Painting studio with classes and rentable desks

Hobbyists and beginners attending classes, groups booking parties or team events, and artists renting space to work.

Class and workshop fees, group booking fees, and monthly or daily studio rental from artists. Selling art supplies or hosting small exhibitions can add extra income.

• Painting and teaching ability
• Organising timetables and bookings
• Marketing to a local audience
• Basic bookkeeping

• Read lease terms carefully, including length, break clauses and who pays for repairs, and ask a solicitor to check them
• Check business rates, planning use class and fire safety requirements with your council
• Public liability and contents insurance, and employer's liability if you hire staff or tutors
• Serving alcohol at events would need a licence, so check with your council first
• Music played in the studio may need a licence
• Fixed rent costs mean quiet months can hurt, so keep some cash in reserve

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the unit, fit-out, easels, materials and marketing. Read lease terms carefully and ask a solicitor to check them before you sign.

Check business rates, planning use class and fire safety with your council. Also check public liability, contents and employer's liability insurance, plus licences if you serve alcohol at events or play music in the studio.

Estimates suggest monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £9,000, depending on class numbers, workshops and desk rentals. Fixed rent means quiet months can hurt, so keep cash in reserve. Plan for at least about 20 hours a week.