Brake repair workshop

Private motorists, local delivery and trade fleets, taxi drivers and other garages that pass on specialist jobs.

Labour charged per job or hourly, plus a margin on parts. Fleet contracts and repeat customers give steadier work.

• Qualified or experienced vehicle technician
• Diagnosing brake faults accurately
• Managing parts, stock and bookings

• Check the unit's planning use class allows vehicle repair
• Public liability, employer's liability once you hire, and cover for faulty workmanship
• Brake work is safety critical, so keep job records and use quality parts
• Check how to store and dispose of brake fluid and old parts, and any environmental permit needs
• Rent and equipment costs mean you need steady bookings

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on the unit, ramp or lift and diagnostic equipment. Rent and equipment costs mean you need steady bookings to cover them.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on bookings, fleet work and the jobs you take. These figures are revenue before costs, and the estimates start from around 35 hours a week.

Check the unit's planning use class allows vehicle repair, and look at public liability, employer's liability and workmanship cover. Also check how to store and dispose of brake fluid and old parts, and any environmental permit needs.