With business rates and leasing costs continuing to rise, many companies are turning to shipping containers to start or expand their businesses. They’re cheap, versatile, and can be turned into pretty much anything.
While a clunky old shipping container might sound unappealing to begin with, these robust containers can actually be upcycled to incredible standards with a bit of know-how. From yoga studios and workshops to trendy cafes and modern offices, businesses are using shipping containers in some very creative ways.
The growth of shipping container businesses
In recent times, there has been a surge in the number of shipping container businesses around the world. This growth has largely been driven by cost, with shipping containers offering a much more affordable option to conventional real estate or leasing.
As a business model, it’s pretty innovative. Anyone can get their hands on a shipping container and repurpose it to suit their vision. From commercial to residential spaces, they can be used for a variety of different things.
Using shipping containers in less traditional ways is particularly prevalent in urban areas or big cities where space is expensive. For example, London’s Boxpark venues utilise shipping containers to house retail stores and food vendors, creating an edgy and modern community space. Although this is a larger-scale operation than a small start-up business, it shows the versatility and opportunity that shipping containers provide.
Shipping containers are also chosen due to their sustainability and accessibility. They’re easy to transport and install, further adding to their appeal as a business space. However, there are some challenges businesses may face when setting up a shipping container business. For example, there can be negative public perception and regulatory issues that can impact the setup.
Why start a shipping container business?
We’ve already mentioned how shipping containers are a cost-effective and versatile option for small businesses, but there are plenty of other benefits to using them.
- Quick to set up: When compared to building a space from the ground up, shipping container upcycling is much quicker. This means you can get up and running in no time, helping to turn a profit sooner.
- Customisable: There is a lot of freedom when it comes to the design of your shipping container. You can design both the interior and exterior to suit your requirements and branding, creating an appealing space for your customers.
- Cost-effective: Save the initial investment you would make on a brick-and-mortar space by opting for a shipping container. In doing so, you can use any capital you have for essential resources, decorating, and other business costs.
- Sustainable: Of course, shipping containers have already been used before, so by opting to use one for your business, you’re going full circle and promoting sustainability. This also reduces demand for new construction materials and the environmental impact they have.
- Flexible: The beauty of shipping containers is that they are super-transportable. This means you can use them in different locations and even try out new markets without making a huge investment. They can also be adapted to suit changes in your business, even if you’re pivoting from an art gallery to a small bar.
- Modular: You don’t need to stop at one shipping container. If your business requires more space, you can stack or combine several containers to create a larger space. This is ideal if you have enough room to expand as your business grows.
- Unique marketing: While they are gaining popularity, shipping containers do still stand out among traditional commercial premises. This means they create a certain buzz and you’re able to use the shell of your business to market the business for you.
- Durable: Don’t forget that shipping containers were built to withstand harsh weather conditions. Even if you get an old one, you can trust that it’ll be durable with plenty of life left in it for your business.
Ideas for shipping container businesses
Whether you already have a business idea in mind, or you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve got a tonne of shipping container business ideas. From retail and hospitality to professional services or more niche markets, you’re sure to find a great idea here.
1. Coffee shop

Coffee shops are booming and the UK has seen a considerable increase in shipping container coffee shops. Offering eco-consciousness and an ultra-urban vibe, setting up a coffee shop in a shipping container can prove to be a lucrative business – as long as you’ve got good coffee to match!
2. Storage facilities
Many people already use shipping containers as personal storage units, but you could turn this model into a business. Containers were purpose-built to hold various goods, so there’s no better storage solution for you to offer your customers. With plenty of space, robust construction, and protection from the elements, shipping containers are ideal for a storage facility business.
Wondering about storage costs across the UK?
From London to Manchester, storage costs can vary significantly depending on location and unit size. Our guide provides a detailed overview of the monthly fees in key cities, along with information on additional charges you could encounter.
Get the full picture with a city-by-city breakdown of costs, extra fees, and alternative storage options in our expert guide.
Read now3. Renting shipping container homes
Whether you have a background in construction or you’re planning to use a professional container company, shipping containers offer a great opportunity for a residential business. By recycling and using surplus containers to create functional homes, particularly in urban environments, you can create suitable and sometimes luxurious living spaces for the rental market.
However, there’s a lot of work involved with this business idea, and you’ll need to ensure you know your stuff when it comes to building regulations, refurbishment, and sustainability.
4. Art gallery

Creativity thrives in alternative spaces, making shipping containers perfect for housing an art gallery. The container itself will already provide an aesthetic appeal to help your gallery stand out. Plus, the compact nature of a container will deliver opportunities to create more immersive experiences and exclusive showings. You could even turn the container into an art piece, whether you’re an artist yourself or you’re looking to lease it to a creator.
5. Office space
Many different types of businesses need office space, and containers are becoming more popular for people seeking cheaper alternatives, whether you’re housing it in your garden or creating a bigger office space for multiple people. With customisable layouts and the ability to repurpose them into any space you need, shipping containers are a great choice for offices.
6. Small gym
The health and wellness industry is thriving, and many personal trainers are starting their own businesses to keep up with demands and move away from large-scale corporate gyms. A shipping container provides a space that can be fully equipped to suit your needs for hosting small fitness classes or one-to-one training sessions. It could also be a great accompaniment to outdoor bootcamp style classes if you have the space.
Looking to build your own gym?
Whether for personal use, a community gym, or a fitness business, shipping container gyms offer endless design options and the flexibility to repurpose existing containers. Customise your gym to suit your exact needs and create a fully functional fitness space in any location.
Discover how these space-saving, affordable fitness solutions are transforming workouts in our detailed guide.
Read now7. Bar
Shipping containers have become a novel and popular choice for bars. The alternative aesthetic appeals to many different types of customers, while showcasing both sustainability and innovation. Container bars are particularly great for inner cities or locations short on space, creating a cosy atmosphere and unique ambience.
8. Restaurant
Similarly to bars, shipping containers can also be used to launch a restaurant. With many different size containers available, the sky is your limit when it comes to determining how many covers you want to sit inside. Match the sustainable nature of a shipping container with sustainably sourced ingredients and you’re onto a winner.
9. Yoga studio

As a business that needs a physical space, a yoga studio is the perfect idea for a shipping container business. Whether you’ll be providing group or one-to-one sessions, a container provides an eco-friendly and sustainable place to set up your business. Additionally, this will add to the appeal of your studio and align with the yoga-associated principles of mindfulness, sustainability, and flexibility.
10. Solar-powered hostel
With travel on the increase again, shipping containers provide a great opportunity to create a leisure business with a difference. A solar-powered shipping container is both innovative and environmentally friendly, as well as cheap to run. Using the container as the main structure, you can harness solar power via photovoltaic panels on the roof. This reduces construction waste while adding an industrial aesthetic.
11. Nail salon
Nail salons can be profitable businesses, especially when you utilise a smaller space that doesn’t cost much to run. Small shipping containers are cheaper to buy and run than conventional commercial space, helping you start turning a profit quickly. Repurposing a shipping container in this way will also promote sustainability in an industry previously criticised for waste.
12. Pop-up shop
Thanks to the mobility of shipping containers, they make a great solution for pop-up shops. Whether you’re opening a long-term pop-up in a small location or you’re planning to move around to different locations. You can also add to your collection of pop-up shops as your business grows, opening new shipping container shops in new locations as the market demands. Be mindful that you need to consider planning, regulations, and design solutions.
13. Dog grooming service
With more people owning pets, setting up a dog grooming service in a shipping container could be the start of a profitable business. Container dog grooming services are cost-effective in comparison to traditional brick-and-mortar stores and also offer adaptability depending on your requirements. You will need to research compliance, regulations, and licensing before getting started.
14. Event space
With the adaptability of shipping containers enabling you to do pretty much anything, they’re a great option for event spaces. No matter what type of event you’re hosting, you can create the right environment by designing and decorating the container to suit. Whether it’s a corporate function, gala dinner, or festival, you can create aesthetically pleasing spaces that guests will love.
Ready to create the perfect pop-up experience?
Shipping containers offer endless possibilities for pop-up events. They’re not only portable but also extremely durable, ensuring your event can run smoothly, no matter the location. Get inspired by how these versatile units can help you make your event stand out!
Learn how shipping containers can create customized, portable spaces that leave a lasting impression in our comprehensive guide.
Read now15. Gift shop
With pop-up shops and mobile businesses increasing as a trend, starting a shipping container gift shop would fit into a popular niche. Even smaller containers can offer a unique shopping experience, no matter what you’re selling. The compact nature of the containers also means you have more flexibility when it comes to choosing your location.
16. Florist shop
If you’re a budding florist, a shipping container offers a creative and flexible space for you to start your business. Depending on the size of your container, you could have a workshop on one side and a shop front on the other for displays. Additionally, you could decorate your container to suit your business, with unique floral decorations and lighting to make you stand out.
17. Book store
There is always treasure in a good book and opening a book store is a great way to offer the gift of books to the world. Using a shipping container to set up your book store combines literature with sustainability, and can look both unique and cosy depending on how you decorate. Shipping containers can be fitted with different types and styles of shelving to ensure your books are displayed for optimal effect. However, the key benefit of using a shipping container for a book store is that they are completely weatherproof, ensuring your novels stay safe.
18. Workshop

Thanks to their sturdiness and compact nature, shipping containers make excellent workshops. Whether you’re a carpenter, metal worker, or a jack of all trades, you can use a shipping container to quickly and effectively set up a good workshop. Plus, their flexibility and cost-effectiveness mean you can easily find a suitable location for your craft.
19. Bike hire shop
If bikes are your thing, opting for a shipping container over conventional premises can be a cost-effective way for you to test the market and get your business up and running. With many different sizes of containers available, you can choose how big or small you want your shop to be. Plus, the security of the container will ensure your bikes are safely stored at all times.
20. Hydroponics business
For those with green fingers, a hydroponics business could be right up your street. This innovative and sustainable idea uses mineral nutrient solutions in a water solvent instead of soil. With this in mind, shipping containers make for a controlled environment that can get your business off to a success. Containers are adaptable too, so you can modify them to suit your needs as your business grows.
21. Ice cream parlour
If you’re keen to open an ice cream parlour, you’ll need lots of equipment to get started. Shipping containers can help you save money on your premises while providing an intimate setting for your customers to enjoy their treats. You can also modify your container to accommodate refrigerated systems, as well as full kitchens to keep your ice cream at the right temperature.
If your container is big enough, you can also fit them out so that you can make the ice cream on site. It’s important to bear in mind that you’ll need to locate your container somewhere with a good power supply, and enough foot traffic to ensure plenty of customers.
22. Boutique clothing store
The beauty of boutique clothing stores is that they don’t need a lot of space. You could use a shipping container to set up your business and start by supplying small and limited lines of clothing. By offering fewer options, you can add to the appeal of your business and create a sense of exclusivity. Modify your container to suit the aesthetic of the clothes you’re selling, and ensure you have plenty of light for customers to try items.
23. Luxury glamping site
For those who love the outdoors, shipping containers offer an excellent alternative to traditional camping. When purchasing a container, you can choose from a variety of sizes to suit your requirements. Whether you select compact containers that sleep two or you stick a few together for a larger group experience, the adaptability of shipping containers means you can really tailor them to meet your glamper’s needs.
Dreaming of a unique getaway?
Whether you’re after a cozy cabin, a sleek modern retreat, or looking for extra income through rentals, shipping container holiday homes provide a flexible, budget-friendly solution and a great investment.
Learn how shipping containers offer an affordable, stylish, and eco-friendly escape in our in-depth guide.
Read now24. Co-working space
With more people working remotely, co-working spaces have been on the increase. Shipping containers offer a viable solution for co-working space, especially in places where space is limited, like inner city centres. With careful planning and design, you can maximise the container to create both functional and aesthetically pleasing office space for your customers. You could even adapt the container and add windows to let in natural light.
25. Brewery or distillery
Many of the biggest businesses we know today start small, including some of the world’s largest breweries. Shipping containers offer an innovative and cost-conscious way to start your own brewery or distillery. The compact nature also allows you to form a unique aesthetic, which is especially beneficial for the craft drinks market. If you have enough space around you, you could even extend your shipping container with more containers as your business grows and create room for a small bar on site.
How to start a shipping container business
Starting a shipping container business is no different from starting any other business. However, there are a few simple steps you can take to help you get off on the right foot.
Do your market research
Just like the beginning of any business journey, market research is key. You should aim to completely understand the industry you’re planning to enter and consider the challenges you might face. It’s a good idea to seek professional advice at this point and speak to others in the industry to get their experience.
Conduct a full market analysis to establish whether it’s viable for you to start the business you have in mind, or whether there are other options you should consider. Next, define your unique selling proposition (USP) to ensure you can gain a competitive edge against businesses already in this market. A strategic marketing mix should also be completed to establish your product, price, place, and how you will promote your business.
Identify your competitors
While you may have already done some competitor research during your market research phase, you must dig deep to get a well-rounded view of what’s already out there. Understand what products and services are offered and how you can ensure your business does something different.
Find the perfect shipping container for your business
With a business in mind and a plan to get started, it’s time to shop for your shipping container. There is a huge variety to choose from, and the type you choose will depend on your business type and the size of space you need. You can also choose the condition of your container.
For example, if you’re pretty handy you could just buy a container as it is and upcycle it yourself. Alternatively, you could buy an already converted container or pay to have it customised to suit.
Find the ideal location for your shipping container business
Although this comes after the previous step, searching for a shipping container and a space really should happen simultaneously. You don’t want to find a shipping container and then realise it won’t fit the space you choose.
When looking for a location for your business, you need to consider several factors including whether there is a market in that area, customer accessibility, operational efficiency, and profitability. You should also research local regulations or zoning laws to ensure a shipping container business can be set up there. Some more considerations include the cost of the space, the size and layout, and the potential for expansion.
Got a piece of land and a business idea?
Before placing one on your land, it’s important to understand zoning laws, permits, and practical considerations to ensure a smooth setup.
Discover the regulations, benefits, and key considerations of placing a shipping container on your land in our detailed guide.
Read guideCreate your business plan
Every business should have a thorough business plan. It’s essential for both financing your business and ensuring you have clear objectives and business tactics. A business plan is also something you can refer back to when reviewing progress as your business grows.
If you’ve never created a business plan before, there are several resources available online to help you create one. You could also reach out to local start-up initiatives for advice or speak to a business consultant to help develop your plan.
Register your business
If your shipping container business is completely new, it’s a legal requirement for you to register it with the government. You will need to choose a name for your business and set up a business bank account before registering for taxes. This process is known as incorporation.
The bottom line
Gone are the days when shipping containers were used solely for transporting items across the ocean. With a wide variety of uses, the possibilities are endless when it comes to using containers to start your business.
If we’ve inspired you to start something new, browse our large selection of new shipping containers, or if you’re on a tighter budget, explore our range of quality used container options to help you get started without breaking the bank.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I run a business from a container?
It’s completely possible to run a business from a shipping container! Not only that, but you can run a very successful and profitable business from one, as long as you have a great idea and a thorough plan. With the plethora of benefits that come with using a shipping container for your business, it’s a no brainer.
Do I need planning permission for a container business?
Some container businesses will need planning permission depending on a variety of factors. Things to consider include your location, local building regulations, the size of your container, whether you plan to extend it, and what type of business you’re going to be running. It’s best to thoroughly research planning permission in your area before you put firm plans in place for your business.
How long can shipping containers last?
Shipping containers are built to withstand harsh conditions, which means they can last a long time. With regular use, most shipping containers can last up to 20 years. With proper maintenance, some containers can last even longer.