Hydraulic parts and hose trade unit

Engineering firms, farms, construction and plant operators, garages and repair workshops that need parts and hose replacements fast to keep machines working.

Margin on parts sold and on made-to-order hose assemblies. Fast turnaround and reliable stock usually bring repeat trade accounts.

• Hydraulics knowledge
• Hands-on hose assembly
• Stock control and pricing
• Customer service for trade buyers

• Product liability and public liability insurance, as a failed hose assembly can cause serious injury
• Employer's liability insurance if you hire anyone
• Check you have the right training and testing process for pressure rating and assembly checks
• Stock ties up cash, so start with fast-moving items and avoid overbuying
• Check planning use class, lease terms and business rates for any unit
• Take care with waste oil and old hoses, and check what waste registration or disposal rules apply

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, the stock you buy and your hose assembly equipment. Stock ties up cash, so starting with fast-moving items helps you avoid overbuying.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on your customer base, stock range and how many hoses you make up. That is revenue rather than profit, so allow for stock, rent and running costs.

Check product liability and public liability insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire anyone. Check your training and testing process for pressure rating and assembly, the planning use class, lease and business rates, and waste oil and old hose disposal rules.