PERHAPS you’re newly qualified and want to set up a mechanic business in your local area. Or maybe you’ve been working as an employed mechanic for some time and want to give running your own garage a go. Whatever your situation, there are a few factors that you’ll need to consider when going it alone.
We’ll take a look at some top tips for starting a new mechanic business that should help get you off the ground in no time.
Choose your specialism
You’ll need to decide on the type garage you want to open up and whether you want to specialise in a certain area. You could choose to focus on specific models or types of vehicles or a particular area of mechanics such as body repairs. This will depend on your area of expertise as well as demand for services in your business location.
Stock up on the right tools
Whatever you specialise in, you’ll need to invest in good quality tools and equipment. Your essential mechanic tool kit should include items such as a jack and wrenches for loosening nuts. It’s also a good idea to invest in socket sets which contain multiple sockets in various sizes, suitable for many jobs in the garage.
It’s important to maintain all your tools and equipment and store them safely to ensure you get the most out of them.
Qualifications and experience
Chances are, if you’re considering setting up a mechanic business you’ll already have, or be on your way to obtaining, the relevant qualifications. If you’re fairly new to the industry, consider getting some valuable experience at another garage beforehand and speak to people who already run their own business so you know what to expect.
Check what licences and insurance you’ll need
This will depend on your specialism but if you’re planning on carrying out MOT testing, for example, you’ll need authorisation to do this. You should make sure your business is fully insured, particularly as you’ll be supplying a service to customers, and, depending on your premises, you might need local authority permissions.
Health and safety
It’s important that any work you undertake is carried out safely and any staff you employ are fully trained on the health and safety guidelines relating to your business. You should provide risk assessments and take steps to ensure hazards are removed or reduced.
Although there’s a lot of work and preparation involved in starting up a mechanic business, if you take your time and follow the regulations you could end up owning a successful company.
