For all the entrepreneurial spirits out there, we are finally talking about this! Running a garage or an auto repair shop is a highly profitable business, especially in the UK. Even though the sector is commonly seen as highly competitive, it’s a whopping £28.8 billion market and is expected to grow a further 3.8% by the end of 2022.
However, you can’t just hop on the bandwagon and expect to grab a chunk of that sizable market. You need to know what opening an auto garage means, how it works, and what it requires. This article is all about that and we will take you through the processes step by step.
Types of garages
All auto garages are not built the same. Depending on the type of service you do, and the specific area you focus on, garages can be categorised into 4 different types.
- Service and repair garages
This is where you take your car to get the engine checked or to fix the leaky brake fluid pipes. Servicing and repair involve fixing or diagnosing the mechanical and electrical components, tyre changing, engine repairs, etc. - Body shops
This is where you add the sass and attitude, or maybe fix that dent in the bumper. Body shops mainly deal with the exterior of the car, including the passenger cabin. Paint jobs, fixing the dents, scratches, and bumps, polishing and beautification, adding features such as spoilers or hoods, etc. are done at the body shops. - MOT stations
MOT stations essentially help you make sure the paperwork is in order and helps you with the compliances and regulations of the government. You can get your emissions tested, permits renewed, etc. at the MOT stations. - Classic car restoration
Ah, the classic. Yes, the classic car restoration basically recreates the former glory from the ashes including both the interior such as mechanical and electrical parts as well as the body.
Finding the perfect spot
Location is important for any business, let alone one that thrives on delivering accessibility and convenience for the customer. While opening a garage, you should make sure your establishment is easy to get to and can be found without too much trouble. It helps you get that first batch of customers before you have a strong base to rely on.
You can do some background research on the location and its possibilities by checking up on the potential competitors around the area and the number of customers they get on a regular basis. This will help you in assessing the market size and discover opportunities for future growth. Similarly, find a unique niche service that other garages in the area do not provide and add that as a USP for your garage. It will make your business stand out from the crowd and will create a lasting impression in the minds of the customers.
To begin with
Most of you will be asking, “How much does it cost to open a garage”. We were getting to it. Though the figure may vary significantly depending on the tools, machines, scale, and area, you can get a rough estimate and then break it down into individual components to get a more precise amount to start a garage in the UK. Here’s a checklist to help you get started:
- The rent or ownership of the garage premises
- Wages for staff
- The cost of any tools or equipment needed
- Vehicle parts required
- Business taxes
- Accountancy
Getting Licences and other regulations
Surprisingly, you don’t need any special licence or permits to start a garage in the UK. However, that does not mean there is nothing else required besides the regular business permits and regulatory compliances. You also need a licence as an MOT(Ministry of Transport) tester and the Trade licence plates that you use on vehicles your business has for things like selling, repairing or testing.
We will explore more details about starting and operating a garage in our upcoming blogs. Meanwhile, you can check out the high-quality alloy wheel refurbishment machines for your garage from the renowned Danish manufacturer WheelRestore and learn more about how efficiency and innovative designs help you make the whole alloy wheel repair process more profitable and efficient in your garage. Check out our product catalogue and the high-quality products that you can use to start your own car repair shop in the UK: Autozone Home Page