Bottled water supplier from a small unit
Run a small unit stocking bottled water in volume and supply hotels, shops and caterers across a wider area.
- £15k-60k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
2,471 UK companies in this field, 42% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 46341 “Wholesale of fruit and vegetable juices, mineral water and soft drinks”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A larger wholesale operation from rented warehouse space, holding several brands and sizes of bottled water and supplying bigger customers by pallet or multi-case delivery.
Your first three steps
- Ask producers and larger distributors about trade accounts, pallet prices and exclusive area deals
- Price up a small unit nearby, a van and a pallet truck, and work out how many regular customers you need to cover costs
- Pitch to hotels, caterers and shops with a clear price list and delivery days, and aim to land a few anchor customers before you commit to a lease
Who pays
Hotels, restaurant groups, caterers, event companies, convenience shops and offices.
How it makes money
Margin on each case sold, with volume discounts from producers as your orders grow. Contracts with hotels and caterers give repeat orders.
Skills that help
- Stock control and purchasing
- Negotiating with producers and customers
- Managing deliveries, and later a driver or helper
Watch out for
- Register as a food business with your local council, and check what they expect of your premises and storage
- Check lease terms, business rates and insurance for the unit and stock
- Employer's liability insurance is needed once you take on staff
- Check the weight of your vehicle against your driving licence category
- Stock ties up cash, and a few large customers paying late can cause problems
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: bottled water supplier from a small unit
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 bottled water wholesale business?
Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, stock levels and vehicle. Check lease terms, business rates and insurance for the unit and stock before you commit.
What rules should I check before starting?
Register as a food business with your local council and check what they expect of your premises and storage. Also check employer's liability insurance once you take on staff, and your vehicle weight against your driving licence category.
How much can a bottled water wholesaler earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the customers you win and the volumes you supply. Stock ties up cash, and a few large customers paying late can cause problems.
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