Small-Scale acrylic fabrication from a garage workshop

Local shops, cafes, estate agents, market traders, small sign makers and other businesses that need small custom parts.

You charge per item or per job, based on material cost plus your time. Selling repeat designs, such as standard display stands, to the same customers saves time on quoting and setup.

• Careful, tidy hand work
• Measuring and cutting accurately
• Basic design or sketching
• Patience with finishing and polishing

• Check your home or landlord insurance, lease or mortgage terms, and whether the council needs to know about business use at home
• Fumes from solvent cements and dust from cutting. Plan ventilation and personal protective equipment and check COSHH guidance with the HSE
• Noise and neighbours, which could cause complaints
• Fire risk from plastic offcuts and electrical equipment in an outbuilding
• Public liability and product liability insurance for items you sell
• Do not heat or laser cut materials unless you know exactly what they are, as some plastics release harmful fumes

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £1,500 to £6,000, depending on the tools and heating equipment you buy, your ventilation and safety gear, and how much acrylic sheet you stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £500 to £2,500, depending on how many local businesses you supply and the types of items you make. The idea suggests at least 8 hours a week.

Check home or landlord insurance, lease or mortgage terms, and whether the council needs to know about business use. Plan for fumes, dust, noise and fire risk, check COSHH guidance with the HSE, and arrange liability insurance.