Small machining workshop
Machine metal and plastic parts to drawings for local engineering firms, from a small rented unit.
- £15k-70k
- 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 one-off parts, prototypes and short production runs from customer drawings.
Your first three steps
- Price up a small unit and second-hand machines, and work out your hourly machine rate
- Visit local engineering firms and ask what work they struggle to get done quickly
- Arrange insurance and quote for a few trial jobs to build your first regular customers
Who pays
Local engineering and manufacturing firms, maintenance teams, product designers, agricultural and marine businesses.
How it makes money
Quoted price per part or per batch, based on machine time, material and setup. Repeat orders and subcontract work from regular clients build steady income.
Skills that help
- Machining experience on lathes and mills
- Reading engineering drawings
- Accurate measuring and quality checking
- Quoting and costing jobs
Watch out for
- Public liability and product liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire
- Health and safety duties for machinery, coolant, noise and dust, check HSE guidance
- Unit lease terms, business rates and whether the use is permitted for your site
- Relying on one or two big customers for most of your work
- Customers may ask for quality certification, so check what they 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 machining workshop?
Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £70,000, depending on the machines, tooling and unit you choose. These are estimates, so also check unit lease terms and business rates before you commit.
How much can a small machining workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on the work you win and your customers. These are estimates, and relying on one or two big customers for most of your work is a risk.
What should I check before opening a machining workshop?
Check public liability and product liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire. Look at HSE guidance on machinery, coolant, noise and dust, whether your site's use is permitted, and what quality certification customers may require.
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