I'm getting someone to come over to do some work in London, but realising moving tools may be a problem (I know you can rent tools, but normally folk prefer their own tools). To be honest I think the best option is if they come over by ferry with their tools - well that's what they've suggested and I can't think of a better way.

That would appear to be the best option, I guess you will have considered the following? >

Your tadesman/woman could book them as frieght but obviously depending on which trade cost may be prohibitive.

You could have the tools transported by a courier.

You could price the cost of new tools. Screwfix are very competitive and currently have a sale, see http://www.screwfix.com/?cm_mmc=Goog...p2aA&source=aw

Travelling by ferry will add time and time = money.

When I'm sending stuff backwards and forwards to workshops that I teach, I use Worldwide parcels (no affiliation) from England to Spain. Fully insured. They usually use DHL or DPD to SEUR. and are very cheap.
But to send back by courier will be MUCH more expensive. Here my advice is go Ryanair and purchase an additional bag. That gives you a total 30 Kilos of hold luggage for the tools, Plus hand luggage of 10k which is enough for most blokes;-) Sure it's a risk, But do is leaving them overnight in a car on the way down from Santander/Bilbao

Thanks to you both for some useful replies.