Rubber sheet and seals supplier with a small unit

Local engineering and manufacturing firms, garages, farms, plant hire companies, maintenance contractors and other trade buyers.

You sell stock and cut-to-size parts at a margin over your buying price, with extra for cutting and quick turnaround. Regular trade accounts bring steady repeat orders.

• Knowledge of rubber materials and their uses
• Accurate measuring and cutting
• Stock control and building trade relationships

• Check the unit lease, permitted use and business rates before committing
• Public liability, product liability and stock insurance are worth checking, plus employer's liability if you hire
• Cutting tools and manual handling carry risks, so check health and safety requirements
• Check whether customers need material certificates or approvals, for example for food or drinking water use
• Holding stock ties up cash, so start with fast-moving lines
• Keep an eye on the VAT registration threshold and the terms of trade credit you offer customers

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £30,000, depending on the unit, the stock you hold and your cutting equipment. These are estimates, so get real quotes for rent, stock and insurance before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on your customer base, the stock lines you carry and how often trade buyers reorder. These are estimates, not guarantees, and revenue is not profit.

Check the unit lease, permitted use and business rates. Look at public liability, product liability and stock insurance, plus employer's liability if you hire. Also check health and safety for cutting and handling, and whether customers need material certificates or approvals.