Awning repairs and replacement covers

Homeowners with older awnings, plus cafés, pubs and shops that want a refresh or a repair after storm damage.

Charge per repair or service visit, plus parts and replacement fabric. Re-covering a canopy costs far less than a full new awning, so customers often say yes.

• Practical mechanical aptitude
• Comfortable working at height
• Basic sewing or fabric knowledge helps
• Clear quoting and communication

• Public liability insurance, and check it covers working at height
• Old awnings can be unsafe or under tension, so assess before you start and be ready to decline a job
• Check whether electric motor work needs a qualified electrician
• Demand is seasonal, with most work in spring and summer
• Landlord or planning permission may be needed for changes to shopfronts. Check with the council

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £500 to £2,500, depending on your tools, transport needs and any fabric or parts you choose to carry. You can begin without holding a large stock of new awnings.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £400 to £2,000, depending on how many jobs you take on. Demand is seasonal, with most work in spring and summer, so income may vary through the year. The estimate starts from about 6 hours a week.

Check that your public liability insurance covers working at height, and whether electric motor work needs a qualified electrician. Assess old or tensioned awnings before starting, and check with the council about landlord or planning permission for shopfront changes.