Start a curtain and blind shop with a workroom

Local homeowners, interior designers, landlords and small businesses such as B&Bs and offices.

Mark-up on fabrics, blinds and tracks, plus making and fitting charges. Repeat work and designer referrals help build steady income.

• Sewing or managing skilled makers
• Interior styling and customer advice
• Running a shop and managing stock and costs

• Commercial lease terms, business rates and any small business rate relief you may be eligible for, so check with the council
• Public liability insurance and contents cover, plus employer's liability insurance if you take on staff
• Product safety rules: curtains generally fall outside the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire) (Safety) Regulations 1988, but these rules may apply if you add items such as upholstery or loose covers. Blinds with cords or chains must meet child safety requirements (such as BS EN 13120), so check with your suppliers or Trading Standards
• Slow months and unsold stock, so keep your fabric stock lean and order to measure

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on premises, fit-out, fabric books and samples, and workroom equipment. Lease terms and business rates add fixed costs, so check these carefully before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £16,000, depending on location, order volume and whether you make orders yourself. Slow months and unsold stock can affect this, so keep fabric stock lean and order to measure.

Check commercial lease terms, business rates and any small business rate relief with the council. Also check insurance (public liability, contents, and employer's liability if you hire staff) and product safety rules, including child safety requirements for corded blinds, with suppliers or Trading Standards.