Pottery studio with wheels and weekly classes

Adult learners, parents, couples and friends on social outings, and organisers of team events or birthday parties.

Course fees and single-session tickets, plus party and group bookings, with firing and glazing fees on top.

• Wheel throwing and hand-building
• Teaching mixed-ability groups
• Marketing and managing bookings
• Basic budgeting and managing rent

• Read any lease carefully and check the permitted use for the unit, including business rates
• Public liability insurance, plus cover for the kiln, equipment and contents
• Check fire safety, ventilation and electrical requirements for kilns with your council or a professional
• If you hire helpers, you will need employer's liability insurance
• Safeguarding checks if you teach children
• Bookings can be seasonal, so keep some cash back for quieter months

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the unit, number of wheels, kiln and fit-out. Read any lease carefully and check the permitted use and business rates before you commit.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on class numbers, pricing, parties and workshops. Bookings can be seasonal, so keep some cash back for quieter months.

Check public liability insurance and cover for the kiln, equipment and contents. Check fire safety, ventilation and electrical requirements with your council or a professional. Employer's liability insurance applies if you hire helpers, and check safeguarding if you teach children.