Mobile ironwork repairs and fitting
Repair, adapt and install gates, railings and brackets at customers' homes using a van and portable kit.
- £2.5k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
4,906 UK companies in this field, 17% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 25110 “Manufacture of metal structures and parts of structures”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A van-based service repairing broken gates, railings and fences, fitting brackets and making small on-site additions. Larger pieces can be made in a borrowed or rented bench space.
Your first three steps
- Choose a service area and check local prices for gate and railing repairs
- Fit out a van with a portable welder, grinder, hand tools, ladders and safety kit
- Tell local landlords, letting agents and builders what you offer and ask for their first small jobs
Who pays
Homeowners, landlords, letting agents, housing managers and small builders who need quick fixes.
How it makes money
Call-out fee or hourly rate plus materials, with fixed quotes for small fabrication jobs.
Skills that help
- Portable welding and cutting
- Problem solving on site
- Customer service and clear quoting
- Driving and loading a van
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance and cover for tools and your van
- Hot work on site brings fire risk, so check safe working practice and protective equipment
- Working at height and carrying heavy items, plan jobs to avoid injury
- Structural or safety-related fixings may have regulatory requirements, check before taking those jobs on
- Check any rules on parking, noise and working hours in the area
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: mobile ironwork repairs and fitting
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile ironwork repair business?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £2,500 to £12,000, depending on the van, portable welding and cutting kit, and tools you choose. Insurance for your tools and van should also be budgeted.
How much can a mobile ironwork repairer earn?
Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many jobs you take and your prices. The estimate assumes at least about 12 hours a week, so it can start part-time.
What should I check before taking on mobile welding jobs?
Check public liability insurance and cover for tools and your van. Check safe working practice and protective equipment for hot work, working at height, and any regulatory requirements for structural or safety-related fixings. Also check local rules on parking, noise and working hours.
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Photo: LubosHouska on Pixabay