Ideas and how to set them up
Phone, tablet and laptop repair
Screen and battery replacements, micro-soldering and data recovery at an anti-static bench, with secure storage for customers' devices.
- Layout
- Anti-static mats on a well-lit bench, tagged trays for each job, a lockable cabinet for devices awaiting collection.
- Good to know
- Store replacement batteries in their packaging and do not keep damaged or swollen batteries in the unit.
PC building and IT services
Building custom PCs, testing hardware and setting up computers and networks for local offices, with stock of parts on shelving.
- Layout
- Assembly bench, a test bench with a monitor, parts on labelled shelving, finished machines boxed by the door.
- Good to know
- Wi-Fi is connected, so you can install updates and test networking on site.
Drone assembly and repair
Building, wiring, tuning and repairing camera and racing drones from modular parts.
- Layout
- Clean assembly bench, parts drawers, a testing area kept clear of stock.
- Good to know
- Keep LiPo batteries in fire-safe charging bags and only charge them while you are in the unit. Ask us about battery storage.
Bicycle servicing
Tune-ups, wheel building and mechanical repairs on push bikes, with a workstand, tool wall and space for bikes awaiting collection.
- Layout
- Workstand in the middle, tools on a pegboard wall, bikes hung on wall hooks to save floor space.
- Good to know
- Ask us before working on e-bike batteries or storing several e-bikes.
Locksmith base and key cutting
A secure base for a mobile locksmith to cut keys, repair cylinders and store locks, hardware and stock.
- Layout
- Key cutting machine on a solid bench, stock in labelled drawers, van stock prepared by the door.
- Good to know
- The security-door unit suits stock of locks and keys.
Tool and knife sharpening
Sharpening kitchen knives, scissors, garden tools and trade blades for customers and local businesses.
- Layout
- Sharpening station on a solid bench, a clean area for finished work, a log of each customer's items.
- Good to know
- Keep the sharpening area clear of cardboard and paper. Ask us about any grinder that throws sparks.
Why our units suit tech & repair workshops
- Repair, assembly and configuration are dry, mechanical jobs with a low fire risk.
- The 160 sq ft unit has a security door, which suits workshops holding customers' phones, laptops and other valuable kit.
- You can receive customers at the unit for drop-offs and collections.
- Lighting, standard single-phase electricity and Wi-Fi are already connected in every unit (there is no three-phase power), with 24-hour access, free CCTV app access covering the entrance and the area outside the units, and shared facilities.
Not allowed in our units
Nothing that melts or heats combustible materials such as waxes, plastics, resins or oils, no flammable liquids or gases in bulk, and no car storage. Low-risk materials such as wood, paper, card, fabric and dry goods are fine. Every business use needs our approval first.
Start-up checklist
- Decide which unit suits your stock, machines and how you will load and unload.
- Message us with what your business does, so we can approve the use before you commit.
- Register your business with HMRC as a sole trader or limited company if you have not already.
- Speak to an insurance broker about public liability, contents and stock cover, and employers' liability if you have staff.
- Ask us whether business rates apply, and check Small Business Rate Relief on GOV.UK.
- Plan your layout: shelving up the walls, benches near sockets, and a clear route to the door.
- Arrange one month's rent, the deposit, photo ID and a Direct Debit mandate for move-in day.
Questions
Is it secure enough to keep customers' devices overnight?
Tenants get free CCTV app access covering the entrance and the area outside the units. The 160 sq ft unit has a security door. We also recommend contents insurance for customers' goods in your care.
Can I charge batteries in the unit?
Charging tools and devices is fine. Ask us before storing or charging large numbers of lithium batteries, such as e-bike or drone batteries.
Can customers drop off repairs?
Yes. Tenants can receive clients at the unit, with 24-hour access.
What is included in the rent?
Lighting, electricity and Wi-Fi are already connected in every unit. Electricity usage is charged separately at the supplier rate, with no markup. Tenants get 24-hour access, free CCTV app access covering the entrance and the area outside the units, and shared facilities: a tea and coffee room, toilets and water.
Can I use the address on my Google Business Profile?
Yes. Tenants can use The Old Rock Factory, Keswick Road, Blackpool FY1 5PB as their business address on Google, so customers can find you without you putting your home address online.
Is there three-phase power?
No. Every unit has standard single-phase electricity, the same as a normal plug socket. Choose machines and tools that run on single-phase power.
What can't I do in a unit?
We do not allow anything that melts or heats combustible materials such as waxes, plastics, resins or oils, flammable liquids or gases in bulk, or car storage. Low-risk materials such as wood, paper, card, fabric and dry goods are fine. Every business use needs our approval.
Prices are subject to availability. Minimum rental term: one month, then one month’s notice to leave. Swap to a bigger or smaller unit any time, subject to availability. Electricity usage is charged separately at the supplier rate, with no markup. This guide is general information, not legal, insurance or tax advice.
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