Local fire safety trade supplier

Fire safety installers, facilities and maintenance firms, builders, care homes, pubs, shops and offices that want quick local supply.

You buy in volume at trade prices and sell at a margin. Fast delivery, account terms for regular customers and larger orders are what keep customers coming back.

• Sales and building trade relationships
• Stock control and basic bookkeeping
• Good product knowledge and safe handling

• Check that all products meet the relevant standards and are correctly marked and labelled
• Public liability, product liability, stock and van insurance, ask a broker who covers safety equipment
• Storing and carrying pressurised extinguishers may have rules, check storage and transport requirements
• Customer credit risk if you offer account terms
• Unit lease terms, business rates and planning use, check with the landlord and your council

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on your stock levels, the unit you rent and your delivery van. Get quotes for the unit, stock and insurance before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on your customer base, stock range and delivery area. The estimates assume at least about 30 hours a week.

Check that products meet the relevant standards and are correctly marked and labelled. Check insurance including public liability, product liability, stock and van, storage and transport rules for pressurised extinguishers, and your unit's lease terms, business rates and planning use.