Jobbing machine shop in a small unit
Make and repair one-off and short-run metal parts for local firms, farms and workshops from a rented unit.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
3,013 UK companies in this field, 11% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 25620 “Machining”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small workshop with a manual or CNC lathe and mill, making replacement parts, prototypes and short batches of turned and milled components from drawings or worn samples.
Your first three steps
- Visit local engineering firms and farms to find out what parts they struggle to get made or repaired quickly
- Price up used manual or CNC machines and a rented unit, then work out a machine hourly rate that covers costs
- Quote for a few small trial jobs and ask for repeat work and introductions
Who pays
Local engineering firms, farms, garages, maintenance teams, inventors and hobbyists such as classic vehicle and motorcycle owners.
How it makes money
Quote per job or per part, usually based on machine time plus material. Repeat work from a few local firms helps keep the machines busy.
Skills that help
- Machining on lathes and mills
- Reading engineering drawings
- Accurate measuring and quoting
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, and check whether you need product liability cover for parts you make
- Check planning use class, lease terms and business rates for your unit with the council
- Machine safety, guarding and training, and the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (check HSE guidance)
- Employer's liability insurance as soon as you take on anyone
- Parts used in safety-critical jobs may need material certificates or inspection, so check what customers require
🔒 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 start a machine shop?
Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on whether you buy manual or CNC machines, and on your unit and tooling. These are estimates, so also check lease terms and business rates.
How much can a jobbing machine shop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £12,000, depending on your machines, the jobs you win and how many hours you work. These are estimates, and the starting point is around 30 hours a week.
What rules and insurance should I check for a machine workshop?
Check public liability insurance and whether you need product liability cover for parts you make. Also check planning use class, lease terms, business rates, machine guarding and HSE guidance on work equipment, and employer's liability insurance if you take on anyone.
Other ways to run this business
Similar making and manufacturing ideas
Barrel reconditioning workshop
Rent a small unit to refurbish used barrels and sell new and reconditioned casks to drinks producers.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Bespoke staircase maker with a workshop
Design, build and install made-to-measure timber staircases from a small rented workshop.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small-batch lingerie workshop
Run a small UK workshop making lingerie in short runs for independent brands and labels.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local aluminium frames stockist with a small unit
Hold popular frame sizes and profiles in a small unit and supply local trades quickly, with your own delivery.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small-unit digital print shop
Run a small unit with a production digital press, offering fast short-run printing for businesses, events and walk-in customers.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Local natural stone yard
Stock paving, slabs and tiles in a small yard or unit and sell to trades and homeowners nearby.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Photo: Ralphs_Fotos on Pixabay