Set Design and Build Workshop

Theatres, touring productions, event and exhibition companies, museums, retailers and film or TV production teams.

Quoted price per project covering design, materials, labour and installation, with extra for transport, storage and hire of reusable pieces.

• Carpentry and general fabrication
• Scenic painting or finishing
• Estimating costs and managing deadlines
• Reading drawings and managing small teams

• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire anyone, and cover for tools and stock
• Dust, noise, fumes and power tool safety, check health and safety duties and risk assessments
• Fire safety rules for materials used in public venues, check what clients and venues require
• Check planning and business rates for your unit and what the lease allows, including noisy work
• Late payment and large upfront material costs, consider deposits and staged payments
• If you carry waste from jobs, check whether you need waste carrier registration

Startup costs are typically around £4,000 to £20,000, depending on your workshop unit, tools and machinery, materials and insurance. Large upfront material costs can be eased with deposits and staged payments from clients.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on the projects you win, their size and your pricing. Late payment can hurt cash flow, so consider deposits and staged payments.

Check health and safety duties and risk assessments for dust, noise, fumes and power tools, plus fire safety requirements for materials used in public venues. Check planning, business rates and lease terms, and waste carrier registration if you carry waste.