Built by Operators, for Operators
We understand the unique challenges of running a boat hire business because we've lived them ourselves.
Our Story
Est. 2023HireHelm was born out of frustration. After years of working with boat hire operators and struggling with generic software that didn't understand the industry, we decided to build something better.
We're part of Towpath Digital, a UK software company building connected, purpose-built tools for waterways, outdoor leisure, and trades. Our team combines deep industry knowledge with modern software development practices.
We've personally seen the chaos of double-bookings, the frustration of lost waivers, and the payment headaches that come with running a busy hire operation. Every feature in HireHelm exists because operators told us they needed it.
Today, we're proud to serve boat hire operators across the UK. From single-kayak startups to marina fleets with 100+ craft, our software helps hire businesses work smarter.
Our Values
These principles guide everything we do at HireHelm
Customer Obsessed
Everything we build starts with our customers. We listen, learn, and iterate based on real feedback.
Keep It Simple
Software should make life easier, not harder. We believe in elegant simplicity over feature bloat.
Reliability First
Your bookings can't wait. We invest heavily in uptime, security, and performance.
Move Fast
The industry moves quickly and so do we. Regular updates and rapid response to customer needs.
Meet the Founder
Hamish Lowry-Martin
Founder & Lead Developer
With 30 years in IT and 20 years developing business systems, Hamish has built solutions across multiple industries. But it was the last decade—spent working closely with marinas and boat hire operators—that revealed a gap in the market.
"I watched hire operators struggle with spreadsheet chaos and software that was never designed for watercraft rental. The frustration was real—and fixable. That's why I built HireHelm."