Local metal stockholder and trade counter
Hold popular metal stock, fixings and consumables in a small unit and serve local fabricators, with delivery by van.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
2,233 UK companies in this field, 26% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 46720 “Wholesale of metals and metal ores”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small unit holding fast-moving stock such as steel bar, angle, flat, sheet and tube, plus fixings, welding supplies and abrasives. You cut to length, serve the counter and deliver locally.
Your first three steps
- Visit local fabricators and workshops to find out what they buy often and where they struggle to get it quickly
- Price up a small unit, a saw, racking and a starting stock list, and set up trade accounts with wholesalers
- Draw up credit terms and an account application form, then offer a first delivery to a few local firms
Who pays
Local fabricators, engineers, farms, garages, builders and small manufacturers who need material the same or next day.
How it makes money
You buy in bulk and sell at a higher price per piece or cut length, with extra for cutting and delivery. Account customers give steadier income.
Skills that help
- Knowledge of metals and fixings
- Stock control and buying
- Customer service at the counter
- Safe handling and lifting
Watch out for
- Public liability and employer's liability insurance once you hire, plus cover for stock and premises
- Check planning use class and business rates for the unit with your council
- Lifting equipment and saws need safe use and may need regular inspection, check HSE guidance
- Stock tied up in metal and customers paying late can strain cash flow
- Metal prices can move quickly, so review your pricing often
- If you buy scrap metal, a scrap metal dealer licence may be needed, check with your council
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: local metal stockholder and trade counter
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 metal stockholder?
Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, the stock you hold and your delivery vehicle. Stock tied up in metal and customers paying late can strain cash flow, so plan for that.
How much can a local metal trade counter earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on your range, location and customer base. Metal prices can move quickly, so review your pricing often and keep an eye on how much cash is tied up in stock.
What rules and insurance should I check for a trade counter?
Check the planning use class and business rates for your unit with your council, and look at HSE guidance on lifting equipment and saws. Also check insurance, including employer's liability once you hire, and whether a scrap metal dealer licence applies if you buy scrap.
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