Small ground testing consultancy
Sample and test ground for small builds and land projects, then supply a lab-backed report for planning or building control.
- £3k-12k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
8,155 UK companies in this field, 27% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 71200 “Technical testing and analysis”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
You take soil samples on small sites such as extensions, self-builds and small housing plots, send them to an accredited laboratory and write up the results in a clear report. Most report writing can be done from home.
Your first three steps
- Check which qualifications and professional memberships clients and building control expect for ground reports
- Set up an account with a UKAS-accredited testing laboratory and price a standard sampling package
- Get quotes for professional indemnity and public liability insurance, then approach local architects and builders
Who pays
Self-builders, small developers, architects, structural engineers, builders and landowners who need ground information for planning or building control.
How it makes money
A fixed fee per site covering sampling, laboratory costs and the report, plus extra charges for additional tests or revisits.
Skills that help
- Background in geology, geotechnics, environmental science or civil engineering
- Clear technical report writing
- Explaining results to non-experts
- Organising site visits and lab work
Watch out for
- Professional indemnity insurance, because clients rely on your reports
- Only offer work you are qualified to do, and refer larger or complex sites to a chartered engineer
- Risk of striking buried services, so check service records and use proper detection before digging
- If you find contamination, check what reporting duties may apply with the local council or Environment Agency
- Get written permission from the landowner before sampling
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a ground testing consultancy?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your equipment and setup. Monthly revenue is typically estimated around £2,000 to £8,000, depending on how many sites and reports you take on.
What should I check before offering ground testing services?
Check professional indemnity insurance, and only offer work you are qualified to do, referring complex sites to a chartered engineer. Also check for buried services before digging, reporting duties if you find contamination, and get written landowner permission before sampling.
What background do I need to run a ground testing consultancy?
A background in geology, geotechnics, environmental science or civil engineering helps, along with clear report writing and explaining results to non-experts. Time needed is estimated at around 15 hours a week at minimum.
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