Stage lighting hire and sales unit

Theatres, schools, churches, bands, venues and event companies that need regular hire, repeat supplies or advice on upgrades.

Hire fees, product sales with a margin, delivery and technician charges, and repair or install work. Contracts with venues or event firms can bring steadier income.

• Good technical knowledge of lighting and control systems
• Stock control and bookkeeping
• Selling and building relationships with venues
• Safe electrical testing and repair

• Public liability, stock and equipment insurance, plus employer's liability insurance once you hire staff
• Business rates, lease terms and permitted use of a unit, check with the landlord and council
• Tying up cash in stock that does not hire out often
• PAT testing and electrical safety on all hire kit, check current guidance
• VAT registration once turnover passes the threshold, and consumer or trade sales terms

Startup costs are typically around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, the range of hire stock and the fixtures and lamps you hold for sale. Stock that rarely hires out ties up cash.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on how often kit hires out, repeat sales and any delivery or technician support you offer. Treat it as an estimate.

Check insurance for public liability, stock and equipment, plus employer's liability once you hire staff, the permitted use and business rates for your unit, PAT testing and electrical safety on hire kit, and VAT registration thresholds.