Local tool and equipment hire shop

Local builders, landscapers and small firms who need kit for a job, plus homeowners doing renovations.

Daily, weekend and weekly hire fees, plus sales of consumables and accessories. Deposits and damage waivers can add income if managed carefully.

• Knowing how equipment works and is maintained
• Customer service and clear explaining
• Managing a fleet, bookings and paperwork

• Safety and maintenance duties for hired equipment, check what applies (for example PUWER, and LOLER for lifting items) with the HSE
• Regular inspection and electrical testing of equipment, with records
• Insurance for the fleet, stock, public liability and product liability, plus employer's liability once you hire staff
• Hire agreements, deposits, ID checks and what happens with damaged or unreturned kit
• Premises costs, business rates and planning use class, check with your council
• Large upfront spend on equipment that can be stolen or lose value

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £25,000 to £100,000, depending on your premises and the size of your equipment fleet. Equipment is a large upfront spend and can be stolen or lose value, so budget carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £4,000 to £18,000, depending on the equipment you hold, your location and how often kit is out on hire. Check hire agreements, deposits and what happens with damaged or unreturned kit.

Check safety and maintenance duties for hired equipment with the HSE, for example PUWER, and LOLER for lifting items. Check regular inspection and electrical testing with records, and premises costs, business rates and planning use class with your council.