Natural stone exporter with a small stockyard

Overseas stone distributors, builders' merchants, stonemasons and contractors who want smaller, mixed orders with quicker delivery.

You buy in bulk at quarry prices and sell at a margin, with extra income from cutting, packing and palletising. Stock lets you take repeat orders, but it ties up cash.

• Sales and supplier negotiation
• Stock control and organising
• Safe handling of heavy materials
• Export paperwork or willingness to learn it

• Cash tied up in stock that doesn't sell, so start with a narrow range
• Lifting and loading risks: check training, equipment and insurance for forklifts and heavy stone
• Employer's liability insurance if you hire help, plus public liability and stock insurance
• Customs and export paperwork: check current rules with HMRC and your forwarder, including EORI and commodity codes
• Payment risk with overseas buyers: consider deposits, letters of credit or credit insurance
• Planning and permitted use of the premises: check with your local council and landlord

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on yard or unit rent, how much stock you buy and the handling equipment you need. Starting with a narrow range of stone helps limit cash tied up in unsold stock.

Check current customs and export rules with HMRC and your forwarder, including EORI and commodity codes. Also check training and insurance for forklifts and heavy lifting, cover for stock and liability, and permitted use of your premises with the council and landlord.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on your product range, order sizes and number of overseas buyers. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for stock, yard rent and shipping costs. Expect to work at least 30 hours a week.