Start a Car Seat and Interior Trim Workshop

Private car owners, classic car enthusiasts, used car dealers, garages and body shops who pass on interior work.

Quoted price per job based on materials and labour, with repeat work from dealers and garages. Higher value comes from full retrims and custom work.

• Industrial sewing machine skills
• Pattern cutting and measuring
• Patience and an eye for detail
• Quoting jobs accurately

• Public liability insurance, plus cover for customers' cars while in your care
• Seat covers may sit near airbags, so check how to work safely around them and when to refer work elsewhere
• Check fire safety requirements for the materials and foams you use, and for your unit
• Check planning and business rates for your premises with the local council
• Quote carefully, as material costs and time on complex jobs are easy to underestimate

Startup costs are typically around £4,000 to £15,000, depending on your machinery, tools, premises and opening materials. These are estimates, so get quotes for your own set-up before you commit.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on the mix of repairs and full retrims you take on. Quote carefully, as material costs and time on complex jobs are easy to underestimate.

Check public liability insurance, including cover for customers' cars in your care. Check how to work safely around airbags and when to refer work elsewhere, fire safety for your materials and unit, and planning and business rates with the council.