Local aquarium shop with livestock

Local hobbyists, beginners setting up their first tank, families and keen fishkeepers wanting specialist stock.

Margin on livestock, tanks, equipment and food, with extra income from tank set-up, maintenance and water testing services.

• Strong fishkeeping and water quality knowledge
• Customer service and advice
• Stock control and basic bookkeeping

• Check whether you need a pet shop licence from your local council, as rules and conditions vary by area
• Animal welfare duties apply to anyone selling live animals, so check the requirements
• Public liability, stock and contents insurance, and employer's liability if you hire
• Livestock can die or get ill, which hits stock value, so plan quarantine and good water management
• Electricity bills for heating and filtration, plus rent and business rates, can be significant

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, display tanks, heating and filtration, and how much livestock and equipment you stock. These are estimates, so get quotes for fit-out and running costs first.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on location, range and how many regular customers you build. That is revenue, not profit, and rent, business rates and electricity for heating and filtration can be significant.

Check whether you need a pet shop licence from your local council, as rules and conditions vary by area. Also check the animal welfare duties that apply to anyone selling live animals, and your insurance, including employer's liability if you hire.