Hi Darren, I done some research and tested this market and found that the profile of the customers that hired the equipment to DIY were the very price conscious type and if were not doing it themselves would be more likely to use the splash and dash £10 per carpet brigade, hence the professionals Pile Profile mentions would not be losing out as not the market they go for.
If you are intending to hire out machines, they have to be PAT tested otherwise if anyone receives a electric shock or whatever your liability insurance would be void.If you want any further advice let me know.
Paul