Mobile knife and tool sharpening service

Restaurants, cafes, butchers, hair and pet groomers, gardeners, joiners and keen home cooks.

A set price per item, such as per knife or per pair of scissors, with regular repeat visits to businesses on a monthly or quarterly cycle.

• Steady hand and attention to detail
• Knowing different blade types and angles
• Reliable customer service and route planning

• Public liability insurance, and cover for customers' items while in your care
• Check your insurance covers work done in your vehicle and at customers' premises
• Street trading or market pitch permission may be needed, check with your local council
• Metal dust and sparks, wear eye protection and check ventilation if using powered grinders
• Delicate or expensive items such as hairdressing scissors need real skill, so practise before charging for them

Startup costs are typically around £500 to £3,000, depending on the grinders, stones and equipment you buy and how you set up your vehicle. These are estimates, so price your kit before committing.

Monthly revenue is typically around £400 to £2,500, depending on how many customers you serve and the mix of trade and home clients. The estimate starts from around 8 hours a week.

Check public liability insurance, cover for customers' items, and that your policy covers work in your vehicle and at customers' premises. Also check whether street trading or market pitches need council permission, and safety around metal dust and sparks.