Machinery Repair and Servicing Workshop
Run a small unit where businesses bring machine parts and smaller equipment to be repaired, reconditioned and tested.
- £8k-40k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
5,811 UK companies in this field, 21% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 33120 “Repair of machinery”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A rented workshop where you repair, recondition and test machinery, motors, pumps, gearboxes and components sent in by local businesses, alongside some on-site visits.
Your first three steps
- Look at rents for small industrial units nearby and work out how many repair jobs a month you would need to cover them
- Set up accounts with a few parts and tool suppliers and get insurance quotes for premises and stock
- Visit local firms to ask what they currently send away for repair and offer a trial job
Who pays
Manufacturers, engineering firms, farms, builders and small businesses that need equipment fixed fast and cheaper than buying new.
How it makes money
Charges per repair or per hour of labour, plus parts, with repeat work from regular business customers.
Skills that help
- Machining, fitting or electrical repair skills
- Quoting jobs accurately
- Managing parts suppliers
- Customer service with business clients
Watch out for
- Unit lease terms and business rates, check these before signing
- Public liability and contents or equipment insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire
- Planning use class and any restrictions on noise or waste, check with your council
- Disposal of oils, solvents and scrap, as hazardous waste may need registered carriers
- Tied-up cash in parts and customers' equipment while jobs wait
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to open a machinery repair workshop?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit, equipment and parts stock. Monthly revenue is estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how much work you win and the jobs you take on.
What rules should I check before renting a repair workshop in the UK?
Check the unit lease terms and business rates before signing, plus the planning use class and any noise or waste restrictions with your council. Also check disposal of oils, solvents and scrap, as hazardous waste may need registered carriers, and your insurance cover.
What skills and hours does a repair workshop need?
The estimates start at around 35 hours a week. Useful skills include machining, fitting or electrical repair, accurate quoting, managing parts suppliers and business customer service. Cash can be tied up in parts and customers' equipment while jobs wait.
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