JustHire secures funding to power growth

An Essex-based digital marketplace is set to accelerate its expansion after securing funding to enhance its technology and broaden its service offering.

Chelmsford-based JustHire has secured a £250,000 loan from the East of England Regional Growth Loan Scheme, managed by The FSE Group, to support the next phase of its growth.

The platform, which enables customers to find, price and book trade services online, initially focused on skip hire and waste removal but is now expanding into areas including plumbing, electrical work, decorating and tree surgery.

JustHire has already reported strong traction, completing thousands of orders and building a base of repeat customers, alongside consistent revenue growth.

Bosses say the funding will be used to invest in both the platform and team, including the launch of Justquote.ai, an AI-powered quotation tool designed to allow trades to generate quotes remotely using photo and video uploads.

They add the move aims to streamline the booking process, reducing the need for site visits and helping jobs progress more quickly from enquiry to confirmation.

JustHire now plans to expand its marketplace to cover up to 33 different trade services over the next three years, targeting further growth in a large and fragmented market driven by ongoing demand for repairs, maintenance and home improvement.

Oliver Murphy, co-founder and chief executive of JustHire, said: “People want a straightforward way to book reliable trades and services without spending days chasing quotes. 

“This funding gives us the headroom to invest in the team and the product, and to keep improving the online experience for customers and suppliers alike. 

“We’re excited to build on what’s already working in skip hire and bring the same speed and clarity to more services across the UK.”

Matt Punter, investment manager at The FSE Group, added: “JustHire is tackling a real and familiar problem for both homeowners and small trade businesses: getting from enquiry to a confirmed booking quickly and with confidence. 

“The team has already shown strong traction and a clear plan for growth, including the launch of Justquote.ai and the expansion into additional trade categories. 

“We’re pleased to support the business as it scales.”

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