Glass and mirror workshop with counter
Run a small unit that cuts glass and mirrors to size, sells to walk-in customers and supplies local builders.
- £10k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
7,568 UK companies in this field, 19% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 43342 “Glazing”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small shop or workshop unit where you cut glass and mirrors to size, polish edges, and sell and fit panels for walk-in customers and trade accounts.
Your first three steps
- Work out your likely costs for a small unit, including rent, business rates and utilities, and compare a few local sites
- Arrange trade accounts with glass suppliers and get quotes for a cutting table, edging kit and safe storage racks
- Introduce yourself to local builders, framers and letting agents with a simple price list and offer a quick turnaround
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, interior designers, picture framers and local building firms.
How it makes money
Sales of cut-to-size glass, mirrors and fitted panels, with extra charges for edge work, delivery and fitting. Regular trade customers give steadier income.
Skills that help
- Glass cutting and edge finishing
- Accurate measuring and pricing
- Customer service at the counter
- Basic stock control
Watch out for
- Rent, business rates and the length of your lease: check terms before signing
- Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability insurance once you take on staff
- Cuts and manual handling injuries: plan safe storage, PPE and training
- Check any planning or use-class requirements for a workshop with the council
- Wasted glass from mis-cuts can eat into margins, so price in some waste
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: glass and mirror workshop with counter
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to open a glass and mirror workshop?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit, cutting and finishing equipment, stock and fit-out. Lease terms, rent and business rates will also shape your costs, so check them before signing.
What should I check before opening a glass cutting workshop?
Check rent, business rates and lease length before signing, and any planning or use-class requirements for a workshop with your council. You will need public liability insurance, plus employer's liability insurance once you take on staff, and a plan for safe storage, PPE and training.
How much can a glass and mirror shop earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £18,000, depending on walk-in trade, trade accounts and opening hours. The estimates assume at least about 35 hours a week. Wasted glass from mis-cuts can eat into margins, so price in some waste.
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