Retaining wall supplies yard with trade counter

Local landscapers and builders who want same-day or next-day collection, plus homeowners building garden walls.

You buy in bulk from manufacturers and sell at a mark-up. Delivery charges, cutting services and regular trade accounts add steady income.

• Product and quantity knowledge
• Stock control and buying
• Customer service at the counter
• Safe handling of heavy materials

• Planning use class and any restrictions on opening hours or lorry movements, check with your council
• Public liability, employer's liability once you hire, and cover for stock and vehicles
• Forklift operator training and safe handling of heavy loads
• Waste carrier registration may be needed if you take away waste or surplus material, check the rules
• Credit risk on trade accounts, consider credit checks and clear payment terms
• Stock tied up in cash, start with fast-selling lines

Startup costs are typically around £25,000 to £80,000, depending on the yard or unit, initial stock, handling equipment and vehicles. These are estimates, so start with fast-selling lines to avoid tying up too much cash.

Monthly revenue is typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on your trade accounts, local demand and the stock you carry. Treat this as an estimate, as costs for stock, rent and staff come out of it.

Check the planning use class and any limits on opening hours or lorry movements, insurance for stock and vehicles, forklift training, and waste carrier registration if you take away waste. Also consider credit checks on trade accounts.