Local timber yard and cutting service

Builders, joiners, fencers, landscapers, carpenters and keen home DIYers in your area.

You buy from larger suppliers and sawmills and sell at a margin. Cutting, planing and delivery can be charged on top, and regular trade accounts give steady repeat orders.

• Knowing timber types, grades and sizes
• Customer service and trade selling
• Stock control and pricing
• Safe use of saws and lifting equipment

• Check planning and lease terms for retail or storage use of the site with your council
• Public liability, stock and contents insurance, plus employer's liability once you hire
• Training and safe working rules for saws, forklifts and manual handling, check what applies to you
• Fire risk from stored timber and offcuts, ask your insurer and fire service about requirements
• Imported timber has legal due diligence rules, check the current UK requirements before buying from overseas
• Cash tied up in stock and trade credit, set clear payment terms

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £60,000 to £250,000, depending on the site, the stock you hold and the saws and lifting equipment you need. Cash can be tied up in stock and trade credit, so plan for that.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on your range, location and mix of trade and public customers. Set clear payment terms so trade credit does not strain your cash flow.

Check planning and lease terms for retail or storage use with your council. Look at insurance, training and safe working rules for saws, forklifts and manual handling, fire risk from stored timber, and current UK due diligence rules for imported timber.