For decades, the UK statutory engineering inspection market has operated in much the same way. Businesses rely on a handful of large national inspection bodies, inherit contracts from predecessors, or take recommendations from insurers — often with little visibility of whether they are getting good value or the most competent provider for their needs.
Compare Engineering is changing this. As the UK's first dedicated marketplace for statutory engineering inspections, we connect businesses with accredited and specialist inspection providers across LOLER, PSSR, PUWER, LEV, and other statutory regimes — making it straightforward to compare quotes, check credentials, and appoint the right provider.
The Problem with the Current Inspection Market
The statutory inspection sector is not like other professional services markets. There is no central directory of providers with transparent pricing. There is no standardised way to compare quotes. Businesses typically cannot tell, from a quote alone, whether one provider is more competent than another in a given discipline.
The result is a market characterised by opacity, inertia, and significant price variation:
- Price variation of 30–50% for equivalent inspections is not unusual. Two UKAS-accredited bodies inspecting the same equipment on the same site can quote very different prices.
- Quality variation is real but hard to detect until something goes wrong. The competence and experience of inspection engineers varies considerably, even within UKAS-accredited bodies.
- Administrative burden falls heavily on businesses. Chasing quotes, comparing proposals in different formats, checking accreditation status, and managing inspection due dates across multiple providers is time-consuming.
- Inertia benefits incumbent providers. Most businesses renew existing contracts without conducting a market review — not because the incumbent is necessarily the best option, but because comparison is difficult.
What a Statutory Inspection Marketplace Solves
A marketplace model addresses these problems directly.
Transparency on price — By presenting quotes from multiple providers on the same scope, a marketplace makes price comparison straightforward. Businesses can see the spread of market pricing and understand whether their current or proposed quote is competitive.
Transparency on credentials — A marketplace can display provider accreditation, scope, qualifications, and sector experience in a standardised format, making it easier to assess competence alongside price.
Efficiency — Rather than contacting five inspection bodies individually, waiting for quotes in different formats, and spending hours comparing them, a marketplace enables simultaneous quote requests and standardised responses.
Better outcomes — When businesses can compare properly, they make better decisions. They appoint more competent providers, pay fairer prices, and receive better service.
What Statutory Inspections Does Compare Engineering Cover?
Compare Engineering covers the full range of statutory engineering inspection regimes relevant to UK businesses:
LOLER — Lifting Equipment Inspection Covers all lifting equipment and accessories used at work: overhead cranes, fork-lift trucks, passenger lifts, vehicle hoists, chain blocks, slings, and associated accessories. LOLER requires thorough examination every 6 or 12 months depending on equipment type.
PSSR — Pressure Systems Examination Covers steam boilers, compressed air systems, pressurised pipework, autoclaves, refrigeration plant, and related equipment. PSSR requires examination under a Written Scheme of Examination prepared by a competent person.
LEV — Local Exhaust Ventilation Examination Covers all LEV systems used to control exposure to hazardous substances, including welding fume extraction, woodworking dust extraction, fume cupboards, and spray booths. COSHH requires examination at least every 14 months.
PUWER — Work Equipment Inspection Covers machinery, powered tools, and other work equipment where safety depends on installation conditions or where deterioration could cause danger.
Electrical — Fixed Installation Testing Covers fixed electrical installations in commercial and industrial premises, including distribution boards, wiring, and associated equipment.
Additional regimes — We are expanding coverage across the full range of statutory engineering inspection requirements for UK businesses.
Who Are the Inspection Providers on Compare Engineering?
Compare Engineering lists UKAS-accredited inspection bodies and specialist independent providers with demonstrated competence in their areas of expertise. We do not list unqualified or unaccredited providers.
For each provider, we display:
- UKAS accreditation status and scope
- Relevant professional body memberships
- Geographic coverage
- Sector experience
- Customer ratings (where available)
We take impartiality seriously. Our purpose is to help businesses find the right provider, not to favour one provider over another. We do not accept commercial arrangements that would compromise the neutrality of our comparisons.
How Compare Engineering Works
Step 1 — Tell us what you need Enter details about your equipment (types, quantities, site location) and the inspection regime(s) you require. We have made this as straightforward as possible — you do not need to know the regulatory terminology to get started.
Step 2 — Receive quotes from multiple providers Relevant providers on our marketplace will respond with quotes based on your requirements. Because all quotes use the same scope, they are comparable on a like-for-like basis.
Step 3 — Compare and choose Review quotes alongside provider credentials and service information. Ask questions, check details, and appoint the provider that best fits your needs.
Step 4 — Stay compliant Your inspection history is maintained in your Compare Engineering account, with reminders when inspections are due. You can view all your reports in one place and manage renewals without the administrative overhead.
Is Compare Engineering Suitable for All Businesses?
Compare Engineering is built for any UK business that has statutory inspection obligations. That includes:
- Manufacturing facilities
- Construction companies and plant hire operators
- Warehousing and logistics operations
- Engineering and fabrication businesses
- Facilities management companies
- NHS and healthcare organisations
- Hospitality and leisure venues with lifting equipment or pressure systems
- Local authorities and public sector organisations
Whether you have a handful of items or a large fleet across multiple sites, the marketplace approach is relevant. Larger programmes benefit most from the price transparency and the ability to compare specialist vs. generalist providers.
The Benefit of Independent Comparison
Compare Engineering is independent of the inspection bodies listed on our platform. We do not have financial arrangements with specific providers that would compromise our impartiality. Our business model is to facilitate fair comparison, not to direct business to preferred partners.
This independence matters. Insurers, brokers, and industry bodies often have commercial relationships with specific inspection providers. That does not mean they recommend poor providers — but it does mean the recommendation is not neutral. When you use Compare Engineering, you are getting an impartial view of the market.
What Makes a Good Inspection Provider?
Selecting an inspection provider is not solely about price. The best outcome for your business is one where:
- The inspection is thorough and competent — defects are identified, not missed
- The written report is compliant, clear, and promptly delivered
- The provider supports you in understanding and acting on any findings
- The price is fair and competitive relative to the scope and the market
Compare Engineering helps you assess all of these dimensions, not just cost.
Get Started with Compare Engineering
Compare Engineering is the UK's engineering inspection marketplace. Compare. Inspect. Save.
Visit compareengineering.com to request inspection quotes, compare providers, and take control of your statutory inspection programme.
This article is for general guidance only. Statutory inspection requirements vary by equipment type, sector, and circumstances. Always consult a competent person for advice specific to your business.