Local medical supplies distributor with a stock unit

Private hospitals and clinics, care home groups, dental practices, community health providers and some NHS suppliers.

Margin on bulk-bought products, plus better prices from buying in volume. Regular contracts and standing orders help keep income steady.

• Stock control and logistics
• Sales and account management
• Managing suppliers and cash flow

• Tying up cash in stock that doesn't sell or has expiry dates
• Check MHRA rules and product marking requirements for any medical devices you distribute
• Check storage and traceability requirements for the products you hold, such as temperature control
• Business rates, unit lease terms and building insurance
• Public liability, product liability and goods in transit insurance
• Employer's liability insurance once you hire staff or drivers

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit you rent and how much stock you hold. Stock that doesn't sell or has expiry dates can tie up cash, so budget carefully.

Check MHRA rules and product marking requirements for any medical devices you distribute, and storage and traceability requirements such as temperature control. Also check business rates, lease terms, and public liability, product liability and goods in transit insurance.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on how many regular accounts you win and what you stock. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for stock and unit costs. Expect around 35 hours a week.