Small metal workshop for gates and fittings

Homeowners, builders, landscapers, farmers, small businesses and local trades needing one-off or short-run metalwork.

Quoted price per job based on materials, your time and finishing, plus repeat work from trades and builders who need regular fabrication or repairs.

• Welding and metal cutting
• Reading drawings and measuring accurately
• Quoting and costing jobs
• Customer service

• Public liability insurance, and check cover for your equipment and any work you install on site
• Check the unit's permitted use, fire safety rules and insurance requirements with the landlord and council
• Welding fumes, sparks and noise need proper extraction, protective equipment and safe storage of gas cylinders
• Check whether structural or safety-critical work needs particular standards or sign-off
• Check any rules on scrap metal and waste disposal

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on the unit you rent, your welding, cutting and finishing equipment, extraction and protective gear, and insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on the mix of gates, railings and repairs you take on, your pricing and how many hours you work. This is revenue, not profit.

Check public liability insurance and cover for equipment and on-site installs. Check the unit's permitted use, fire safety and insurance rules with the landlord and council. Check fume extraction, gas cylinder storage, standards for structural work, and scrap metal and waste rules.