Upholstery workshop for homes and venues

Households, pubs, restaurants, hotels, offices, letting agents and interior designers.

Quoted labour per piece plus materials. Commercial jobs are often larger, repeat orders, and you may add a margin on fabric and foam.

• Upholstery on both traditional and modern furniture
• Quoting and pricing larger jobs
• Industrial sewing or working with a seamstress
• Managing customers, suppliers and deadlines

• Check the lease terms, business rates and whether the unit's permitted use covers workshop work
• Public liability insurance, plus employer's liability insurance once you take on staff
• Contract furniture for commercial venues often must meet fire safety standards, check what applies to each job
• Late-paying commercial customers can strain cash flow, so consider deposits and clear payment terms
• Rent and equipment costs run whether or not you have work, so build up orders before committing

Estimates suggest startup costs typically around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on the unit, equipment, cutting table and fabric storage. Monthly revenue is typically around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on the mix of household and commercial work you win.

Check the lease terms, business rates and whether the unit's permitted use covers workshop work. Contract furniture for commercial venues often must meet fire safety standards, so check what applies to each job. Also arrange public liability insurance.

Late-paying commercial customers can strain cash flow, so consider deposits and clear payment terms. Rent and equipment costs run whether or not you have work, so build up orders before committing. Estimates suggest at least around 30 hours a week.