The UK forklift industry operates under a strict regulatory framework, a well-established training and certification system, and a diverse range of suppliers. This article covers the essential information for operating or purchasing forklifts in the UK market.
Regulations and Compliance
Forklift operations in the UK are governed by two primary sets of regulations:
LOLER (Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998) covers the lifting mechanism of the forklift. It requires a Thorough Examination at least every 12 months for standard forklifts. However, forklift forks are classified as "lifting accessories" and require a separate examination every 6 months. Equipment used to lift personnel must be examined every 6 months.
PUWER (Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998) requires that the entire forklift is safe to operate. This covers brakes, steering, tyres, seatbelts, horns, and mirrors—items that are not covered by a LOLER-only inspection. Employers must comply with both LOLER and PUWER; treating one as optional leaves a dangerous compliance gap.
CFTS Thorough Examination
The CFTS (Consolidated Fork Truck Services) standard provides a thorough examination that covers both LOLER and PUWER requirements in one consistent process. CFTS is the UK's national accrediting body for Thorough Examinations, established to ensure uniformly high standards across British industry.
Road Use
Forklifts can be driven on UK public roads, but they must be registered with the DVLA, taxed, and insured. Forklifts travelling less than 1000 yards may qualify as a "work truck" and do not require registration for road use, but insurance is still required. Travel over 1000 yards requires full road vehicle compliance. Operators must hold both a full UK driving licence and a forklift operator certificate.
Training and Certification
Forklift operator training in the UK is accredited by bodies including RTITB, ITSSAR, NPORS, AITT, and LANTRA. Training follows the HSE's Approved Code of Practice L117.
Training Type Duration Description
Novice 3–5 days Complete training for those with no previous experience
Experienced Operator 1–2 days Assessment and gap training for operators without formal certification
Refresher 1 day For certified operators needing to renew their licence
Conversion 1–3 days For certified operators learning a new type of equipment
The ABA (Accrediting Bodies Association) brings together the five major UK accrediting bodies for workplace transport training. Changes effective from 19 January 2026 affect how forklift and materials handling equipment training is categorised and certified across the UK.
The minimum age to drive a forklift in the UK is 16, though age restrictions may apply depending on the weight of the forklift when fully laden.
Major UK Forklift Suppliers
Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks is available in the UK through an established dealer network.
Jofson is an independent supplier with over 100 years of combined experience, established in 1977. In 2025, Jofson unified with Endeavour Forklifts and Alto Handling under a single entity. The company is a Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks Dealer of the Year, serving customers in Birmingham, Manchester, Rotherham, and throughout the Midlands.
Other Key Suppliers:
Bennie Equipment – Offers JCB, Flexi, Combilift, Aisle-Master, and other brands
Bolzoni Ltd – The UK's largest supplier of forklift attachments
Forktruck Solutions – A leading UK provider of electric forklifts
Acclaim Handling – A British company offering a comprehensive range of equipment
Market Trends
The UK forklift market was valued at $5.01 billion in 2024** and is expected to reach **$6.99 billion by 2030 (CAGR 5.71%). More recent forecasts project the market reaching $21.32 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 15.2% from 2026 to 2033.
Key trends:
Electric forklifts are increasingly dominant due to zero emissions, lower operating costs, and lithium-ion batteries. The traditional 60–40 split in favour of internal combustion trucks is rapidly shifting as electric models become more capable of handling heavy loads and outdoor environments.
Telematics and IoT integration are becoming standard for fleet management
Autonomous forklifts are an emerging segment
The used and refurbished electric forklift market is growing at 5.5% CAGR globally
Electric forklifts reduce daily running costs by up to 50% compared to diesel models
The Bottom Line
Operating a forklift in the UK requires compliance with LOLER (lifting mechanism inspections) and PUWER (whole-truck safety). Operators must hold accredited certification, and road use requires vehicle registration, tax, insurance, and a full UK driving licence. The market is growing steadily, with electric models leading the shift toward sustainability and lower operating costs. Major suppliers include Mitsubishi (through dealers like Jofson), Bennie Equipment, and Bolzoni. The CFTS Thorough Examination standard provides the industry benchmark for compliance inspections covering both LOLER and PUWER requirements.