Open an independent shoe shop with a clear focus

Local shoppers, parents buying school shoes, tradespeople needing work boots, walkers and people who want shoes fitted properly.

Mark-up on each pair sold, plus extras such as insoles, laces, polish and waterproofing sprays. Seasonal peaks like back to school and winter boots matter a lot.

• Customer service and fitting advice
• Buying stock and sizing ranges
• Basic bookkeeping and stock control

• Stock is your biggest cost and sizes can be slow to sell, so start with a tight range
• Check lease terms, rent reviews and whether you could get small business rates relief
• Check the planning use class and any shop fit-out rules with your council
• Public liability insurance and stock and contents cover
• Customers' rights on faulty goods, so set a clear returns policy
• Competition from big retailers and online shops, so decide how you will stand out

Our estimates suggest startup costs typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises and how much stock you buy. Monthly revenue is typically around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on your focus and location.

Check lease terms, rent reviews and whether you could get small business rates relief. Also check the planning use class and shop fit-out rules with your council, insurance cover, and customers' rights on faulty goods so you can set a clear returns policy.

Customer service and fitting advice, buying stock and sizing ranges, and basic bookkeeping and stock control are the main skills. Our estimates suggest at least around 35 hours a week. Stock is your biggest cost, so start with a tight range.