Start a local beauty supply shop

Local salons, barbers, mobile stylists and nail technicians, plus members of the public buying hair, skin and nail products.

Mark-up on products bought from wholesalers and brands. Trade accounts and loyalty discounts bring in regular repeat sales from professionals.

• Good product knowledge and advice
• Stock control and buying
• Customer service and sales

• Cosmetic products must meet UK cosmetics rules, so check labelling and safety information with your suppliers
• Rent, business rates and a lease commitment, so get advice before signing and check whether any relief applies
• Public liability, product liability and stock and contents insurance
• Buying stock that sits unsold, particularly with trend-led products
• Check whether you need planning permission for change of use and whether you must register for VAT as sales grow

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Rent, business rates and a lease commitment are the main things to check before you sign.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on location, range and how many salons and public customers you attract. This is revenue, not profit, so rent, stock and other costs come out of it.

Check that cosmetic products meet UK cosmetics rules, including labelling and safety information from suppliers. Also check insurance such as public liability and product liability, planning permission for change of use, and whether you must register for VAT as sales grow.