Mobile welding and metal repairs
Take a portable welder to customers and repair gates, railings, trailers and fittings on site.
- £3k-12k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
8,779 UK companies in this field, 13% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 25990 “Manufacture of other fabricated metal products n.e.c.”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A mobile service that repairs and adapts metalwork at the customer's property, such as broken gates, railings, trailer parts and farm equipment, using portable welding and cutting kit from a van.
Your first three steps
- Work out a van and portable kit list: inverter welder, generator or mains lead, grinder, clamps and safety gear
- Set up a simple Google Business Profile and local social posts showing before and after repairs
- Visit local farms, letting agents and caravan or trailer owners to offer repair work
Who pays
Homeowners, farmers, landlords, small businesses and builders who need a quick fix without moving heavy items.
How it makes money
Call-out fee plus an hourly rate or fixed price per repair, with materials added. Farms and landlords can bring repeat work.
Skills that help
- Welding and metal repair
- Diagnosing faults quickly
- Safe working on customers' sites
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Public liability insurance, plus cover for tools and your van
- Hot work on customers' sites carries fire risk, so check precautions and fire extinguisher needs
- Check whether structural or safety-related repairs need particular standards or professional sign-off
- Check how to dispose of offcuts and waste metal properly
- Fumes, eye protection and working in awkward spaces
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: mobile welding and metal repairs
Researched with live web search for United Kingdom: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a mobile welding business?
Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £3,000 to £12,000, depending on your van, portable welding and cutting kit, protective equipment and insurance.
How much can a mobile welder earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on how many call-outs you take, the type of repairs and your pricing. This is revenue before your own costs.
What should I check before doing welding repairs on customers' sites?
Check public liability insurance, plus cover for tools and your van. Check fire precautions and extinguisher needs for hot work on customers' sites, whether structural or safety-related repairs need particular standards or sign-off, and how to dispose of offcuts and waste metal.
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Photo: greenlightvision_ch on Pixabay