Craft school in a small rented studio

Local adults and families paying for classes, groups booking parties, and employers booking team sessions.

Block bookings and drop-in class fees, plus party and corporate bookings. Some schools also sell materials, gift vouchers or finished pieces.

• Strong craft skills and clear teaching
• Managing a timetable and bookings
• Basic budgeting for rent and materials
• Marketing to a local audience

• Lease terms, rates, deposits and permitted use of the premises, get advice before signing
• Public liability insurance and contents cover for equipment, and employer's liability insurance if you hire tutors as staff
• Fire safety, first aid and ventilation, especially with kilns, dust or fumes, check requirements with your council
• Planning or change of use permission may be needed for some premises, check with your council
• Safeguarding checks if you teach children or vulnerable adults
• Costs run whether or not classes fill, so keep some cash in reserve

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the premises, deposit, equipment and materials. These are estimates, so get real quotes for rent and kit before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on how full your classes, courses and parties are. Costs such as rent run whether or not classes fill, so keep some cash in reserve.

Check lease terms, rates, deposits and permitted use before signing, and whether planning or change of use permission is needed. Also check insurance, fire safety and ventilation with your council, and safeguarding checks if you teach children or vulnerable adults.