites. Using Locator and Hub technology, it creates live coverage zones and a unified digital map of assets, removing guesswork, reducing losses and improving utilisation without the cost or complexity of traditional tracking systems.

Shindaiwa

The Shindaiwa INMP82R Site Bright is a compact, mobile rechargeable floodlight delivering up to 11,000 lumens for 12 hours. With adjustable heads, multiple lighting modes and a maximum height of 2230mm, it is quick to deploy and easy to move. IP66 protection, warning lights and an ATEX option make it suitable for emergency and hazardous environments.

Kelly Tanks

Kelly Tanks’ MINI is a portable concrete washout system designed for small tools and site use. A built-in water tank feeds the wash hose into an adsorption sack that captures solids, while pumps recycle the water for continuous use without discharge.

The Executive Hire Show 2026 takes place on 11th and 12th February at the Coventry Building Society Arena.
Register to attend: https://forms.reg.buzz/executive-hire-show-2026