Bespoke Trailer Builder: Start a Small Workshop

Farmers, builders and landscapers, horse and livestock owners, small businesses needing a specific layout, and private owners wanting something unusual.

A quoted price per build, covering materials, labour and margin. Extra income comes from modifications, upgrades and selling accessories and spares.

• Welding and metal fabrication
• Reading drawings and costing a job
• Understanding trailer parts such as axles, brakes and lighting
• Customer service

• Check the legal requirements for the weights and types of trailer you plan to build, including plating, type approval and lighting rules
• Product liability and public liability insurance, and employer's liability once you hire
• Check planning and business rates for the unit, and rules on noise, sparks and fire risk
• Steel prices can change between quote and build, so state how long quotes are valid
• Good records of designs and materials, in case a customer or inspector raises a problem later

Startup costs are typically around £8,000 to £40,000, depending on the unit, welding and fabrication kit, and materials. These are estimates, so cost your own workshop setup carefully before you commit to a lease.

Things to check: the legal requirements for the weights and types of trailer you plan to build, including plating, type approval and lighting rules; planning and business rates for the unit; and rules on noise, sparks and fire risk. Also check your insurance.

Monthly revenue is typically around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on the number and type of trailers you build. These are estimates of revenue, not profit, and the work typically needs at least around 25 hours a week.