Start a bricklaying subcontractor team

Local building firms, developers and main contractors who subcontract the brickwork.

Price per thousand bricks laid, a price per job or a day rate. You earn from your own work and from a margin on your team's time.

• Experienced bricklaying and site supervision
• Pricing work and managing cash flow
• Organising people and materials

• Under the Construction Industry Scheme (CIS), check how to register with HMRC and how deductions work
• Employed or self-employed status for your crew needs care, so check HMRC guidance or take advice
• Employer's liability insurance if you employ anyone, plus public liability cover
• Late payment from main contractors can strain cash flow, so agree terms and stage payments up front
• Site health and safety duties, including scaffolding, risk assessments and CSCS cards for workers

Startup costs are typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on tools, insurance and how large a crew you take on. Agree payment terms and stage payments up front to protect cash flow.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £6,000 to £25,000, depending on crew size and the amount of work you win from builders. Late payment from main contractors can strain cash flow.

Check how to register under the Construction Industry Scheme with HMRC, and how deductions work. Also check employed or self-employed status for your crew, employer's liability and public liability insurance, and site health and safety duties including CSCS cards.