Local yard supplying blocks, paving and slabs

Local builders, landscapers and groundworkers on trade accounts, plus homeowners buying for patios, driveways and extensions.

You sell stock at a margin over your buying price and charge for delivery. Trade accounts and a reputation for next-day delivery help build regular income.

• Sales and counter service
• Stock control and ordering
• Safe handling of heavy materials and driving
• Managing trade credit

• Planning permission and permitted use for a storage yard, so check with your local council
• Whether you need a goods vehicle operator's licence, which depends on vehicle weight and use
• Lorry crane training, safe lifting and workplace safety rules, including the Health and Safety Executive guidance
• Silica dust risks when cutting concrete products
• Employer's liability insurance once you hire, plus public liability and stock cover
• Large stock purchases and trade credit tying up your cash

Startup costs are typically around £20,000 to £80,000, depending on your premises, stock and vehicle. These are estimates only. Large stock purchases and trade credit can tie up cash, so plan your funding carefully before you open.

Monthly revenue is typically around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on your trade accounts, range of stock and local demand. These are estimates, not guarantees, and revenue is not profit after stock, wages, vehicle and yard costs.

Check planning permission and permitted use for a storage yard with your local council, and whether you need a goods vehicle operator's licence. Also check lorry crane training, safe lifting, silica dust risks and the insurance you need, including employer's liability once you hire.