Pottery studio supplying shops, cafés and galleries

Independent shops, galleries, cafés and restaurants, interior designers, and private customers buying online or at fairs.

Wholesale orders at trade prices in larger batches, plus higher-priced direct sales and commissions such as bespoke sets or tiles.

• Repeatable production methods
• Kiln and glaze control
• Costing and pricing for wholesale
• Building relationships with buyers

• Check the unit's lease terms, permitted use, electrics and any business rates
• Kilns and clay dust need good ventilation and safe working practices, so check health and safety guidance
• Food-safe glazes matter if you supply tableware to cafés, so check the rules for food contact items
• Public liability and contents insurance, plus employer's liability if you take on staff
• Wholesale means waiting for payment and carrying stock, so watch your cash flow

Startup costs are typically around £5,000 to £20,000, depending on your rented unit, kiln and equipment, and materials. Check the lease terms, electrics and any business rates before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,500 to £7,000, depending on your range, production capacity and how many trade customers you win. These are revenue estimates. Wholesale can mean waiting for payment, so watch cash flow.

Check health and safety guidance on ventilation for kilns and clay dust. If you supply tableware to cafés, check the rules for food-contact items and food-safe glazes. Also check the unit's permitted use, and arrange public liability and contents insurance.