Local uniform and workwear shop

Parents and carers buying school uniform, local businesses ordering staff workwear, and sports clubs buying team kit.

Mark-up on garments, plus add-on services such as embroidery or printing. Sales peak before the school year starts, so plan cash flow around quieter months.

• Retail and stock control
• Customer service with families
• Sizing and fitting
• Managing cash flow through seasonal peaks

• A lease, business rates and fit-out are significant commitments, so check the full costs and your break-even before signing
• Trade is highly seasonal, with a rush in summer and quiet spells at other times
• Check whether you need planning permission or a change of use for your chosen premises
• Check for public liability, stock and contents insurance, and employer's liability insurance once you hire
• Schools can change suppliers or sell uniform online directly, which could affect your sales

Estimates suggest startup costs are typically around £10,000 to £40,000, depending on your premises, fit-out and how much stock you buy. Check the full costs of the lease, business rates and fit-out, and work out your break-even, before signing.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £3,000 to £15,000, depending on location, range and customer mix. Trade is highly seasonal, with a rush in summer and quiet spells at other times, so plan your cash flow around that.

Check whether you need planning permission or a change of use for your chosen premises. Also look at public liability, stock and contents insurance, and employer's liability insurance once you hire. Schools can change suppliers or sell online, which could affect your sales.