Artificial plant and flower shop

Local households, offices, restaurants, hotels and event decorators who want regular supplies or custom displays.

Retail mark-up on stock, higher margins on custom arrangements, plus repeat trade orders from businesses and decorators.

• Display and arranging skills
• Buying and stock control
• Selling and customer service

• Rent, business rates and a lease are the biggest commitments, so check small business rates relief and read lease terms carefully
• Buildings and contents insurance plus public liability insurance
• Stock can sit unsold, so start with a modest range and track what sells
• Check whether you need planning permission for a change of use or new shop signage, and speak to your council
• Employer's liability insurance is needed once you hire staff

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £35,000, depending on the premises, shop fit-out and how much stock you buy. These are estimates, and starting with a modest range can help limit the amount of stock sitting unsold.

Check lease terms, business rates and small business rates relief, and whether you need planning permission for a change of use or new signage by speaking to your council. Also check buildings, contents and public liability insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £14,000, depending on location, range and how many homes, offices and decorators you attract. Rent and rates are the biggest commitments, so check them against your expected sales.