Start a worktop trade counter and showroom

Local builders, kitchen fitters, landlords and homeowners who want to see and handle materials before buying.

Margin on worktops, cutting and edging charges, delivery fees, and fitting if you offer it. Trade accounts with regular builders give steadier income.

• Knowledge of worktop materials
• Sales and trade relationships
• Stock and cash flow management

• Lease terms, business rates and deposits on a unit
• Public liability, product liability, stock and buildings or contents insurance
• Cutting machinery needs training and safe dust extraction, so check HSE guidance
• Large suppliers and DIY chains compete on price, so find a niche such as quick cut-to-size or local delivery
• Cash tied up in stock and delayed trade payments, so set credit terms carefully
• Planning and use class for the unit, so check with your council

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £15,000 to £60,000, depending on the unit, stock levels, cutting equipment and showroom set-up. Cash can be tied up in stock, so plan your funding and credit terms carefully.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £5,000 to £25,000, depending on your stock, trade relationships and whether you add fitting. Larger suppliers compete on price, so a niche such as cut-to-size may help.

Check lease terms, business rates and deposits, plus insurance such as public liability, product liability and stock cover. Also check training and dust extraction for cutting machinery using HSE guidance, and planning use class with your council.