Local masonry supply yard

Local builders and bricklayers, landscapers, small developers and homeowners doing extensions, walls and patios.

You buy in bulk from manufacturers and wholesalers and sell at a mark-up. Delivery charges, trade accounts and repeat builders bring steady sales.

• Knowing building materials and quantities
• Customer service and sales
• Stock control and ordering
• Safe handling of heavy goods

• Planning permission and permitted use of the site, check with your local council
• Public liability, stock and employer's liability insurance once you hire staff
• Forklift or telehandler training and safe pallet handling
• Rules for delivery vehicles and driver hours, check whether you need an HGV licence for what you plan to drive
• Cement and silica dust safety (COSHH), plus how to store and label materials
• Cash flow risk: you pay for stock upfront while builders may expect credit, so consider credit checks or credit insurance

Startup costs are typically around £25,000 to £100,000, depending on the site, opening stock, equipment and delivery vehicle. These are estimates, and stock is paid for upfront, so plan your cash flow carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around £10,000 to £50,000, depending on your stock range, location and how many trade customers you win. Builders may expect credit while you pay suppliers upfront, so check payment terms.

Check planning permission and permitted use of the site with your local council. Also check insurance, forklift or telehandler training, whether you need an HGV licence for your delivery vehicles, and COSHH rules on cement and silica dust.