How to start a granite and stone slab yard

Worktop fabricators, kitchen companies, builders, landscapers and homeowners buying remnants for smaller projects.

You sell slabs and offcuts at a mark-up over your buying price, with extra income from delivery and from selling accessories such as sealers.

• Selling and customer service
• Stock control and buying
• Safe handling of heavy materials
• Managing cash flow and trade accounts

• Lifting and handling slabs safely, including checking rules and inspections for cranes, forklifts and slab racking
• Public liability, employer's liability once you hire, and insurance for stock and premises
• Check planning and permitted use for the unit or yard with your council, and business rates
• If you start cutting or polishing stone, check HSE guidance on silica dust
• Money tied up in stock and late payment from trade customers
• Check VAT registration and import duty if you buy from overseas

Estimated startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your unit or yard, how much slab stock you buy, handling equipment and insurance. These are estimates, so plan for money tied up in stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on your stock, trade accounts and local demand from fabricators, builders and homeowners. This is revenue before costs, and late trade payments can affect cash flow.

Check how to lift and handle slabs safely, including rules and inspections for cranes, forklifts and racking. Also check insurance, planning and permitted use with your council, business rates, HSE silica dust guidance if you cut stone, and VAT and import duty.