Local irrigation supply unit for growers
Stock pipe, pumps, sprinklers and drip kit from a small unit for farms, nurseries and landscapers.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
1,792 UK companies in this field, 23% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 46610 “Wholesale of agricultural machinery, equipment and supplies”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small trade counter and storage unit supplying irrigation parts and advice to local businesses. You stock the fast-moving items, order in the rest and help customers plan their systems.
Your first three steps
- Talk to local growers, landscapers and nurseries about what they buy and where they struggle to get it
- Set up trade accounts with a few manufacturers or wholesalers and get price lists and minimum order terms
- Price up a small unit nearby, work out a starter stock list, and start with a few anchor customers before opening fully
Who pays
Market gardeners, nurseries, farms, horse yards, sports clubs, landscapers and groundworks firms.
How it makes money
Margin on products sold over the counter and by delivery, plus paid layout advice or design for larger jobs.
Skills that help
- Knowledge of pumps, pipework and watering systems
- Stock control and buying
- Building trade relationships
- Giving practical technical advice
Watch out for
- Stock is a big cash commitment, so start with fast-moving lines
- Check business rates, planning use class and lease terms for any unit
- Public liability, product liability and stock insurance, check cover
- Water fittings rules and advice, check what applies to the products you sell and to customers using mains water
- Customers abstracting water from rivers or boreholes may need a licence, so point them to the Environment Agency or equivalent rather than advising on it yourself
- Strong seasonal demand, so plan cash flow for winter
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: local irrigation supply unit for growers
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 open an irrigation supply unit?
Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, the stock you buy and your fit-out. Stock is a big cash commitment, so starting with fast-moving lines may help.
How much can an irrigation supply unit make?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on your customer base, product range and the season. Demand is strongly seasonal, so plan cash flow for winter. This is revenue, not profit.
What should I check before opening an irrigation supply unit?
Check business rates, planning use class and lease terms for any unit, plus water fittings rules for the products you sell. Customers taking water from rivers or boreholes may need a licence, so point them to the Environment Agency or equivalent.
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Photo: Alexei_other on Pixabay