Custom spring maker with a small workshop

Local manufacturers, product designers, engineering and maintenance firms, vehicle and machinery repairers.

You charge per spring or per batch, with set-up costs for new designs and a premium for fast turnaround. Repeat orders from regular customers are the steadiest income.

• Mechanical aptitude and machine setup
• Accurate measuring and quality checking
• Quoting from drawings or sample springs
• Building trade relationships

• Machinery safety rules, check Health and Safety Executive guidance on equipment such as PUWER
• Product liability and public liability insurance, and employer's liability once you hire
• Planning use and business rates for a unit, check with the landlord and your council
• Safety-critical applications, agree specifications in writing and keep wire material certificates
• Used machine condition and maintenance costs, get it inspected before buying

Startup costs are typically around £12,000 to £50,000, depending on the unit you rent, the coiling machine you buy and your setup. These are estimates, so get quotes and have any used machine inspected before buying.

Monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £12,000, depending on your order volume, customers and capacity. The estimate assumes at least about 25 hours a week. Revenue is not profit, so allow for rent, wire and machine upkeep.

Check Health and Safety Executive guidance on machinery such as PUWER, and your insurance: product liability, public liability, and employer's liability once you hire. Check planning use and business rates for the unit, and agree specifications in writing for safety-critical work.