Month: July 2023

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creatin...

Get hairdressing insurance from Protectivity

Bee Ingram

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creating engaging and effective messaging that aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

If you love styling hair, and like to help people look fashionable and proud of their appearance, then hairdressing might well be the career opportunity for you. It gives you a chance to be creative, to work with like-minded people in a vibrant setting, and to put a smile on the faces of the people you treat.

It’s entirely possible to make a successful long-term career out of hairdressing, and to make enough money out of it to support your family and your lifestyle. However, earnings can vary substantially for a variety of different reasons, and it’s important to take these into account before you fully commit to the industry.

In this blog, we’ll answer the question of how much do hairdressers make in the UK. We’ll look at ballpark figures for full-time and freelance stylists alike, and explore some of the influencing factors that can improve or hold back your potential earning power.

How much do hairdressers make in general?

According to the National Careers Service, the typical annual earnings for a hairdresser is between £14,000 and £30,000, depending on a range of factors that we’ll explore in the next section of this guide. Those rates, of course, apply to salaried employees working either full-time or part-time for someone else, most often in a salon.

For self-employed hairdressers, rates can range much more widely. Beginners may sometimes charge as little as £15 per hour, but with qualifications, experience and a growing reputation, these rates can grow significantly. Experienced stylists can attract between £40 and £80 per hour (bearing in mind that some of this may be lost to chair rental if operating from a salon).

Finally, it’s important to remember that hairdressing as a profession doesn’t have to be solely restricted to styling members of the public. There are plenty of businesses that need expert hairdressing services, too: advertising, marketing, modelling, fashion, TV, film and more. Indeed, at the very top end of the market, hair stylists working on TV or film productions can earn upwards of £300 per day.

What influences how much hairdressers earn?

Here, we’ll take a look at six of the biggest factors that can affect how much hairdressers get paid. Some of these will be easier to do something about than others, but nevertheless, you should still be aware of all of them so you can plan your financial and career future with confidence:

Location

There are two different ways that geography comes into play when it comes to hairdresser earnings. The first is that some parts of the UK have higher average earnings than others: generally speaking, wages are higher in and around London than they would be, for example, in Scotland, Wales or Cornwall. The obvious solution to this is to move to a higher-income location to work as a hairdresser, but this isn’t really practical in most cases.

However, the second factor is that, even in areas of relatively low income, there are always more affluent parts of communities. In these areas, people generally have more disposable income to spend on beauty treatments like hairdressing, particularly from mobile stylists who are willing to deliver appointments from clients’ homes. It’s these parts of the world that can be particularly lucrative to target, and from where earnings can potentially be maximised.

Experience and qualifications

Every hairdresser has to start from the bottom and work their way up to the top, whether that applies to their experience, skills, qualifications or their earnings. All those who have made hairdressing a lucrative career have put the hard work in to constantly improve their techniques and value, regardless of how much natural talent they may possess.

That’s why it’s so important to get a solid set of qualifications and credentials behind you. That way, hiring salons – or potential customers if you’re freelance – recognise the scale of your capabilities and pay you for them accordingly. If just starting out, then it’s definitely worth pursuing the National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Hairdressing to at least Level 3. Additionally, if you have time, you should also explore any other diplomas, courses or learning opportunities that might help you boost your skills even further.

Type of work

As mentioned earlier, there is a huge range of different types of hairdressing for you to explore. If you want to work in a salon or focus on regular, public-facing styling, then that’s absolutely fine and can help give you a solid income and a regular rota of hours to work each week.

But if you want to be creative and have more of an entrepreneurial spirit, then some of the other opportunities like media and fashion are well worth exploring. And definitely don’t underestimate hairdressing for weddings: brides and bridesmaids are usually happy to pay top dollar to make sure they look perfect on their big day.

If you go freelance, you don’t have to be restricted to one type of hairdressing: it’s perfectly possible to work for different people on different types of styling one day to the next. If you have the skills and you’re willing to travel, it’s one of the best ways to take your earnings to the next level.

Employment status

One of the biggest variations in how much hairdressers can make is the type of employment they pursue.

On one hand, you have being employed by a salon, either on a full-time or part-time basis. This does give regular income, but your earning power will be limited by demand for hairdressing jobs in your area, and how much your employer is willing to pay you. Additionally, it can be difficult for some employers to convince you to give you a pay rise as you grow your experience, which means you may have to switch salons in order to keep your salary moving upwards.

On the other hand, you can work for yourself as a freelance or mobile hairdresser. Theoretically, this means there are no limits to what you can earn, other than your talent, your business acumen and how many hours you’re willing to work. However, as we’ll cover in the next section, there are plenty of costs to take into account that can put a dent into your income.

Costs

For every pound that you earn as a self-employed hairdresser, you’ll lose a fair chunk of it to cover various costs that you’ll incur. For example, if you’re operating from a salon, then you’ll have to pay to rent one of their chairs: this can often cost as much as £20-30 an hour, depending on location and type of salon.

Then you’ve got your everyday running costs to consider: buying and maintaining equipment, transport to the salon or to clients’ homes, advertising your services, and obtaining hairdressing insurance. All of these are tax-deductible, but still represent a signficant outlay – as well your income tax and national insurance contributions. Read our guide to small business taxes for more information in this area.

Hours worked and rates of pay

There’s a similar divergence between employed and self-employed hairdressers when it comes to working hours and typical pay rates.

If you’re employed full-time or part-time, then you’ll be working to a fixed salary, or to an hourly rate which would mean your earnings go up and down depending on the number of hours you’re given. However, you may also find that you can earn more per hour by working shifts at less sociable times, such as at weekends.

If you’re self-employed, then it’s up to you how much you make, in terms of the hours you work and the rates you charge (taking into account your expenses as mentioned previously). You have total freedom to adjust these over time as you see fit, and to create offers and incentives that attract new customers and encourage repeat business: for example, offering a loyalty discount for your regulars.

Get your hairdressing insurance from Protectivity

Whether you’re just starting out in the hairdressing profession, or you’re an experienced stylist wanting to progress, the industry is full of rewards – but it’s full of risk, too. Even the best hairdressers in the world make mistakes from time to time, and in the worst case scenario, this can lead to customers putting in substantial claims for compensation.

It’s for this reason that any self-employed hairdresser should have full insurance cover in place for all their services and equipment. At Protectivity, we offer comprehensive insurance for barbers and hairdressers, meaning you won’t end up out of pocket if you accidentally injure someone, a negligence claim is made against you, or if your or someone else’s property is damaged. And if you employ other members of staff, our cover can also include Employers’ Liability that safeguards you against any staff illness or injury.

Take a closer look at our hairdressing insurance today, including affordable pricing options that start from just £4.50 a month.

Get Hairdressing Insurance from Protectivity

*Disclaimer – This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation. Information is factually accurate at the time of publishing but may have become out of date.

Last updated by

12:38:14 GMT • 14 November 2024

Bee Ingram

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creating engaging and effective messaging that aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

Types of personal trainers

Bee Ingram

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creating engaging and effective messaging that aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

25 July 2023

•

9 mins read

Contributors

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creatin...

Get personal trainer insurance from Protectivity

Bee Ingram

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creating engaging and effective messaging that aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

If you’re sporty and like the idea of being your own boss, then becoming a professional personal trainer is a stand-out career option. You can share your passion for exercise and healthy living with paying clients, and feel the satisfaction of helping them achieve their goals, whether it’s completing a marathon or just losing a couple of stone in weight.

As the personal training market in the UK has grown, so the types of personal trainers out there have diversified more and more. There are now some highly specialised PT services in the marketplace, filling specific needs with focused skills, techniques and expertise. But which one represents your perfect career aspiration?

In this guide, we’ll highlight many of the different types of personal trainers there are and give you advice on how to work out which one would be the best career option for you.

What are the different types of personal trainers?

Personal training has evolved into such a broad industry that it’s pretty much impossible to list every single type here. Instead, we’ve listed eight of the most common types of personal trainers, so that you can get a feel for the full spectrum of what’s out there:

Health and lifestyle

An increasing number of people don’t just want someone who can help them with their fitness: they want someone who can help them improve their lifestyle and wider approach to health. This is especially the case for people who are managing a long-term health problem, and need to make lifestyle changes that can accommodate their ailment but still allow them to keep fit. A lifestyle-focused PT can therefore help these people devise exercise plans that are safe, effective and helps them meet their goals – and doing so can be incredibly rewarding.

Bodybuilding and physique

Many people work out to improve their physical appearance, often to the point of pursuing bodybuilding and putting on muscle in key areas. This requires a very specific type of personal training to ensure that clients get the results they want, across detailed training patterns and highly focused nutrition plans. Taking the idea to its fullest extend, personal trainers that work with competitive bodybuilders are normally able to teach poses and other competition elements, and help keep them motivated.

General fitness

One of the most common types of personal trainers is those that work to improve a client’s overall fitness, without necessarily focusing on one specific area of improvement or development. For many people, personal trainers give them the motivation and drive they need to commit to a regular exercise regime, especially if they’re able to provide programmes that are tailored to their individual requirements. This can include diet, nutrition, medical condition management and other areas, as and when required. This type of personal trainer can also offer group training if working with people with similar goals and levels of performance.

Cardio and endurance

Anyone working towards endurance-related goals, such as running a marathon or completing a long-distance cycling trip, needs focused cardio training. That way, their heart, lungs and wider circulatory system can be better conditioned for the strain that sustained exercise will put on them. A good cardio PT can help a client safely improve their capacity in this area and develop greater capacity to perform at a higher level for a longer period of time. While this work can sometime be geared towards a particular event, runners and cyclists who compete regularly may need ongoing PT support.

Strength and conditioning

Similar to the point above, many sportspeople need specific training to improve their muscle strength in certain areas and to boost their conditioning. For example, footballers and rugby players need to be able to maintain their power and performance over an entire match, rather than drop off within the first 20 minutes. This is where personal trainers who can devise long-term plans really come into their own, helping players understand the types of workout that can help them build up the strength and longevity that they’ll need in matches.

Sport-specific personal training

If you have experience or an interest in a particular sport, then offering personal training in that sport is a great way to get involved. This kind of work requires detailed knowledge of the human anatomy, and of the demands that the individual sport places upon it. That way, a personal trainer can help athletes develop their bodies in such a way as to improve their performance and minimise their risk of getting injured. Sport-specific PT can be offered to amateur and professional athletes alike: for example, with out-of-contract footballers who are recovering from injury and need to regain full match fitness.

Gym instructors

Almost every gym will have a bank of personal trainers who will work with regular gym-goers to focus and improve their exercise regimes. It is often the first port of call for personal trainers who are new to the profession, as it helps them build up more rounded skills from which they can go on to specialise in the future. As well as working with individuals on cardio machinery and weights, many gym instructors also run group exercises like spin classes, yoga, aqua-aerobics and Zumba on a regular basis.

Mobile PT and bootcamps

Personal training work doesn’t have to take place in a gym or on a pitch. For example, mobile personal trainers will offer services in a client’s home or in a local park, bringing with them some basic equipment that a client will use. This is especially popular with people who find gym environments intimidating or have issues around body image.

In much the same vein, bootcamp and CrossFit personal trainers offer intensive workouts over a day, weekend or sometimes longer, delivering a comprehensive set of exercises and plenty of motivation along the way. This work will require some travel and time away from home, but it can be incredibly satisfying to see the difference it can make to clients in such a short space of time.

Which one is right for me as a career option?

So, you’ve had a good look at all the different types of personal trainers you can choose from as a career or business proposition. But how can you work out which one is right for you? A good place to start is considering these three factors:

Interest

It’s important that you do something you enjoy, and you’re interested in if you possibly can. If you want to become a professional personal trainer, then it’s highly likely that you have a passion for sport and fitness and have your own preferences of what you like to do. These areas will therefore give you the best chance of making it a job that you love.

Existing qualifications and skill sets

Similar to the point above, any credentials, qualifications or skills that you already possess will give you a really strong starting point. When looking for a personal trainer, clients want to know that they’re paying for someone who knows what they’re doing, and has the experience and skill sets to back that up. Anything you already have – even at a basic level – might help you get up and running more easily.

Earning potential and work-life balance

Some types of personal trainers have the ability to go on and earn big money much more than others. However, they have to work very hard, as well as often long and unsocial hours, to get to where they are today. So, you’ll need to consider what’s right for your own career aspirations and personal circumstances.

For example, operating as a general PT out of your local gym might not generate the most income. However, it would give you more regular work at more consistent hours, which may fit much better if you have a family to take care of.

Get personal trainer insurance with Protectivity

As you can see from this blog, there are so many options to choose from if you want to get yourself set up as a personal trainer. However, there’s one thing that unites them all: taking out comprehensive gym insurance cover is absolutely essential.

There’s a very good reason for this: if something unforeseen happens or a claim is made against you by a client, the financial cost could easily run into thousands of pounds. This can cause significant and long-term damage to your personal finances – but if you’re insured, then you can be sure that you won’t end up out of pocket in such a situation.

Protectivity delivers affordable personal trainer insurance policies to PTs just like you, no matter what your specialism is or how much experience you have. We can pick up the tab if you injure a client; if you hurt yourself and you’re unable to work; or if any of your equipment gets damaged, lost or stolen. Available from just a few pounds a month, our cover means you can grow your business with confidence – and could prove to be one of the smartest investments you ever make.

Start your journey towards a successful PT business by taking a closer look at our personal trainer insurance policies.

Get Personal Trainer Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

08:38:11 GMT • 15 November 2024

Bee Ingram

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creating engaging and effective messaging that aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

Dog business ideas

Bee Ingram

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creating engaging and effective messaging that aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

18 July 2023

•

12 mins read

Contributors

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creatin...

Get pet business insurance from Protectivity

Bee Ingram

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creating engaging and effective messaging that aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

If you love dogs, and you’ve always wanted to start your own business, then what’s stopping you from getting the best of both worlds?

All over the UK and beyond, there are people who have pursued exciting dog business ideas and turned their passion into a profession. Whether you want to keep dogs fit, make them look beautiful or keep them fed, the possibilities are virtually endless. What’s more, your success can be directly connected to your own talent and commitment to hard work.

In this guide, we’ll explore a huge range of different business ideas for dog lovers, highlight some of the pros and cons involved, and underline some of the essentials that no small business should be without.

Dog grooming

There is a multitude of ideas for dog grooming businesses that you can explore, especially as the popularity of keeping dogs clean and healthy is perhaps as high as it’s ever been. It can be a versatile job, whether you’re required to clip nails, give baths, trim hair or treat painful skin conditions. It’s fair to expect the occasional bite now and again, but the happy looks on dogs’ and owners’ faces at the end of a successful treatment can make it all worthwhile.

Most dog groomers start out working in a salon, but once you’ve gained some expertise and experience, you can look at branching out on your own. You could set up your own salon, work on a freelance or mobile basis, or specialise in certain types of grooming (such as for competitions or for dogs at shelters).

Dog walking

Every dog need plenty of exercise, but in the busy world we all live in, not everyone has the time or the energy to walk them every day. This often proves to be the case with people who bought dogs during the COVID lockdown and had plenty of time to walk them then, but who find it more difficult now that they’ve gone back to regular work.

Because of this, there is particularly strong demand for professional dog walkers at present, and much like grooming above, there are lots of different ideas for dog walking business to explore. You can travel to a customer’s house and pick the dog up for a walk, or they can bring them to you. You can stick to your local area and places you can reach on foot, or you can equip your car to carry dogs and travel to country parks and fields further away.

The great thing about these dog walking business ideas is that they can be very flexible: within reason, you can do the job whenever you want to and fit it around your lifestyle and other personal commitments.

Dog sitting and pet-minding

Just as some people struggle to find the time to walk their dogs, it can be a similar challenge to make sure they’re properly cared for when their owners are away. This doesn’t just apply when the owners go on holiday, either: dogs may also need looking after through short business trips or even days out.

Dog-sitting is therefore an excellent way to make some money without having to make significant investments in qualifications or equipment. You have the choice of looking after them in the home of the owner, where they would be more comfortable, or taking them into your own home. How you set up your business model is up to you, in terms of length of care, location and unsociable hours, but you’ll naturally stand a better chance of maximising your earnings if you’re as flexible as possible.

Doggy daycare

Similar to dog-sitting, there is also great demand from owners who need their pets taken care of during the working day. In a dog daycare scenario, it’s likely that you’ll be aiming to look after several different dogs simultaneously, which can make for a busy day – however, this is the best way to multiply your earnings capability and turn it into a viable business.

There are two things you’ll need here which are absolutely essential: a love of being around several dogs for a long period of time, and a home which is a suitable place for them to spend time.

Pet shop

This is perhaps one of the first dog business ideas that springs to mind, and even in an era where online retail is ever more popular, there is still a market for a good-quality, bricks-and-mortar pet store. Where these stand out in particular is in expertise: if you know your pets and how to care for them, then customers will be happy to visit your shop and get advice on the best products to buy. This also helps you build up relationships with your customers and build the loyalty that will bring them back to buy from you again and again.

It’s likely that you’ll need to diversify and sell products relating to other animals than just dogs, but a passion and knowledge for all things canine gives you an excellent starting point.

Dog treat maker

If you’ve ever been to a craft food fair, you’ll most likely have seen some genius bakers and confectioners that make and sell their own sweet treats. Well, if you do that for people, why can’t you do the same for dogs?

Developing and marketing your own dog treats can be a creative business idea, and help you enjoy the entire process end-to-end, from coming up with ideas for treats to selling them on to satisfied customers (and their owners!). There’s a particularly strong market for dog treats that are organic, as many dog owners have concerns about some of the ingredients and additives that their dog might be consuming through ‘mainstream’ dog treats and food.

Owners who can get hold of fully natural dog treats are normally happy to pay a premium to do so, as well as getting the satisfaction of supporting a small, ethically minded business.

Dog clothing and toys

If you’re thinking of doing something craft-based and creative, but food isn’t really your thing, then making and selling your own dog clothing and toys is perhaps the best alternative. You can do all the manufacturing from the comfort of your own home, and you have the choice of whether you sell your creations yourself at events or online or sell them wholesale to other retailers.

The possibilities in this area are virtually endless: shirts, pyjamas, costumes for Halloween and Christmas, or toys for home use or when out on walks. Perhaps the biggest area of potential profitability here is to personalise gifts, either for specific breeds (as some breeds are much bigger in size than others!) or especially for individual dogs as gifts. Whether it’s toys for the summer or cute cardigans for Christmas, there are opportunities to generate sales all year round.

Dog-friendly Cafe

Now more than ever, pubs, cafes and even restaurants make a real effort to cater for our four-legged friends, whether that’s providing water, giving away some dog treats or even selling dog-friendly beers and soft drinks. This means that now is the time to explore opening a dog-friendly cafe if there isn’t already one in your area.

Of course, there are lots of different things to consider when opening any sort of cafe: staff, insurance, meeting food safety regulations, finding an affordable location and premises, and so on. But marketing yourself as a cafe where owners and dogs can have an enjoyable time and make new friends can stand you out from the other cafes in your community. Just don’t forget to make sure that the human offerings and the dog items are on separate menus!

Dog photographer

Dog massage therapy

This might sound like one of the most unusual dog business ideas at first glance. But when you think about it logically, it makes sense: dogs are living things with bones, muscles and skin, just like humans are. And that means that dogs will always need some help, just as humans do, to keep themselves fit, healthy, relaxed and pain-free.

The area of dog massage therapy that you want to specialise in is completely up to you. For example, you could focus on muscle relaxation, or easing the pressure on a dog’s joints. On the other hand, you could explore more alternative means of caring for dogs, such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy or even homeopathy.

It’s important that you have the right skills, qualifications and insurance in place for this type of work. But as dog massage therapy is not an especially common job, your potential target market could be big.

Dog training

It’s perhaps one of the oldest dog business ideas there is, but dogs need training and behavioural improvement now just as much as they have for centuries. And that means that there will always be demand for dog-training, which makes this job one of the most solid long-term ideas to pursue.

Obviously, you’ll need to get plenty of training yourself in behavioural techniques and how to help dogs learn and get some recognised qualifications in that area. It’s also likely that you’ll start out working as a trainer for an established business before you’re able to branch out on your own. But equipped with these credentials, excellent communication skills and a good dollop of patience, you’ll get to feel the satisfaction of improving owner/dog relationships forever.

Dog writing and blogging

There are plenty of people who love reading about all things dog – including you, as you’re reading this blog, after all! So, if you have a knack for writing and a passion for dogs, you can combine the two by selling your services as a freelance blogger or writer. You can either set yourself up with a regular blog and try to drive income through readership rates and advertising, or sell your articles to magazines, newspapers and online publications. As you can work anywhere and anytime as long as you’ve got an internet connection, it’s also one of the most flexible dog business ideas there is.

Do you love to write? If so, another pet business idea is to start your very own animal blog! You can take this one step further by also lending your writing skills and expert insights to other businesses’ blogs and publications.

Freelance writing can be an awesome way to make a decent income – especially since you can set your own rates. The more your work is published, the more clients you can secure going forward. On the other hand, if you’d prefer to write strictly for your own blog, this would be a idea best paired with an additional business service.

Get pet business insurance with Protectivity

As this guide demonstrates, there are plenty of business opportunities for you to explore if you love dogs. And while there’s wide variety between all of them, one thing remains constant: if you’re running any sort of small business, then you need good-quality insurance cover to protect you against any mishaps.

At Protectivity, we offer comprehensive insurance policies for a range of different dog-related enterprises, including dog walking, dog grooming and many more. If you suffer an accident or injury in the course of your work, if something happens to one of your four-legged customers, or if a compensation claim is made against you, we can make sure that you don’t end up out of pocket.

Our policies are available from just a few pounds a month and can be paid for through flexible payment plans, meaning it can fit around your finances as you get your business up and running. Take a couple of minutes today to find a policy that’s right for yo

Get Pet Business Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

11:40:54 GMT • 14 November 2024

Bee Ingram

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creating engaging and effective messaging that aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

Small business expenses – what can you claim for?

Bee Ingram

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creating engaging and effective messaging that aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

11 July 2023

•

8 mins read

Contributors

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creatin...

Get small business insurance from Protectivity

Bee Ingram

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creating engaging and effective messaging that aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

If you’re just starting out running a small business – or even if you’ve been operating one for a while – learning about all the financial ins and outs can be extremely complex. And the world of small business expenses is certainly no exception to that.

High costs can quickly eat into your profit margin and limit the success and potential viability of your business. However, there are many different small business expenses for which you can claim the tax back from the Government, and it can make a big difference to your bottom line.

In this guide, we’ll explore a wide range of the most common small business expenses you’ll be able to claim for. You’ll also learn that while you may incur substantial costs running your enterprise, there are certain things where you shouldn’t cut corners to make a saving.

Why is it so important to claim business expenses?

If you aren’t claiming business expenses, then you’re doing the metaphorical equivalent of flushing hundreds or even thousands of pounds down the toilet every year.

Most reasonable costs that you incur running your business are considered ‘allowable expenses’ by the Government and His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). For a limited company, it works like this: when your accounts are calculated at the end of your financial year, your overall profit figure is your total income for the year, minus these expenses.

It is your profit figure from which Corporation Tax (CT) is calculated, so the more expenses you claim for, the lower your profit figure and therefore the lower your CT bill will be. Given the current rate of CT is anywhere between 19% and 26.5%, depending on the amount of profit you make, every £1000 of expenses you claim for can reduce your CT bill by between £190 and £265.

If you’re working as a sole trader rather than as a limited company, then a similar principle applies. However, in your case, the expenses will be claimed for as part of your Income Tax Self-Assessment, and your Income Tax bill will be reduced accordingly.

A word of caution, though: you shouldn’t try to claim for anything that isn’t related to your business operations – this is illegal. If you are investigated by HMRC and you are found to have claimed for expenses that were personal rather than business in nature, then the penalties can be extremely severe.

Types of allowable business expenses?

The range of allowable business expenses is simply vast – hence the reason that many small businesses avail themselves of a professional accountant to ensure that they’re leaving no stone unturned! Many of them are specific to certain types of business, so it’s worth doing your own research to find out those that apply to your enterprise.

Here, we’ll take a look at eight of the most common types of allowable business expense that most small businesses will generally be able to claim for:

Office equipment, property and utilities

All the costs of running an office are considered reasonable to claim for. This includes rent paid on premises; bills for heating, electricity, water, telephone and Internet access; stationery and related functions such as printing and postage; plus any property insurance that is specific to your company. If you need to use any software, then this can also be claimed for, as long as you regularly renew the licence or use it for less than two years.

If you run your business from home, then there are also certain levels of expenses you can claim, such as for a room that is dedicated as a home office.

Clothing and footwear

Anything that you need to wear as part of the job – or that your employees need to wear – can be claimed for. This includes uniforms if they’re required, as well as smart business attire for more formal settings like meetings. All personal protective equipment (PPE) is also allowable, from face masks and safety goggles to gloves and steel-capped boots. At the slightly more fun end of the scale, if you run a more creative business where costumes and make-up are used, then you can claim for these, too!

Staffing costs

If you employ people to work for you in your business – even if it’s only one person – then everything involved with them can be claimed for. After all, there wouldn’t be much incentive to grow a business if you were taxed for hiring staff!

The list in this area is comprehensive: salaries, benefits, pension contributions, Employer’s National Insurance contributions (you still have to pay them but they don’t count as profit), and equipment and clothing costs as mentioned above. Given the substantial outlay involved in hiring employees, ensuring that everything is appropriately claimed for can really relieve the financial burden of doing so.

Training and development

Whether you want to develop your own skills, or you want to ensure that a new recruit gets fully up to speed with the job, all training courses and qualifications that are paid for by your business are also allowable. In a similar vein, you can also claim for any exhibitions or conferences that you attend in a professional capacity and that you’re required to pay to attend. If you bring in a trainer or expert to run a course on your premises for you and/or your staff, then the cost of hiring their services can also be claimed for.

Transport and travel

If you have to get out and about as part of your work, from making deliveries to travelling overseas for meetings, then every single cost involved in that travel can be claimed for. If using a car, then you can claim for fuel, parking, insurance, tolls like the London Congestion Charge, and potentially the costs of maintaining the vehicle, too. You can also claim for train and flight tickets, taxi rides, any accommodation you need, and food and drink while you’re away.

Do bear in mind, however, that you would need to justify the purpose of a claimed trip if HMRC asks you to – with evidence, if necessary. It is not advisable to claim for travel and accommodation costs for your next summer holiday!

Goods

Trading in goods rather than services brings a whole new world of costs with it – but the good news is that these costs are generally considered allowable business expenses. Buying in stock and procuring the materials to make goods are allowable, as are all the costs you incur in producing items for sale (for example, the running costs of machinery).

Finance, legal and admin

As this guide demonstrates, even small businesses can be complicated to administer. There can be lots of functions – and therefore costs – involved, most of which you’re able to claim for. Accountancy fees, for example, are considered allowable, as are the fees of any legal or other professional services that you might have to use. Bank charges and credit card fees are also claimable, as well as the interest that you pay on any business loans or credit facilities that you have. It’s also possible to claim for any bad debts within your business, but you should seek the advice of a professional accountant to check your eligibility in this area.

Advertising and marketing

Last but by no means least, you can claim for anything you spend on promoting your business to your customers and the wider public. This starts small with costs like website hosting and domain names and runs all the way up to large-scale advertising and marketing campaigns (including any fees you pay to professional agencies to run these for you). Stands at exhibitions and all related expenses can also be claimed for, as well as any subscriptions you take out for trade-related journals, and memberships of professional organisations.

Get small business insurance with Protectivity

You may feel like there are lots of expenses here to get your head around, and that they could be a serious drain on your potential profitability. Whilst it might be tempting to cut corners and make savings in some places, this is definitely not advisable. Particularly so, for insurance.

Every business is vulnerable to claims for compensation when something goes wrong, but for small businesses, these claims can be especially damaging. The costs can easily run into the thousands, and can cause substantial long-term effects to your business’s viability – and in the worst-case scenario, to your own personal finances.

At Protectivity, we can make sure that these financial shocks can’t affect you through comprehensive insurance cover for a range of small businesses, from pet businesses and dog groomers to personal trainers and hairdressers. Not only do our policies give you peace of mind to grow your enterprise with confidence, but they’re also available through flexible monthly payment plans, meaning they don’t put too much pressure on your balance sheet.

To find small business insurance cover that’s right for the specifics of your operation, get in touch with our team today.

Get Small Business Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

16:42:00 GMT • 13 November 2024

Bee Ingram

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creating engaging and effective messaging that aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

Dog and pet events in 2023

Bee Ingram

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creating engaging and effective messaging that aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

6 July 2023

•

8 mins read

Contributors

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creatin...

Get pet business insurance from Protectivity

Bee Ingram

With a focus on producing high-quality, consistent content across multiple platforms, Bee is committed to creating engaging and effective messaging that aligns with the brand’s voice and strategy.

Barely a weekend goes by in the UK without some sort of pet or dog-related event taking place (particularly in the summer!). These can be fantastic events to attend, whether you’re looking for new business opportunities, want to meet like-minded people, or simply you fancy a doggy day out. But which ones are the best to visit in your area?

In this guide, we’ve picked out some of the best dog and pet trade shows in the second half of 2023 across the UK. Whether you’re interested in food, products, activities or just dog culture in general, there’s bound to be a pet industry trade show for you to explore.

Paws in the Park

If there could ever be such a thing as a dog version of Glastonbury, then this is probably it! Paws in the Park are huge outdoor festivals that bring all sorts of canine activities together over an entire weekend. The first event of 2023 at Ardingly in West Sussex has already passed, but the autumn version is still to come, hosted at Detling in Kent in the middle of September.

There really is something for everyone at Paws in the Park: agility events, water sports, trade stands, shows and exhibitions, and plenty of food and drink options for owners and dogs alike. Book in advance and you can even camp there over the weekend and turn it into a short, fun-packed, dog-friendly holiday.

Dogfest

Similar to Paws in the Park, Dogfest is a national tour that takes a variety of dog activities and exhibits to people all over the country every summer. There are three Dogfest dates still to look forward to in 2023, at Ashton Court in Bristol, Knebworth House in Hertfordshire and Harewood House in Yorkshire.

It’s a very active event to visit, with sport demonstrations, advice and workshops, and plenty of activities that your own dog can take part in. There’s also some fantastic food and drink to enjoy (for both human and canine consumption), and you’ll also get the chance to explore a beautiful stately home at the same time.

Edition Dog Live

Dog beauty and wellbeing has become big business in recent years, whether it’s thanks to keen owners who want their pets to look their best, or competition dog owners preparing their pooches for contests like Crufts. Either way, there are lots of businesses and treatments to explore, and Edition Dog Live – run by one of the UK’s leading dog magazines – is the place to check them all out.

This year’s event is on 27th August at the NAEC in Coventry, so the combination of a central location and a Bank Holiday weekend makes it easy for everyone to access. You’ll see a range of exhibitors across wellbeing, nutrition and holistic care in particular, so this should definitely be one in the diary for everyone who takes dog care seriously.

The Game Fair

Working dogs have very different demands to pets in terms of training, care and ownership, and so owners often need specialist products and advice to keep their dogs in tip-top condition. The best place to get those tips and insights is the Game Fair, and this year’s edition is at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire over the last weekend of July.

There is a wide selection of trade stands and retailers devoted to gundog equipment, specialist dog food, and other areas like health and wellbeing, and transportation. But the event isn’t the sole preserve of the working dog owner: in previous years, there have been dog photographers and portrait artists exhibiting too, so it may be worth a trip to see some of their examples.

North East Dog Festival

If you’re in the north of England or in Scotland, and some of the events listed above look a little far from your reach, then don’t worry: the North East Dog Festival in September has you covered.

It takes place at Kirkley Hall near Newcastle on the first weekend of September and is packed with things to do for both dogs and owners. Some of them are activities you’ll be used to such as exhibition, trade stands and dog agility trials, but there’s also plenty that you might not have seen before, such as scentventure, gundog scurries and dog parkour.

And if you’re worried that some of the activities might be a bit too ‘expert’ for your dog, then fear not: there are plenty of chances to ‘Try Your Paw’ at skills like flyball.

London Vet Show

This might not sound like the most exciting or dog-friendly event in the world – after all, what kind of dog enjoys a trip to the vet? But if you run a dog business that’s involved with health and wellbeing, then this could well be worth a visit to Excel in London on 16th and 17th November.

You’ll get to hear from some expert speakers who’ll give you a real insight into the present and future of animal health. But there are also a huge range of exhibitors with innovative products that are breaking into the market, or that will be making their own mark in the months and years ahead. Whether you want to find products to sell, or want to get your own concepts to a wider, engaged audience, this isn’t an event for you to miss.

BETA International

This is a good show for people who live in the countryside, or love to take their dogs there. This show at NAEC Coventry on 10th-11st September isn’t just a dog show: it’s aimed at the wider pet, equestrian and countryside industries, too.

There are countless retailers and exhibitors showing off the latest products and techniques, and it’s an excellent place to meet people with similar interests. This is an especially good show to visit if you’re running a dog-related business and want to get your products out to a wider audience.

All About Dogs

This is another fantastic tour of fun dog festivals that tours the country during the summer, and there’s one more still to come in 2023, at the Norfolk Showground over August Bank Holiday weekend.

This is one of the best events to go to if you want to get your dog to try lots of different activities: lure racing, dock diving, fastest recall and flyball are all available to sample. You’ll also get to see some displays from some superb dog teams, and there are also four show rings and nearly 50 classes that are open for you to enter. As well as a range of exhibitors, there will also be expert advice on offer from certified animal behaviourists and more.

Looking ahead to 2024

If you don’t have the time to make it to any of the above events still to come this year, then there are plenty of excellent dog and pet events to enjoy in 2024, too.

Crufts

Crufts has already confirmed its return to the NEC in Birmingham for 7th-10th March next year, and needs no introduction for anyone who loves their dogs. The Kennel Club’s showpiece event has been running since 1891 and now attracts more than 18,000 competing dogs each year. Outside of the contests, there are also demonstrations by emergency service and medical detection dogs, and the chance to see virtually every breed of dog that the Kennel Club recognises.

Woofstock

Down in Devon at Powderham Castle, Woofstock is a dog festival by day and music festival in the evening, making it a perfect weekend getaway for dogs and owners alike. The 2024 edition is on 14th-16th June and tickets are already on sale. And at the Goodwood Estate in West Sussex perhaps better known for the Festival of Speed, Goodwoof features competitions, workshops, talks and free interactive activities in a beautiful setting. Next year’s event will take place in May, with the exact date being confirmed soon.

Get pet business insurance with Protectivity

Whatever your interest in visiting pet trade shows later in 2023, it’s likely that you’ll be attending in a business capacity. And however you want to grow your business and increase your profitability, you need to do so in the confidence that you’re insulated against any financial shocks beyond your control. The best way to do that is to make sure you have the best-quality insurance cover in place for your specific enterprise.

Protectivity has years of experience insuring entrepreneurs like yours across a range of different canine businesses, including insurance for dog walking, dog grooming insurance, pet sitting insurance and much more. That way, if you’re subject to a compensation claim, or an accident or injury occurs to you, a customer or a dog, you won’t end up out of pocket. Depending on the policy, we may also be able to insure your equipment, and cover you for Care, Custody and Control.

Take a couple of minutes today to explore our full range of pet business insurance policies and find one that’s right for you.

Get Pet Business Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by