Small exhaust and silencer centre

Local car and van owners, taxi and delivery drivers, small fleets and garages that outsource exhaust work.

Parts and labour on each job, plus regular trade work from garages and fleets. Fixed prices for common cars help customers decide quickly.

• Exhaust and vehicle mechanical skills
• Welding and fabrication
• Pricing, stock control and customer service

• Planning use class and lease terms for a vehicle workshop, check with the landlord and council
• Public liability, motor trade and employer's liability insurance if you hire
• Lifting equipment needs regular inspection, check your legal duties under workplace safety rules
• Waste oil, old exhausts and catalytic converters need proper disposal, check waste carrier and storage rules
• Business rates and rent can be a large fixed cost, check before signing

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, lift or ramp, tools and parts stock. These are estimates, so check rent, deposits and equipment prices before signing a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on walk-in numbers, trade accounts and the jobs you take on. Treat this as an estimate, and remember rent and rates are fixed costs.

Check the planning use class and lease terms, insurance including motor trade and employer's liability if you hire, and inspection duties for lifting equipment. Also check waste rules for oil, exhausts and catalytic converters, and business rates.