Start a local saddlery shop

Local riders, horse owners, livery yards, riding schools and pony club families.

Margin on stock sold, plus fitting and repair work, and regular repeat sales of feed, supplements and grooming products.

• Strong horse and tack knowledge
• Retail and stock management
• Customer service and relationship building

• Commercial lease terms, business rates and any planning use class for the premises, check with your council
• Stock is a big cost, and slow-moving items can tie up cash
• Public liability, stock and buildings or contents insurance
• Saddle fitting needs real skill, consider recognised training before offering it
• Consumer rights rules on returns and refunds
• Seasonal sales and competition from online retailers

Startup costs are estimates, typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the premises, fit-out and how much stock you carry. Stock is a big cost, and slow-moving items can tie up cash, so plan your buying carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically around £4,000 to £20,000 as an estimate, depending on your location, range and services such as saddle fitting. This is revenue before costs like rent, stock and wages, and sales can be seasonal.

Check commercial lease terms, business rates and any planning use class for the premises with your council. Also check insurance such as public liability, stock and buildings or contents cover, and consumer rights rules on returns and refunds.