Coppersmith Workshop: Bespoke Copper Pieces

Craft breweries and distillers, restaurants, homeowners, interior designers, antique owners and heritage projects.

Quoted price per commission or repair, based on materials and your time. Custom work and repairs usually earn more than repeat small items.

• Hammering, annealing and shaping metal
• Soldering, brazing and finishing
• Measuring and working from drawings
• Quoting and talking to customers

• Public liability and product liability insurance, especially for items used with food or drink
• Items for food and drink use may need to meet safety rules on materials and linings, so check with your local council or the Food Standards Agency
• Gas, heat and fumes in the workshop: check fire safety, ventilation and your insurer's requirements
• Check planning and lease terms for a unit or outbuilding, as noise and heat may matter to neighbours

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your tools, heating and ventilation setup, materials and whether you rent a unit. These are estimates, so price up your own kit list.

Monthly revenue is typically around £800 to £4,000, depending on the mix of repairs and bespoke commissions and the prices you charge. That is revenue, not profit. You would typically need at least 15 hours a week.

Check whether items for food and drink use must meet safety rules on materials and linings, with your local council or the Food Standards Agency. Also check fire safety and ventilation for gas and heat, planning and lease terms, and insurance.