Tech service business ideas you run from your own premises
13 ideas
These 13 ideas suit people who are practical, enjoy fixing or supplying technology, and want a shopfront, workshop or trade counter of their own. Options range from a phone repair shop or kiosk and an electronics repair shop on the high street to quieter, specialist work such as a small data recovery lab or a hi-fi repair and restoration shop.
Phone repair shop or kiosk
Open a small shop or kiosk offering walk-in screen, battery and fault repairs, plus cases and accessories.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Electronics repair shop on the high street
Open a small shop fixing phones, laptops, consoles and household gadgets for walk-in customers.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Repair shop or kiosk for phones and laptops
Run a small shop or kiosk offering walk-in screen repairs on phones, tablets and laptops.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Computer repair shop or workshop
Run a small unit where people drop off laptops and PCs for repair and upgrades.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small data recovery lab
Run a small lab that handles physically damaged drives as well as logical faults, for people and businesses who need their data back.
- £8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small automation and control panel workshop
Run a small unit that designs, builds and installs control panels and simple robotic cells for local manufacturers.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Stocked fibre optic trade supplier
Hold stock in a small unit so local installers can order today and get fibre kit tomorrow, or collect it.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Camera repair and servicing shop
Open a small high street or unit workshop where photographers drop off cameras and lenses for repair.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Video camera repair workshop for professionals
Run a small workshop servicing broadcast and cinema cameras for production companies, hire houses and freelancers.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
High street ink refill and printer supplies shop
Refill cartridges while customers wait and sell ink, toner and paper to locals and small offices.
- £5k-20k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Local telecoms trade counter and supplier
Run a small unit stocking phones, routers and cabling so local installers can buy same day.
- £12k-50k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Hi-fi repair and restoration shop
Run a small workshop-shop that repairs, restores and sells refurbished hi-fi to enthusiasts.
- £4k-15k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Copier repair and refurbishment workshop
Repair copiers in a small unit and refurbish used machines to sell or lease to local businesses.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
About these ideas
Before choosing, think about location and footfall, because a high street unit and an industrial workshop have very different rents and customers. Work out your set-up costs for tools, test equipment and stock, and how you will source parts reliably. Check your lease terms, business rates and insurance early, and be honest about which repairs you can do to a high standard. Start with the skill you already have, then compare each idea's costs.
Questions
Should I choose a high street shop or a workshop unit?
It depends on how customers find you. Walk-in repairs such as phones usually benefit from footfall, while specialist or trade work can often run from a cheaper unit. Compare rent, business rates, parking and whether you need passing trade before you commit.
What should I check before taking on commercial premises in the UK?
Check the lease length, break clauses, who pays repairs, business rates, and whether the planning use class suits your trade. It is sensible to have a solicitor review the lease and to ask your local council what applies to the property.
Are there rules I should check when repairing or selling electronics?
Look into insurance, how you will store and dispose of electronic waste, handling customers' personal data on devices, and consumer rights on repairs and goods you sell. Your local council and trade bodies can point you to what applies to your work.