Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Trusted Crane Hire & Skip Hire Services in Darwen
Established over 65 years ago, The Frank Barnes Group has grown into a leading provider of industrial lifting, waste management, and materials handling solutions across the UK. With three operational sites in Lancashire and a team of 80+ skilled professionals, we specialise in crane hire, hiab hire, skip hire, forklift truck hire, heavy haulage, machine removal, and scrap metal recycling. Our ISO 9001:2023 and ISO 14001:2023 certifications underscore our commitment to quality and environmental responsibility. We serve major PLCs, blue-chip industries, local authorities, and private clients, offering tailored solutions supported by comprehensive risk assessments and method statements.Our investment in modern equipment, including a 60/80 Versa-Lift and 45-tonne LPG TriLifter, ensures we deliver precision and reliability for even the most demanding projects. Backed by BMRA membership and Alcumus Safe Contractor accreditation, we combine technical expertise with a focus on safety, flexibility, and customer satisfaction. Our public weighbridge and state-of-the-art on-site testing equipment further enhance our ability to provide efficient, transparent services. From one-off machinery moves to complete factory relocations, we pride ourselves on being a one-stop solution for industrial and construction needs.
Services
Crane Hire
Hiab Hire
Skip Hire
Forklift Truck Hire
Scrap Metal Recycling
Heavy Haulage
Machine Removal
Recycling Aggregates
Versa-Lift Hire
Waste Disposal
Details
- Year established: 1960
Highlights and features
- We have over 65 years of experience in industrial lifting and waste management.
- Our ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certifications ensure quality and environmental compliance.
- We operate a modern fleet including a 60/80 Versa-Lift and 45-tonne LPG TriLifter.
- Our team provides full risk assessments and method statements for every project.
- We offer nationwide service with three operational sites in Lancashire.
Associations and certifications
- ISO 9001:2023
- ISO 14001:2023
- BMRA Membership
- Alcumus Safe Contractor
Services
Crane Hire
Our crane hire service provides mobile cranes, low-access iron fairies, and accredited operators for projects across the UK. We offer contract lift services including equipment transport, offloading, and positioning. Full risk assessments and method statements ensure compliance with LOLER & PUWER 1998 regulations.
Skip Hire
We supply skips and roll-on/off containers ranging from 8 to 52 cubic yards for domestic and industrial waste. Services include site surveys, highway permit coordination, and same-day delivery for commercial clients. Our fleet exceeds 400 units, supported by a public weighbridge for accurate waste processing.
Scrap Metal Recycling
As a leading North West scrap metal merchant, we collect and process ferrous and non-ferrous metals including copper, aluminium, stainless steel, and exotic alloys. Our services include on-site testing, prompt payments, and dedicated container provision for industrial clients across Blackburn, Manchester, and Liverpool.
Heavy Haulage
Our heavy haulage division transports oversized loads using hiabs with 44-tonne capacity, low loaders, and specialist abnormal load vehicles. We coordinate with police, bridge masters, and highways agencies to plan routes and ensure compliance with all regulatory requirements for industrial equipment movements.
Machine Removal
We provide complete machine removal, installation, and dismantling services using cranes, 45-tonne mobile boom trucks, and skilled riggers. Tailored packages include thermic lancing, storage solutions, and nationwide logistics for single-machine moves or full factory relocations.
Questions
What areas do you serve for crane hire?
We provide crane hire services nationwide, with a focus on the UK's North West region including Blackburn, Darwen, and Manchester.
Do you offer skip hire for domestic projects?
Yes, we supply skips from 8 to 52 cubic yards for householders, with guidance on positioning and highway permit requirements.
What types of scrap metal do you accept?
We handle all ferrous and non-ferrous metals including copper, brass, aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, and exotic alloys.
Are your operators certified?
All our crane operators are accredited, with additional slingers, riggers, and banksmen available for complex lifting operations.
Can you handle abnormal load transportation?
Yes, our heavy haulage division specialises in abnormal loads, coordinating with authorities for route planning and regulatory compliance.
Do you provide risk assessments?
Yes, we supply full risk assessments and method statements as standard for all our industrial services.
