Need advice on starting my own machine shop.

[AdieR]

Setting up a new business: you say you've budgeted £13k for plant, but £200 for misc tools - have you considered your measuring gear (micrometers, slip gauges etc)? These can cost a small fortune on their own. Have you considered the likely largest sizes of gauges you'll need? Bear in mind some customers may ask for evidence of calibrations etc, ie ££. Have you considered the rest of your start up costs? Rent (if applicable), business rates, material stock (bear in mind you'll likely have to pay for it possibly weeks before you see a penny), energy? What about transport? Have you a plan (and a budget) to deliver finished items? And a reserve to cover cashflow while things are lean? Have you budgeted the installation cost of machines eg upgrading / relocation of electrical systems (and pipework if need be)? Accountancy fees? Legal fees? Have you neighbours near your workshop who might object to factors like noise or traffic? Is there a possibility that you may need planning permission etc? What about lifting / moving equipment (pallet truck, forklift, overhead crane)? Have you set a budget for these thing if you need them? This might seem like a silly question, but have you a sub-contractor that can do work for you that you can't handle yourself?

It might seem like a long list (and possibly off-point), but the more factors you're aware of, the more thought you can give it, and the less likely you'll run into hiccups later on.

[Peter Griffin]

Another thing came to mind recently, ISO registration many companys will not give work to unregistered subcontractors. As Adie said in the last post the more you are aware of the less pitfalls you will encounter along the way.:tup: