Inflatable hire business with a storage unit

Families, schools, nurseries, councils, fundraising groups and event organisers booking fairs and fun days.

Hire fees per item and per day, with package deals for events, delivery charges and extras such as generators or fencing.

• Organising bookings and routes across several jobs a day
• Managing equipment, cleaning and repairs
• Local marketing and building repeat customers

• Public liability insurance for inflatables, and employer's liability insurance once you take on staff
• Check what annual safety inspections and operator training your insurer and local rules expect
• Check whether you need permission for business use of a unit and for vehicles you park there
• Large events may ask for risk assessments and proof of insurance, so keep paperwork ready
• Heavy lifting, weather risk and busy weekends can make staffing and cash flow tricky

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on the size of your fleet of castles, slides and soft play, and on your unit and delivery set-up. These are estimates, so cost your own plan carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £9,000, depending on how many bookings you take, the equipment you own and how busy weekends are. The estimate assumes at least about 30 hours a week.

Check public liability insurance for inflatables, employer's liability once you hire staff, and what annual safety inspections and operator training your insurer and local rules expect. Also check whether you need permission for business use of a unit and parked vehicles.