Local pump supplier with a small trade counter

Local builders, drainage and groundworks contractors, farms, maintenance firms and homeowners.

Margin on pump sales, plus repeat trade accounts and add-on sales of fittings, hoses and spare parts. Delivery charges add a little more.

• Technical knowledge of pumps and fittings
• Stock control and buying
• Building relationships with trade customers

• Planning use class and lease terms for the unit, and business rates, so check with the council
• Public liability and product liability insurance, plus buildings and stock cover
• Tied-up cash in stock that sells slowly, so start small
• Many trade customers expect credit terms, so check how you will handle late payment
• Employer's liability insurance if you take on staff

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit, your opening stock of pumps and spares, and insurance. Starting small can limit cash tied up in slow-selling stock.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on your range, pricing and how many local contractors, farms and homeowners you serve. The estimated minimum is around 35 hours a week.

Check the planning use class, lease terms and business rates with the council. Check public liability and product liability insurance plus buildings and stock cover, how you will handle late payment on trade credit, and employer's liability insurance if you hire.