Local insulation trade counter

Electricians, engineers, heating and ventilation firms, building contractors and maintenance teams.

Margin on products bought in bulk from wholesalers, with repeat trade accounts, account terms for regular customers and delivery charges.

• Product knowledge across insulation types
• Stock control and buying
• Selling and building trade relationships
• Managing cash flow and credit

• Stock ties up cash, so start with fast-selling lines and review often
• Check that products meet UK safety and fire standards and carry the right marking
• Public liability, product liability and stock or contents insurance are worth checking
• Check planning use class, lease terms and business rates for any unit
• If you offer credit to customers, have a plan for late payments
• Employer's liability insurance is needed once you take on staff

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your unit and the stock you buy. Stock ties up cash, so it is worth starting with fast-selling lines and reviewing them often.

Estimates put monthly revenue typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on your location, product range and trade customers. That is revenue, not profit. The estimates assume at least around 35 hours a week, so plan for full-time work.

Check that products meet UK safety and fire standards and carry the right marking. Also check planning use class, lease terms and business rates for your unit, plus public liability, product liability and stock insurance, and employer's liability once you hire staff.