Designed to meet the shorter lead times among the construction, petro-chemical, utilities and engineering industries, the site offers an expansive range of equipment, available using, what it called, “a simple point and click approach.”

Chief executive Ian White said: “Traditionally, Lloyds British has specialised in the supply of lifting equipment, but lpdirect2u.com will allow us to expand our product portfolio significantly and enhance our service to new and existing customers.”

He added: “New items on the website will include materials handling and safety equipment as well as specialist tools for a whole host of market sectors. There will also be greater depth of product specification and essential technical information available online.”