Marble supplier with a small stock unit

Kitchen fitters, stonemasons, builders, developers and homeowners who want to pick their own slab.

Margin on stone sold, plus charges for delivery, cutting to size and sometimes edge finishing.

• Knowledge of marble types and finishes
• Safe handling of heavy materials
• Sales, stock control and customer service

• Cutting or grinding stone creates dust containing silica, check HSE guidance on controlling exposure before offering any cutting
• Heavy slabs need proper lifting equipment and trained handling, check the rules for forklifts and lifting gear
• Stock tied up in expensive slabs is a cash flow risk, so start with a small range
• Insurance for stock, public liability, and employer's liability once you take on staff
• Check import costs, customs and VAT if you buy from outside the UK, and planning or business rates for your unit

Startup costs are typically around £25,000 to £100,000, depending on the unit, the range of slabs and tiles you hold, and any handling equipment. Stock is a cash flow risk, so starting with a small range helps.

Monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on your stock range, your trade customers and your location. These are estimates, not guarantees, and unit costs come out of that revenue.

Cutting or grinding stone creates dust containing silica, so check HSE guidance before offering cutting. Heavy slabs need proper lifting equipment and trained handling, so check the rules for forklifts and lifting gear. Also check your insurance, including employer's liability if you take on staff.