Machine repair and rebuild workshop

Local engineering firms, farms, garages, builders and workshops that want a cheaper alternative to buying new.

Labour charged by the hour or fixed price per repair, plus parts. Repeat trade from local firms builds a steady flow of work.

• Strip down and rebuild of mechanical equipment
• Basic machining or welding
• Quoting and managing a job queue
• Parts sourcing

• Rent, business rates and utility costs while work builds up
• Public liability insurance and cover for customers' equipment while it is in your care
• Check planning use class and landlord permission for workshop use, and any noise or fumes limits
• Safe use of lifting gear and machinery, and check whether inspection rules apply
• Waste oils and solvents need proper disposal, check what registration or contracts you need

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on your unit, machine tools, lifting gear, parts stock and insurance. Treat this as an estimate and cost your own workshop and the type of work you plan to take on.

Estimated monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on the work you take on, how many hours you put in and how well you manage your job queue. This is revenue before rent, rates, utilities and parts.

Check the planning use class and landlord permission for workshop use, plus any noise or fumes limits. Also check public liability insurance and cover for customers' equipment, safe use of lifting gear and any inspection rules, and the registration or contracts needed for waste oils and solvents.