Fire protection trade counter and stockroom

Fire protection installers, contractors and maintenance firms who need parts on the day rather than waiting for a distant warehouse.

Trade margin on stocked and ordered parts, plus extras such as delivery charges, kitting up parts for jobs and supplying small installation and maintenance consumables.

• Product knowledge of fire protection components
• Stock control and purchasing
• Trade sales and customer service
• Managing cash flow and supplier credit

• Stock ties up cash, so start with fast-moving lines and check supplier return terms
• Product liability, public liability and stock-in-premises insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire
• Check which standards and third-party approvals customers expect on the products you sell
• Check business rates, planning use class and lease terms for your unit
• Customer credit risk: check credit terms and whether trade credit insurance is worth it

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £25,000 to £100,000, depending on your unit, racking, vehicle and how much stock you hold. Stock ties up cash, so consider starting with fast-moving lines.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £20,000 to £90,000, depending on your range, location and customer base. That is revenue rather than profit, and customer credit risk is worth checking.

Check which standards and third-party approvals customers expect on the products you sell. Also check business rates, planning use class and lease terms for your unit, plus product liability, public liability and stock insurance.