Start a Small Metal Fabrication Workshop

Builders, landscapers, farmers, small manufacturers and local homeowners who need something made to fit.

A quote per job covering materials, your time and a margin, or an hourly rate for repairs. Repeat trade customers help keep the workshop busy.

• Welding (MIG, TIG or stick)
• Reading drawings and measuring accurately
• Quoting and costing jobs

• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you take on staff
• Fire risk, ventilation and fume extraction from welding and cutting; check your insurer's and landlord's requirements
• Business rates and planning use class for the unit; check with your council
• Structural or safety-critical work (such as load-bearing items) may need specific standards or certification, so check before taking it on
• Steel prices can change, so build a date limit into quotes

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the unit, welding and cutting equipment and materials you buy. This is an estimate, so price up your own kit list before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on the jobs you win and your prices. These are estimates, and revenue is not profit. Steel prices can change, so build a date limit into quotes.

Check fire risk, ventilation and fume extraction with your insurer and landlord, plus business rates and planning use class with your council. Also check whether structural or safety-critical work needs specific standards or certification, and what insurance you need.