Event stand and props workshop
Build custom exhibition stands, stage sets and props for brands and event organisers from a small rented unit.
- £8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
18,389 UK companies in this field, 15% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 32990 “Other manufacturing n.e.c.”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small workshop that designs and builds bespoke exhibition stands, stage pieces, props and displays in wood, metal, foam and other materials, then delivers and installs them at venues.
Your first three steps
- Rent a small unit or workshop space and check the lease allows your type of work
- Make a portfolio of three or four sample builds and photograph them well
- Introduce yourself to local exhibition stand contractors and event agencies and offer to quote for overflow work
Who pays
Exhibition stand contractors, event agencies, brands, venues and theatre or film production companies.
How it makes money
Fixed quote per project covering materials, labour and installation, plus extra fees for transport, storage and last-minute changes.
Skills that help
- Carpentry or general fabrication
- Reading drawings and briefs
- Quoting and costing jobs
- Meeting tight deadlines
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance once you hire anyone
- Fire safety of materials, so check what fire ratings clients and venues expect
- Safe working at height and manual handling on installs, so check training needs
- Late payment and tight deadlines, so use deposits and clear written quotes
- Business rates, planning use class and dust or noise rules for your unit, so check with your council
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start an event stand and props workshop?
Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on the unit you rent, tools and materials, and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and price up your own equipment and workshop space before you start.
What should I check before opening an event fabrication workshop?
Check public liability insurance, and employer's liability once you hire anyone. Also check the fire ratings clients and venues expect, training for working at height and manual handling, and business rates, planning use class and dust or noise rules with your council.
How much can an event props and stand workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £12,000, depending on the size and number of jobs you win. The estimate assumes at least around 30 hours a week. Use deposits and clear written quotes to manage late payment.
Other ways to run this business
Similar events ideas
Small exhibition stand design and build studio
Design, build and install custom stands for exhibitors from a small workshop unit, working direct with businesses.
- £6k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
One-day local food, music or craft festival
Plan and run a themed one-day festival on a hired field or park, paid for by tickets, stall fees and sponsors.
- £8k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Florist studio with a small shop front
Run a small studio or shop that mixes walk-in sales with wedding, event and corporate flower work.
- £8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Inflatable hire business with a storage unit
Run a larger fleet from a rented unit and supply parties, schools and fairs with castles and play equipment.
- £8k-30k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Seasonal Halloween haunted house
Turn a hired barn, unit or farm building into a scary walk-through with actors, for a few busy weeks each autumn.
- £5k-25k
- Side hustle
- Own premises
Small firework display company
Design and fire shows for weddings, clubs, parties and community events with a small trained team.
- £5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about