Independent garage in a rented unit

Local private car owners, small businesses with vans or company cars, and people who want an alternative to main dealers.

Labour charged by the hour or by fixed job price, plus a mark-up on parts. Repeat servicing customers and fleet contracts give steadier income.

• Qualified mechanic or technician experience
• Diagnostics and use of modern equipment
• Pricing jobs and managing a workshop

• Planning permission or permitted use for a vehicle workshop; check with the council and landlord before signing a lease
• Garage or motor trade insurance, public liability and employer's liability if you hire staff
• Environmental rules for waste oil, fluids, tyres and batteries, and any permits needed; check with the relevant environment agency
• MOT testing needs approval and trained testers, so check the DVSA requirements if you plan to offer it
• Lease terms, business rates and the cost of equipment can add up before regular customers arrive

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, ramp or lift, diagnostic equipment and insurance. Lease terms, business rates and equipment can add up before regular customers arrive.

Monthly revenue is typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on location, the services you offer, your pricing and how quickly you build regular customers. These are estimates of sales, not profit.

Check planning permission or permitted use for a vehicle workshop with the council and landlord before signing a lease. Also check motor trade and public liability insurance, environmental rules for waste oil and fluids, and DVSA requirements if you plan to offer MOT testing.