Used and refurbished bakery equipment

Start-up bakeries, home bakers expanding, community food businesses and small food makers who can't afford new kit.

The gap between buying price and resale price after repairs, plus short-term hire fees and spare parts sales.

• Mechanical and electrical repair or a partner who has them
• Spotting good value when buying used kit
• Pricing and negotiating

• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus cover for stock and premises
• Gas appliances should only be worked on by Gas Safe registered engineers, and electrical items should be safety tested
• Check consumer and business sale rules and what you can say about condition and warranty
• Buying and selling equipment as working stock does not usually need a licence, but if you collect unwanted or scrap equipment for disposal, check with the Environment Agency (or SEPA / Natural Resources Wales) whether you must register as a waste carrier, and check your duty of care and WEEE obligations
• If you offer longer-term hire, check with the FCA or a adviser whether consumer hire rules could apply, particularly when hiring to individuals, sole traders or small partnerships; short business hire is usually simpler
• Stock ties up cash and large items need space and a van or haulage partner

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on your unit, the equipment you buy and any van or haulage needs. Stock ties up cash, so plan for that.

Monthly revenue is an estimate, typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on what you sell or hire out and how quickly stock moves. Expect around 20 hours a week at minimum.

Check insurance, Gas Safe rules for gas appliances, and safety testing for electrical items. If you collect scrap or unwanted equipment, check with the relevant environment agency whether you must register as a waste carrier. Also check consumer hire rules with the FCA or an adviser.