Starting a fencing business can be a lucrative venture, but it requires careful planning and execution. Allow us to walk you through the crucial stages so you may establish a thriving business you can be proud of in every fence!
Who doesn’t love the satisfaction of boxing off a days work off by putting a perimeter around it! Whether it’s a suburban back garden, an agricultural field full of cows or round an industrial unit! Owning your own fencing company will give you variety and challenges to keep you on your toes. And the good news is that it can be relatively inexpensive to start.
The fencing industry does tend to be influenced by the umbrella of the construction industry and although it has been through a difficult few years it is continuing to move forward. This may sound worrying but small businesses do seem to weather the storm more successfully.
With the entire construction sector in the United Kingdom expected to grow to £476.6 billion by 2027 there will be plenty of perimeter work to be done over the coming years.
Potential Annual Revenue: £44-54,000+
Start Up Cost: £2,000-£6,000
Time To Revenue: 3-4+ months
Annual Market Growth Rate: %
Best for: Hard working, outdoorsy, physically fit and self-motivated with a great eye for detail
Provide a reliable and trustworthy service
From registering your company, establishing your brand to marketing your services, we’ll cover everything you need to know to help you turn your entrepreneurial talent into a successful company owner.
Qualifications
If you are thinking about starting a fencing company, you probably possess most of the skills required and have spent some time in the industry.
It’s important to have experience in the field but doesn’t mean you need to be a master craftsman, but you should at least know the basics of fence installation and repair
Standard qualifications include the Level 2 Diploma in Fencing (NVQ). This is a nationally recognised qualification for fence installers in the UK. It is based on the National Occupational Standards which reflect the working practices of fence installers.
Apprenticeships are one of the most common routes into the fencing industry, providing a number of advantages. Maybe this was how you trained. In general, an apprentice’s time will be divided between on-the-job training and the classroom.
If you feel you or any of your employees need extra training there are relatively short courses that will cover a range of areas.
As a start up you may want to just focus on smaller jobs such as garden fences, doors and gates or specialise in a particular area such as electrical fencing. But there is plenty of opportunity to expand into other areas by subcontracting if you are not ready to take on your own staff.
FISS/CSCS
If you are a fully qualified old timer or a newly qualified apprentice, in order to work on a construction site you will need a Fencing Industry Skills Scheme/Construction Skills Certification Card (FISS/CSCS) This proves you meet site requirements for a CSCS card, but is also specific for the fencing industry, meaning FISS cardholders can install supervisor and manager fence installation work. The CSCS issue a number of cards which reflect the different occupations and qualifications in construction.
Therefore improving standards and safety.
If you take on employees they should have a card although it is not a legal requirement. However, most conscientious contractors require workers on their sites to hold a valid card.
All qualifications will help enormously when you’re starting your own business, giving potential customers confidence in your working ability.
Structure
It is very important when starting any business to decide on the scale of the business you are aiming for.
What type of projects do you want to undertake? Are you starting off on your own as a sole trader, small domestic fencing jobs or do you want to work on much larger commercial projects as a general contractor with a team?
The sole trader option is excellent for someone just starting out or on a tight budget. As you build your reputation and work for more customers, you can take on employees and advance to becoming a general contractor.
Maybe you´re already a qualified, experience fencer/builder and have decided to branch out on your own or you have finished an apprenticeship and gained some experience or want to see how you could start your own business once you’ve finished a course and got experience, we are here to help take the next steps on your fencing journey.
So, before you, start banging in those fence posts, here are some pros and cons to keep in mind:
8 Great Reasons to Start a Fencing Business
Strong Market Demand: Fencing is a fundamental aspect of property ownership, and there is a consistent demand for fencing services. Homeowners, businesses, and public institutions require fencing for security, privacy, aesthetics, and property boundary definition.
Steady Income Potential: Fencing is a year-round business, as it’s needed in all seasons and weather conditions. This provides a steady income stream for your business.
Variety of Services: Fencing businesses can offer a wide range of services, from installing garden fences and gates to more complex projects like security fencing for commercial properties. This diversity allows you to cater to different customer needs.
Seasonal Diversification: While fencing can be a year-round business, you can diversify your services by offering other seasonal landscaping or outdoor improvement services during the off-season, such as snow removal or landscape design.
Creative Expression: Fencing installation allows for creative design and craftsmanship. You can work on unique and artistic projects, creating a bond between you and the customer..
Low Startup Costs: Compared to many other businesses, the startup costs for a fencing business can be relatively low. You’ll need tools, materials, transportation, and insurance, but you don’t require large premises or extensive equipment.
Environmental Considerations: As the demand for sustainable and eco-friendly fencing materials grows, you can choose to incorporate environmentally responsible products and practices in your business.
Scalability: As your business grows, you can expand your services, take on larger projects, and hire additional staff, leading to scalability and increased revenue.
7 Common Challenges When Starting a Fencing Business
Competition: The fencing industry is often competitive, with many established businesses already serving the market. New entrants must find ways to differentiate themselves and gain a competitive edge.
Licencing and Regulations: Understanding and complying with local, national regulations and licencing requirements can be complex and time-consuming. Failure to do so can lead to legal issues and fines.
Skills and Knowledge: A solid understanding of fencing techniques, materials, and construction is essential. Insufficient knowledge and experience can lead to errors, dissatisfied customers, and potential liabilities.
Equipment and Tools: Acquiring and maintaining the right tools and equipment can be costly and improper or outdated equipment may hinder efficiency and work quality.
Material Sourcing: Finding reliable suppliers for fencing materials and negotiating favourable terms is crucial to maintaining profit margins.
Seasonal Variations: Weather can impact the fencing business, with the off-season presenting financial challenges. Businesses may need to diversify services to maintain year-round income.
Unforeseen Issues: Fencing projects can encounter unexpected challenges, such as underground utilities, rocky soil, or property boundary disputes, which may require quick problem-solving.
The all-important question – How much can I earn starting my own fencing company?
️There are many avenues for making money in fencing. Ultimately, your profit margins hinge on the complexity of your projects as well your ability to stay on time and within budget.
How many hours, where and when you work will determine your income. This is effected by what type of services you offer and if they are different to your competitors.
The average yearly earnings of a fencer in the UK can range from around £11,063 per year for an apprentice, up to £53,000 per year for a business owner. For a sole trader you are looking at around £44,000. Your earnings will depend on your experience, skills, qualifications, the type of work, and where you live/work.
How much does it cost to start a fencing business?
Costs can vary greatly, one of your main expenditures is your vehicle. This could be new, second hand or leased.
If you are setting up your own fencing business you probably own a great number of tools already. Always try to invest in good quality tools, in the long run these will be more cost effective.
You are looking at a minimum of £1,500 – 2,000 for basic start-up tools. Consider renting larger items such as a mini-excavator or concrete breaker if you don’t own them already. Then when your finances allow, you can invest in the more expensive items. It also means you don’t have to worry about the storage or maintenance of your fencing equipment and plant.
With the repair, maintenance and improvement sector growing fast you could find yourself mending damaged garden fences after a storm or staining and treating wooden fencing in a zoo! Your customer database could be very varied!!
Contact local landlords or the local council for any work contracts in your town and surrounding areas. Let them know the kind of services you offer.
Keep your eyes open for new builds in your area. New housing estates are a great place to advertise your business you´ll have a fresh supply of new customers who will inevitably need you soon!
Do Your Research
One of the most common mistakes people make when starting a fencing company is failing to conduct adequate research.
Before you start any business, you must first learn about the sector and the market. What are the current trends? Who is the main competition? What services do they provide? What do they charge?
Also, when comparing your company to others, compare it to companies of a comparable size. Comparing successes against a competitor with 50 employees and ten times the marketing budget will not produce comparable results!
Could you offer something different and exploit an untapped market?
How about focusing on –
Eco-Friendly Fencing: Sustainable or green fencing, focuses on using environmentally responsible materials and practices. Composite building materials are wholly or partially made up of organic materials, usually a mix of recycled timber and plastic.
Custom Fencing: Crafting and installing custom-designed fences to meet unique aesthetic or functional requirements. One off designs can be lucrative.
Gate Installation: Installing gates and gate automation systems to complement the fencing, enhancing security and convenience.
Security Features: Integrating security features such as access control systems, intercoms, surveillance cameras and motion-activated lighting with the fencing and gate systems.
Landscaping: Providing landscaping services to enhance the overall appearance of the property, including planting, mulching, and other landscape features.
Other Outdoor Work: Decking and other timber work. Outdoor building and sheds
Fencing Repairs and Maintenance: Offering repair services to fix damaged or deteriorating fences, including replacing sections, fixing posts, and addressing issues like rot or rust. And annual maintenance such as painting, staining and sealing.
Legal Compliance: Assisting with obtaining planning permission and ensuring that the installed fence complies with local regulations and property boundaries.
A 24 hour Emergency Service: Offering emergency repair or replacement services in the event of severe damage or security breaches.
How I’d set this business up.
So, here’s how I’d make sure you build on your successes!
Choice of business structure
Anyone who sets up a new company should have a business plan. Ask yourself “What is my ultimate goal and how am I going to achieve it? “ Think organised, efficient and productive.
A strong plan is fundamentally important when you are setting up any business. As a solopreneur, you can start this business as either asole trader or alimited company.
I’d also strongly consider a hybrid start up structure where you can reap the benefits of both structures with minimal cost and risk.
This could enable you to start trading with the simplicity of a sole trader but also have secured the limited company for marketing hacks and saving tax later if you decide to incorporate your business.
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