Small sail loft for new sails and covers

Racing crews, dinghy and keelboat owners, cruising sailors, sailing clubs and marine businesses.

Quoted price per new sail or set of sails, plus repairs, recuts, covers and servicing. New sails are larger jobs, but repairs and servicing help keep money coming in between orders.

• Sail design and pattern cutting
• Industrial sewing
• Measuring boats and rigs
• Quoting and managing customer orders

• Public liability and product liability insurance, and employer's liability once you hire
• Higher startup cost for premises, machines, design software and cloth stock
• Competition from established lofts and overseas makers, so a clear niche matters
• Check business rates, planning use and fire safety for your unit

Startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on premises, machines, design software and cloth stock. These are estimates, so get real quotes for your unit and equipment before settling on a budget.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on how many new sails and repairs you take on and your pricing. This is an estimate of revenue rather than profit, and the idea assumes at least around 30 hours a week.

Check public liability and product liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire. Also check business rates, planning use and fire safety for your unit, and consider how you will compete with established lofts and overseas makers.