Welding and fabrication workshop
Rent a small unit to make and repair metalwork for local trade customers, from gates to custom brackets.
- £6k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in the UK, not guarantees.
Official data
1,709 UK companies in this field, 26% registered in the last 2 years
SIC 33110 “Repair of fabricated metal products”. Source: Companies House, November 2026.
What it is
A small welding and fabrication workshop where customers bring or order items such as gates, railings, trailer parts, brackets and bespoke metalwork, made or repaired to order.
Your first three steps
- Look at small workshop units to rent locally and compare costs, access and power supply
- Cost a basic kit of welder, saw, grinder, bench and clamps, and consider buying second-hand
- Contact local builders, farms and garages for trade work and ask what they currently struggle to get done quickly
Who pays
Builders, farmers, garages, small manufacturers, landscapers and homeowners.
How it makes money
Fixed quotes for made-to-order items and hourly rates for repairs, plus a margin on materials. Regular trade customers help keep the work steady.
Skills that help
- Welding and metal fabrication
- Measuring, cutting and reading drawings
- Quoting and pricing materials
- Managing your time across several jobs
Watch out for
- Planning use and lease terms for the unit, which are worth checking with the landlord and council
- Public liability, buildings and contents, and equipment insurance
- Fire safety, ventilation and fume extraction in the workshop
- Employer's liability insurance if you take on an employee or apprentice
- Cash flow, as material costs are paid before customers pay you
🔒 Full research report for UK
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a welding workshop?
Startup costs are estimates, typically around £6,000 to £30,000, depending on the unit, equipment and materials you buy. Material costs are paid before customers pay you, so plan your cash flow.
What should I check before renting a unit for welding?
Check planning use and lease terms with the landlord and council, plus fire safety, ventilation and fume extraction. Also check insurance for public liability, buildings, contents and equipment, and employer's liability if you take on an employee or apprentice.
How much can a welding and fabrication workshop earn?
Estimates suggest monthly revenue typically around £2,500 to £10,000, depending on how many trade and homeowner jobs you take on. Hours start at about 30 a week.
Other ways to run this business
Similar trades ideas
Lock and key cutting shop
Run a small shop selling locks and security fittings, with a key cutting counter for walk-in customers.
- £8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small pool installation and refurbishment firm
Install, re-line and refurbish garden pools for homeowners with a small, skilled crew.
- £8k-30k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Battery supplier with a van delivery round
Stock common vehicle and equipment batteries in a small unit and deliver same day to garages, workshops and fleets.
- £8k-30k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Hull cleaning and boat diving services
Clean hulls and propellers, clear fouled lines and check moorings for boat owners and marinas, working from a van.
- £8k-30k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Refurbished commercial fridge supplier
Buy used catering fridges, have them tested and cleaned, and sell them at lower prices to new and tight-budget food businesses.
- £8k-30k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Small electrical contractor for builders and shops
Lead a small team doing wiring and lighting installs for builders, developers and commercial premises.
- £8k-30k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Photo: JonKline on Pixabay