Sports pitch and court line marking

Sports clubs, schools, parish and town councils, leisure trusts and groundskeeping firms.

Per pitch or per visit, or a seasonal contract covering weekly or fortnightly re-marking. Hard court and playground marking is usually priced as one-off jobs.

• Accurate measuring and knowledge of pitch dimensions
• Working outdoors in all weather
• Reliability and sticking to a weekly schedule
• Dealing with club volunteers and school staff

• Public liability insurance, and check whether schools or councils ask for a particular level of cover
• Schools often expect an enhanced DBS check, so check requirements before working on school sites
• Many contracts are seasonal and weather dependent, so income may be uneven
• Councils may use formal tender processes for larger contracts, so check how to get on approved lists
• Pitch paint must be suitable for the surface, so check product guidance to avoid damaging turf

Startup costs are typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on the marking machine, paint, transport and insurance you choose. These are estimates, so price your equipment and first season of paint before you commit.

Monthly revenue is typically around £500 to £2,500, depending on how many clubs, schools or councils you work for. Many contracts are seasonal and weather dependent, so income may be uneven.

Check public liability insurance and whether schools or councils ask for a particular level of cover. Schools often expect an enhanced DBS check. Also check how larger council contracts are tendered, and that your paint suits the surface.