Diesel engine repair workshop

Van and pickup owners, local haulage and delivery firms, farmers, plant operators and other garages that sub out diesel work.

Hourly labour rate plus parts mark-up, with fixed prices for common jobs. Regular fleet and trade customers add steady repeat work.

• Qualified diesel mechanic or engine technician
• Diagnostics and engine rebuilding
• Quoting and job scheduling
• Managing parts suppliers

• Check planning use class and lease terms for a vehicle repair unit, and talk to the council and landlord first
• Public liability, employer's liability once you hire, and garage services or motor trade insurance
• Storing and disposing of waste oil, fluids and old parts: check environmental rules and waste carrier or waste contractor requirements
• Business rates and rent are fixed costs, so check you can cover them in quiet months
• Emissions systems such as DPF have legal rules, check what work you may carry out

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on the unit, equipment and stock you need. These are estimates. Rent and business rates are fixed costs, so check you can cover them in quiet months.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on how many repairs and larger jobs, such as rebuilds, you take on. These are estimates, and your own results will vary with demand from local fleets and customers.

Check the planning use class and lease terms with the council and landlord first. Also check insurance such as public liability and motor trade cover, environmental rules for storing and disposing of waste oil and fluids, and the rules on emissions systems such as DPF.