When you’re getting ready to launch a construction job or plan an event, there’s plenty to think about - and setting up the right facilities should be near the top of that list. Whether it’s somewhere to store gear or a space where your team can eat, change, and take a break, having the right setup makes a big difference.

At Willbox, we’ve been helping customers across the UK with the right cabins and units for over 25 years. This guide walks you through the key things to think about before hiring, from understanding the types of units available to choosing what works best for your site.

What’s the difference between site accommodation and welfare units?

Site accommodation gives you the infrastructure needed to run a project on-site. This includes office cabins, storage units, meeting rooms, and sleeping spaces - all the core facilities that support operational tasks and site management.

Welfare units, on the other hand, are focused on your team’s wellbeing and compliance with health and safety regulations. These typically include toilets, sinks, canteens or eating areas, changing rooms, drying rooms, and sometimes shower facilities. They’re essential for maintaining hygiene, comfort, and morale – and are often a legal requirement on construction sites.

Both types are key to a successful setup, and most projects benefit from a mix of the two.

Things to Think Through Before You Book Your Units

1. Is it a construction site or an event?

Construction sites and events have very different needs. A long-term project may need heavy-duty cabins and full welfare setups, while a festival or short-term event usually benefits from quick-to-set-up units that can be removed without hassle.

2. How many people will be using the facilities?

Whether it’s a small team or a big crew, the number of people on-site will determine how many units you need. A compact welfare unit might be fine for a handful of workers, but once you’re dealing with larger groups - especially on public events - you’ll need to think about scaling up. That might include more toilets, a bigger canteen, or separate facilities for different users.

3. Is this a short job or something long-term?

The length of your project plays a big part in what to hire. For short-term work, towable or mobile welfare units usually do the trick. If your project is set to run for weeks or months, it’s worth going for more spacious, static setups that offer better comfort for the team.

4. What’s access like on the ground?

Site layout can impact which units will work best. If you’re dealing with narrow gates, limited turning space, or uneven ground, that could affect delivery and positioning. We’ll help you figure out what’s practical and make sure everything gets where it needs to go.

5. Is the site hooked up to mains power and water?

Some sites have full access to utilities, others don’t. If yours is off-grid or remote, self-contained units with their own generator and water supply are often the best option. They give you everything you need - wherever you need it - without depending on mains connections.

6. Is the weather going to be a factor?

Cold or wet conditions? A heated drying room can make a big difference. In warm weather, airflow and shade help your team stay focused and comfortable.

7. Trying to cut emissions or meet green targets?

Our eco welfare units feature solar panels and low-energy systems. They help cut your site’s carbon footprint and keep running costs down.

8. Are you covered for CDM requirements?

UK construction law (specifically the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations) requires proper welfare facilities: toilets, hot and cold water, areas to take breaks, and somewhere to change and dry clothing. We’ll help you stay compliant from the outset. Learn more about CDM Regulations

Types of Units Available

Below is a breakdown of the kinds of units you might want to consider. Each one serves a slightly different purpose, depending on how your site is set up and what your team needs day to day:

• Office cabins - A solid base for your team to handle admin, briefings, and meetings. These insulated cabins often include desks, heating, lights, and sockets, making them comfortable and practical workspaces.
• Canteens and mess rooms - These are the places your team can sit down, eat a hot meal, and get a proper break. Most are fitted with tables, benches, a sink or kettle, and heaters to keep things cosy.
• Drying rooms  - Working in bad weather? These heated units help your team dry wet coats and boots between shifts, keeping everyone more comfortable and avoiding health issues related to damp gear.
• Combo units - These space-saving cabins combine two uses in one. For example, you might have an office joined to a toilet area or a drying room connected to a storage space.
• Mobile welfare units - Ideal for smaller or temporary setups. Easy to move, they usually come with a toilet, small seating area, and kitchen space, giving your team a place to recharge. They’re easy to tow into place and typically include a toilet, a bit of seating, and a kitchenette area.
• Static welfare units - Better for long-term projects. These larger cabins often have separate areas for washing, eating, and changing, and they provide more comfort for bigger teams.
• Towable welfare units - For teams that shift locations regularly, these road-legal units are quick to move and just as fast to set up. They’re handy when you need flexibility.
• Eco units - Built with greener projects in mind. These cabins often include solar panels, LED lighting, and better insulation to help reduce emissions and energy costs.

All our welfare units arrive clean and ready to go. If your hire lasts a while, we also offer regular servicing to keep everything running safely and smoothly.

How They Support Your Site or Event

Picture a typical construction site at the start of a job. You’ll likely begin with the basics - maybe a 20ft office to handle paperwork, a secure storage container for your tools, and a welfare unit for your team. As the job progresses, you might need to rearrange or expand. That’s one of the best things about these units - they’re modular and can be adapted as your site evolves.

Events work a little differently. Here, speed and accessibility are key. You may need toilets for guests, welfare units for crew, and a first aid space - all of which need to be delivered quickly and set up without a hitch. And once everything wraps up, we’ll be on hand to take it all down just as efficiently.

Why Hiring Makes Sense

Buying might seem like a solid option at first, but it comes with a fair few strings attached - from where you’ll store the units when they’re not in use, to covering servicing and repairs. Hiring skips all of that.

We take care of the delivery, setup, and any ongoing maintenance. If your plans shift mid-project, no worries - you can change or add units as you go, keeping everything flexible and fuss-free.

Why Work With Willbox?

Willbox has been supplying containers for over 25 years, and we know there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. Whether you’re setting up a housing development or getting ready for a large public event, we’ll help you choose the right mix of units to suit your site.

We offer a full range of welfare units suited to different types of sites, whether you're staying in one place for months or moving between locations. From mobile and towable units to static and eco-friendly options, we’ll help you choose what fits your setup best. We also supply a wider range of site accommodation and container units, with fast delivery across the UK and everything ready to go from day one.

Planning a site? Got an event coming up? Let’s talk. We’ll help you get sorted with everything you need to keep your team comfortable and your project running smoothly. Contact our team today.

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