A useful opening budget uses quotes for your actual premises and workflow. This page deliberately avoids generic price ranges. Supplier costs, rent and council charges vary, and an unsupported total can be more misleading than an empty worksheet.
Separate the categories
| Category | Examples to obtain a quote for |
|---|---|
| Premises | Rent, deposit, permissions and necessary alterations |
| Opening equipment | Workstation, furniture, lighting and storage |
| Recurring supplies | Consumables and replenishment |
| Services | Waste collection, utilities and relevant cover |
| Maintenance | Service work, replacement parts and downtime |
| Administration | Booking, payment handling and professional advice |
Mark the evidence
For each line, record the supplier, quote date, what is included and what remains uncertain. Keep the amount in your own working document rather than copying an online estimate into a business decision.
Model a quiet month
Create a second version using a lower level of bookings chosen by you. Check which outgoings remain even when appointment income falls. This is a planning exercise, not a forecast of what the business will earn.
Keep opening cash separate
A refundable deposit, a long-lived item and a recurring service affect the plan differently. Ask your accountant how to classify them. GOV.UK's expenses guidance explains why business spending and tax deductions need separate consideration.
Review decisions before committing
Check lease terms and supplier commitments with appropriate advisers. Revisit the plan when a council requirement or equipment choice changes. The equipment list helps identify missing categories without inventing prices.
Sources & further reading
Sources checked .