The automotive business in the UK is a continuously growing, developed trade with a wealth of possibilities for brand new organisations. This could include have a simple passion for cars, or wanting to tap into what is seen as one of the most lucrative market sectors you can start in (as long as people need to get around there will be money in all things automotive) The industry ranges from hands-on roles to tech-savvy enterprises, offering a wide breadth of interests and skills. In this article, we examine seven beginner car business ideas to get you started in the UK automotive industry.
Car Detailing Services
Car detailing is a great business that involves cleaning and restoring a full vehicle with the interior of the cars. Detailing is more than a regular car wash, it involves cleaning, buffing and waxing both exterior paint surfaces as well as deep cleaning interior upholstery. The increased popularity of leasing and the second hand car market has seen more UK drivers tending to their motors, making this a concept with significant potential.
You do not have to risk a lot of capital if you want to start your own car detailing business. You can either function as a mobile service where you visit the customer, or operate from your garage. Success often comes down to providing a better service than your competitors, whether that means offering top-notch services or earning rave reviews for being detail-oriented.
Why It’s a Good Idea:
- Low start-up costs.
- Demand for premium car care services.
- Flexible work schedule.
Car Rental Business
The UK has a lucrative car rental industry with rising tourism, business travel and temporary vehicle requirements contributing their bits together. When you start a car rental business, your potential customers range from tourist to business professional as well as locals in need of transportation for the time being.
As your business grows, you can always opt to start out with a small fleet of vehicles and gradually expand that into the future. Specialise in a particular niche, such as luxury cars or electric vehicles and classic car competition.
Why It’s a Good Idea:
It has a high demand, so you can easily sell this stone in organic urban and non-urban areas.
- Generates passive income
- Agility to scale and spread the fleet across various providers
Mobile Car Repair Service
Most car owners hate the inconvenience of bringing their vehicle to a garage for it to be fixed. This problem is solved by a mobile car repair service that provides the mechanic at your doorstep. This business model is more popular in urban areas where time and convenience are key points.
Starting a mobile car repair service does require some mechanical skills, but it can be much cheaper to operate than an auto dealership that needs you to have physical property. Offer the highest level of service possible by being incredibly fast, efficient and even offering an emergency call out if needed.
Why It’s a Good Idea:
- Low overhead costs.
- High demand for quick, on-demand services
- Potential to make lifeline customers
Import and export of motor cars
There is a high demand for imported and exported vehicles in the UK, making this an incredible business. Whether you specialise in the import of luxury cars, older models or imports from abroad that work better as used car stock here or exporting British-made vehicles to other countries there is significant room for specialisation.
It comes with a lot of international trade regulations, taxes and logistics to understand when you start your own car import / export business. Really, it is a little harder to get into but the gains are monumental and can offer 7 figure revenues should you decide on highly sought vehicles.
Why It’s a Good Idea:
- Access to global markets.
- High-profit margins.
- Specialist niche vehicle market focus.
Car Wrapping & Customisation
In the UK, customisation is a growing trend and car owners are choosing to personalise their vehicles with different designs and wraps. A vehicle wrap is when a car has vinyl wraps applied the outside of it – these wrapped can be:
- For advertising
- For aesthetic customisation
- As protection for its original paintwork
This is a great business for creative designers. The investment in equipment and materials is necessary, of course (but you already have the tools to learn that stuff) but there IS A very strong demand for custom wraps and designs.
Why It’s a Good Idea:
- Demand for customisation prevalent
- Creative and visually impressive business
- Possibility to diversify into other customisation services e. g.. window tinting, paint protection etc
Automotive Parts,Components and Accessories Store
Car parts and accessories continue to be an in-demand product category that people are willing to purchase online. As the roadway has compacted over and more vehicles are on it, there is a steady demand for replacement parts as well as enhancements to those cars.
Whether you want to launch an online store, open up a storefront or go for the best of both worlds. Each business has a specialisation to create high-quality unique products, be it performance parts or vintage car accessories you name; even specific vehicle types too such as electric cars.
Why It’s a Good Idea:
- Regular demand for car parts and accessories.
- Online & Offline sale avenues.
- Loyalty building potential.
Driving School Business
Driving schools will always be needed as long as people are learning to drive. Opening a driving school is one of the best businesses to start in highly populated cities.
To establish a driving school you will need to either be an approved professional driving instructor or employ those who are. Like for everything, you will want to offer solid teaching services and not lose your reputation. You can also offer special courses, such as defensive driving or lessons for nervous drivers to cater a larger group of learners.
Why It’s a Good Idea:
- Steady and reliable demand.
- They could offer variety of courses
- Ability to Grow Business in Long Run
Conclusion
The nation has a lucrative automotive industry waiting for eager entrepreneurs. But whether you want to provide services like car detailing, mobile repairs through sidelining or are looking for a significant business opportunity in the forms of import cars and driving schools there is something on this list that will bring your skills and passion.
Research the market before you do anything in business, it is important to check which sector of automobiles has a demand for products or services. If handled correctly, you can establish a lucrative position within this constantly changing industry. Therefore, get set to steer and race your business in the UK automobile industry!