Fibreglass repair workshop for boats and vehicle panels
Rent a small unit to repair boats, vehicle panels and larger fibreglass items brought in by owners and trade.
- £5k-20k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
6,795 UK companies in this field, 14% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 33190 “Repair of other equipment”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A workshop where larger or more involved fibreglass jobs are done under cover, such as boat hull repairs, kit car or motorhome panels and moulded parts.
Your first three steps
- Look at small units near marinas, industrial estates or bodyshops and compare rents and lease terms
- Check planning use, fire safety and insurance requirements with the landlord and your council before signing
- Contact boatyards, bodyshops and motorhome dealers to offer overflow or specialist repair work
Who pays
Boat owners, motorhome and caravan owners, classic and kit car owners, bodyshops and boat dealers.
How it makes money
Quoted price per job or hourly labour plus materials. Bigger repairs bring higher values, and trade work from bodyshops or boatyards can keep the unit busy.
Skills that help
- Fibreglass lamination and finishing
- Estimating time and materials
- Basic bodywork or boat repair knowledge
- Managing a workshop and customers
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance and cover for customers' items while in your care
- Business rates, lease terms and whether the unit's permitted use allows resin work
- Fire risk from resins and solvents, and the need for ventilation and extraction
- Employer's liability insurance if you take on staff
- Quiet winter periods for boat work, so plan your cash flow
🔒 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 set up a fibreglass repair workshop?
Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £20,000, depending on unit rent and deposit, equipment, ventilation and materials. Treat this as an estimate and get quotes for your unit and kit before committing.
How much can a fibreglass repair workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on the jobs you win and your pricing. Boat work can be quiet in winter, so plan your cash flow. Expect to work around 30 hours a week.
What rules should I check before opening a fibreglass workshop?
Check public liability insurance and cover for customers' items in your care. Also check business rates, lease terms and whether the unit's permitted use allows resin work, plus fire risk, ventilation and extraction, and employer's liability if you hire staff.
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