Local industrial tools and machinery supplier

Workshops, building firms, small factories, fabricators and maintenance contractors within driving distance.

Margin on goods sold, with repeat orders on consumables and accounts for regular customers. Larger machinery sales or supply deals bring bigger one-off margins.

• Technical knowledge of industrial tools or machinery
• Sales and relationship building
• Driving and local route planning
• Stock and credit control

• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus goods in transit cover if you deliver
• Check safety marking and any training requirements for machinery you supply, such as lifting or abrasive wheel equipment
• Late-paying trade customers can strain cash flow, so check credit terms and consider credit checks
• Storing stock at home may need permission from your landlord, mortgage lender or council
• You may need a van, so check insurance cover for business use and carrying stock

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how much stock you carry and whether you need a van. Treat this as an estimate and check vehicle and stock insurance costs for your own plans.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your customer base and how much you stock and deliver. This type of business usually needs around 20 hours a week or more, and late-paying customers can strain cash flow.

Check public liability and product liability insurance, plus goods in transit cover if you deliver. Also check safety marking and any training requirements for machinery you supply, and whether storing stock at home needs permission.