Made-to-measure mirror workshop
Cut, polish and fit mirrors to order for homes, gyms, salons and small businesses.
- £5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
376 UK companies in this field, 15% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 23120 “Shaping and processing of flat glass”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small unit where you cut, edge and finish mirrors to size, then deliver and fit them. You can also sell ready-made mirrors and frames to walk-in customers.
Your first three steps
- Visit local glass and mirror shops to compare prices and see what they offer
- Find a glass wholesaler who supplies mirror sheets and ask about minimum orders and cutting equipment
- Contact local builders, designers and salons offering a quote for a first job
Who pays
Homeowners, interior designers, builders, gyms, hair and beauty salons, and shops needing mirrors cut to size.
How it makes money
Price per mirror based on size, thickness and edge finish, plus charges for delivery and fitting. Trade customers can give repeat orders.
Skills that help
- Careful, accurate measuring
- Handling glass safely
- Quoting and customer service
Watch out for
- Public liability and product liability insurance, and cover for stock and tools
- Safe handling of glass, including protective gear and manual handling training
- Planning and business rates for a unit, check with your local council
- Mirrors fitted in bathrooms or public places may need safety backing or safety glass, check current standards
Deep research report · UK
Everything you need to start: made-to-measure mirror workshop
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 mirror workshop?
Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on your unit, cutting and edging tools, stock and insurance. Public liability and product liability cover, plus cover for stock and tools, are worth checking.
How much can a made-to-measure mirror workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on the mix of made-to-measure orders and ready-made mirrors you sell, and on customers such as homeowners, gyms, salons and builders.
What rules should I check before opening a mirror workshop?
Check safe glass handling, including protective gear and manual handling training. Also check planning and business rates for a unit with your local council, and current standards on safety backing or safety glass for mirrors in bathrooms or public places.
Other ways to run this business
Similar retail ideas
Second-hand bookshop on the high street
Open a small shop selling pre-owned books and buying stock from local people.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Used and refurbished bakery equipment
Buy, refurbish and sell or hire second-hand ovens and mixers to bakeries on a tighter budget.
- £5k-25k
- Part-time
- Own premises
Consignment shop on your high street
Rent a small shop and sell other people's quality second-hand items, keeping a share of each sale.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Flag shop with a small unit
Open a local shop for flags, poles and bunting, serving walk-in and business customers.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Vintage clothes shop on the high street
Open a small shop with a curated range of vintage clothing and accessories for local and passing trade.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Second-hand clothes shop
Open a small shop selling pre-owned everyday clothing to shoppers who want good value.
- £5k-25k
- Full-time
- Own premises