Flexible kitchen equipment hire launched for small businesses

A flexible kitchen equipment hire service for small to medium-sized businesses has been launched by the PKL Group, supplier of kitchen infrastructure and equipment.

U-Select offers a range of flexible contracts including a hire and lease purchase, a choice of new or U-Select stock equipment and a try before you buy option.

PKL said U-Select allows start-ups and small businesses to avoid initial outlays and spread the cost of investing in equipment for an easier first year of trade. U-Select aims to help start-up businesses find the appropriate equipment.

Lee Vines, managing director of PKL Group, said: "PKL has more than 27 years' experience in this sector and we know that a ‘one size fits all approach' just does not work, as each business is unique. U-Select not only gives caterers access to our expertise but also our financial stability, enabling them to procure equipment in a way that best suits their needs."

Ali Mehmet, co-founder of U-Select's first client Burger@, said: "When we were opening the restaurant we wanted to remain independent; we had a very clear idea of what we wanted to achieve with Burgers@ and handing over control of this concept to investors really wasn't something we wanted to consider.

"U-Select provided us with a flexible funding option, which meant we were able to retain full control of our business but without compromising our catering needs."