Local glass shop with cutting workshop

Households, builders, handymen, frame makers, shops and local businesses.

Selling cut-to-size glass by the piece or square metre, plus fitting charges and trade accounts for regular builders and agents.

• Glass cutting and edge finishing
• Stock control and ordering
• Pricing and quoting
• Customer service at the counter

• Check the planning use class and lease terms before taking premises, and ask about business rates
• Public liability, stock and buildings or contents insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire
• Safe storage and handling of large sheets, and cut injuries. Check the health and safety guidance for glass handling
• Safety glass requirements for the products you supply and fit. Check which standards apply
• Breakages and wasted offcuts can eat into margins, so keep track of stock and waste

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your premises, cutting equipment and opening stock. These are estimates. Breakages and wasted offcuts can eat into margins, so keep track of stock and waste.

Monthly revenue is typically around £5,000 to £20,000, depending on your location, trade customers and whether you add fitting work. That is revenue, not profit. Check your costs against rent, rates and stock before committing.

Check the planning use class, lease terms and business rates before taking premises. Check health and safety guidance for handling large glass sheets, and which safety glass standards apply to products you supply and fit. Also check insurance, including public liability and stock cover.