Product design studio with prototype workshop

Product companies, start-ups, engineering firms and inventors who want design and prototypes from one team.

Project fees for design work, plus charges for prototyping, small test batches and manufacturing support such as sourcing suppliers.

• Industrial design and CAD
• Prototyping and 3D printing
• Managing projects and suppliers
• Pitching to and keeping clients

• Professional indemnity, public liability and equipment insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire
• Check the unit's permitted use, fire safety rules and any council requirements for workshop use
• Safe use of workshop machinery and 3D printer fumes, check ventilation and guidance
• Agree in writing who owns the intellectual property, and keep client designs confidential
• Rent and equipment costs are fixed, so build up a few regular clients before committing to a lease
• Check who is responsible for product safety and UK conformity marking in each project

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on your unit or workspace, 3D printers, tools and software. These are estimates. Rent and equipment costs are fixed, so build up a few regular clients before committing to a lease.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on how many clients and projects you take on. These are estimates, not guarantees, and fixed costs such as rent and equipment need to be covered from that revenue.

Things to check include the unit's permitted use, fire safety and council requirements for workshop use, safe machinery use and 3D printer fume ventilation, insurance, who owns the intellectual property, and who is responsible for product safety and UK conformity marking.