Category: Business

Benefits of Employers’ Liability Insurance

2 May 2023

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5 mins read

Contributors

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

Employers’ liability insurance is one of the most important types of business insurance. Should an employee suffer an injury or illness while working for you, and then claim compensation from you, employers’ liability insurance can help you to cover the cost.

Employers’ liability insurance isn’t just nice to have – it’s a legal requirement. Without it, you could face a fine of up to £2,500 for every day your business isn’t properly insured.

Here, we’ll explore the benefits of employers’ liability insurance, and how it can protect both your business and your employees.

1. Protects your business from unexpected legal and financial risks

Regardless of how much attention you pay to health and safety at work, injuries can still happen. And if your employee or ex-employee chooses to sue you due to an injury or illness caused by their work, you’d need to pay compensation. These compensation payments can be significantly expensive, and even if you won the court case you’d still need to fork out expensive legal fees. With employers’ liability insurance, your insurer covers the cost, which can protect your business from financial strain.

2. Covers the cost of employee injury or illness

Employers’ liability insurance will pay compensation if an employee or ex-employee is injured or becomes unwell because of the work they do for you. For example, if a factory worker tripped over some equipment that hadn’t been properly stored while at work, this may cause them a serious injury. They may then choose to sue their employer for this, and the court can order the employer to pay compensation to cover the cost of the injury, and any other damages. Without employers’ liability insurance, your business would have to find a way to cover the cost of compensation, to contribute to the cost of medical care and lost income, which could be detrimental to your business’ financial well-being.

3. Demonstrates compliance with legal requirements

Having employers’ liability insurance is compulsory for most businesses, because you’re responsible for the health and safety of your employees while they’re at work. The Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969 requires every employer, unless exempt, to insure against liability for bodily injury or disease sustained by their employees while in their employment. You are required to have at least £5 million of cover from an authorised insurer. Without it, you can be fined up to £2,500 for every day you’re not properly insured.

4. Provides peace of mind for you and your employees

Insurance serves as a safety net against the unexpected. As an employer, you may try your hardest to avoid health and safety risks, but this won’t eliminate them completely. Employers’ liability insurance can give you the peace of mind that should an employee become injured or unwell due to an incident or accident at work, you’ll have financial support there should you need it.

5. Protects your reputation

The last thing you want to happen is your employee or ex-employee claiming compensation and your business not being able to afford it – which could be detrimental to your brand’s reputation. Instead, with employers’ liability insurance you’ll have the reassurance that should something go wrong, you have insurance to fall back on. That way, you’ll be able to cover any legal and compensation costs that may arise, to ensure your public image remains positive.

6. Helps your business to grow

As mentioned, employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement. If your business is just starting out, making sure you have the right insurance will be another thing ticked off your list, so you can focus on taking care of day-to-day responsibilities.

7. Tailored coverage to suit your business needs

When getting your employers’ liability insurance, you’ll usually be asked a series of questions about you and your business, to ensure your policy covers everything you need it to. The application process should be straightforward – simply let your insurer know how many people you employ and what work they do for you, and you’ll get an insurance policy that covers all your needs. That way, should disaster strike, your business and employees will be taken care of.

Ready to protect your business?

As a business owner, your business isn’t just your source of income, it’s also the product of all your hard work – so you’ll want to know it’s well protected should the unexpected happen and you need some support. Get a quote today for your small business with Protectivity, whether that be personal trainer insurance, liability insurance for an event, a small dog grooming business.

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How Long Should You Keep Business Insurance Records?

1 May 2023

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5 mins read

Contributors

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

As a business owner, you’ll want to ensure you carry out your business operations the right way. If your business insurance is due to expire or renew, you may be wondering how long you should keep your previous policy records on file. Will you need access to those documents years down the line, or can you throw them away?

The retention period for insurance records varies depending on the type of insurance you have and the industry you operate in. And depending on certain regulations, you can store your insurance records either in paper or electronic format.

Here, we’ll explore how long to keep business insurance records to minimise any risks that can come with parting with them too soon. We’ll also explain best practices for organising and storing your business insurance records, to help keep everything organised and secure.

Why keeping business insurance records is important

Business insurance policies should be kept on file for at least seven years after the policy has expired for paper copies, and at least 10 years for electronic copies.

There are several reasons why keeping your business insurance records on file is important, including:

Even after your insurance has expired, you should keep your policy records on file in case of later claims
Insurance records provide proof of cover which can help your business resolve any potential disputes or claims
Having your expired policies on file can help you secure better insurance rates and coverage in the future, such as cheaper premiums
By keeping your expired policy documents, you’ll have them to hand should you need to refer back to them – this can help with administrative tasks and future planning
Records are particularly important if you need to make an insurance claim. If you’re not sure what’s required when making a business insurance claim, be sure to check with your insurance provider so you have everything you need to hand

Record-keeping requirements and regulations

As you’re aware, insurance can come with jargon and legal terms which can feel tricky to get your head around. Here, we’ll explore the recordkeeping requirements and regulations you’ll need to adhere to as a business owner.

According to Section 5 of the Limitation Act 1980, there is a ‘time limit for actions founded on simple contract’, so following a legal issue there is a deadline of six years for action to be taken. A simple contract is an agreement which has been accepted as legally binding by both parties, and this includes insurance policies. This means as a business you have a responsibility to keep these documents to hand for at least six years after their expiration so you can refer to them if a disagreement or legal issue ever arose.

Another record-keeping requirement to be aware of is that of HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). HMRC makes checks on how businesses keep their records, and will usually contact you by letter if they choose to investigate your business records. This check will initially happen over the phone, but if they decide you’re at risk of keeping inadequate records you may receive a face-to-face visit. If during their visit HMRC find you’ve deliberately destroyed your business records, you could face a fine of up to £3,000 and they may even disqualify you as company director.

With this in mind, keeping your business records will not only make any insurance claims more straightforward, but they’re also important to keep on file if HMRC decides to perform a compliance check on your business.

Best practice for organising and storing insurance records

So, keeping your business insurance records to hand even after they’ve expired sounds like a good idea, right? Here’s how to best organise and store your insurance records.

Keep them secure

Try to keep your business insurance records in a secure and accessible location. A locked filing cabinet for example can ensure only those who have the key can access those important documents.

Create an inventory

It can be worthwhile to create a detailed inventory of all your insurance policies and associated records, particularly if you have various documents that date back several years. For each individual policy, try to write down the name of the insurer, the policy number and the date the policy was issued.

Consider software tools to streamline the process

Want to take the pressure off and ensure all your documents are stored securely? You could use software tools like a file management system, or outsource your insurance record-keeping to a professional service to improve your records management and take some of the worry away.

Protect your business against the unexpected with Protectivity

As a business owner, your business is your pride and joy, so it’s only right you’ll want to secure its future. Protect your business with our small business insurance – get a free quote today.

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How to Verify Business Insurance Coverage

1 May 2023

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4 mins read

Contributors

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

Getting insured is one thing – making sure that it’s the right insurance for you, having proof of coverage, and ensuring that third parties you’re working with are also protected is another. Let’s take a look at how to verify business insurance coverage, both for yourself and anyone you might choose to work with.

What is business insurance verification?

Business insurance verification is ensuring that the correct cover is in place before embarking on a project or agreeing to work with another business. If you are in negotiations with another business to carry out some work for them, they might ask you to verify your business insurance coverage to prove that you’re covered against any accidents that might occur. This is their way of protecting themselves and ensuring that the cost of an unfortunate event wouldn’t impact them. They will most likely ask you to provide a COI – a certificate of insurance. Likewise, you might want to see a COI from them.

Verifying your business insurance step by step

Step 1

A third party has requested to see a COI to prove you have the correct protection. Make sure that you confirm with them what coverage they need to see evidence of, in case you need to expand your policy to meet their needs.

Step 2

Contact your insurance company and explain that you need a COI to verify your business insurance. They will provide you with a certificate, which you should then make a copy of for your personal records, before sending it on to whoever has requested it. While you may be charged an admin fee, the certificate itself shouldn’t cost anything.

Step 3

Ensure that the third party you are working with has received all of the proof of insurance that they need, and that you won’t need to provide any further documentation. If they have sent you a COI to verify their own insurance, confirm that you’ve received it.

Step 4

If you have to check over a COI that you have requested, you should confirm that all of the details on the certificate match those that have been communicated to you by the third party you are working with. This includes names, addresses, and registered company names. Even if they were to cancel their policy immediately after providing you with a COI, you can then safely say that at the time an agreement was made, you had evidence that they had all of the coverage that was needed.

Why do you need to verify coverage?

It is important to verify your coverage to ensure that, should something go wrong, you and anyone you’re working with have the right level of protection. When it comes to your business, this might include protecting your property, your premises, and your employees. Verifying coverage in this way minimises any potential risks, and lets you carry out your business more confidently.

When do you need to have insurance verified?

Your insurance should be verified before any work is carried out or events are held pertaining to your business, or that of the third party you are working with. Essentially, you should have verified your insurance before there is a chance for an accident to happen that could result in a claim.

Sometimes obtaining a COI can take a few days, or in the worst case scenario more than a week. This could cause a delay in reaching an agreement with the third party you want to work with, which could hurt your relationship and impact your business prospects. It’s best to be proactive and request a COI – whether from your insurance broker for yourself, or from your third party – as soon as possible.

Ready to protect your business?

Whatever your business, Protectivity can provide you with the insurance you need to keep yourself and your employees protected as you carry out your work, be it dog grooming insurance, hairdressers insurance, counselling insurance or offering holistic therapy insurance. We provide unique products and cover to suit a wide variety of niche businesses, because we understand that when it comes to your small business you might not be looking to fit the mould.

Protect your business with our small business insurance – get a free quote today.

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Employers Liability Insurance vs Personal Accident Insurance

29 April 2023

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6 mins read

Contributors

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

As a business owner, having insurance in place can give you the peace of mind that should the unexpected happen, you’ll have the support there to put wrong to right. When searching for business insurance, you may have come across the terms employers’ liability insurance and personal accident insurance. But what do these terms mean, and what is the difference between them?

Here, we’ll compare employers liability insurance vs personal accident insurance, so you can determine which type of insurance is right for your business.

What does employers’ liability insurance cover?

As soon as you become an employer, you’ll need to get employers liability insurance. In fact, it’s a legal requirement for most businesses in the UK to have (unless you operate alone or only employ family members, for example). If you don’t, you can be fined £2,500 every day you aren’t properly insured. Your policy must come from an authorised insurer and cover you for at least £5 million.

But what does employers’ liability insurance cover you for? It’s there to protect you if your employee claims compensation for an illness or injury they claim was caused by their work. Let’s say a worker was badly injured by tripping over a box left on the floor in the warehouse. Or an employee was electrocuted by faulty electrical equipment in the office. They could claim compensation against you for this happening, and the court could then order you to pay compensation for the injury, costs or other damages – which as you can expect, can be very expensive. That’s where employers’ liability insurance comes in – to cover the compensation payment and any legal costs if an employee claims compensation for a work-related injury or illness.

Like all types of insurance, employers’ liability insurance is there to protect you against the unexpected. No matter how careful you are at work, injuries do happen. If you don’t have employers’ liability insurance, it could significantly impact your business’ finances if you face a compensation claim.

What does personal accident insurance cover?

As the name suggests, personal accident insurance covers you if you suffer a serious injury or death following an accident. It’s there to protect you and your family against loss of income should you be unable to work, to help cover the cost of bills and other living expenses. It’s a type of personal insurance, similar to life insurance and income protection cover. With this in mind, personal accident insurance may be a type of cover you or your employee chooses to take out, to protect you/them financially against the unexpected.

Often, personal accident cover is included in life insurance and car insurance policies – so it may be worth you checking if you’re already covered before you take out another separate policy.

Most personal accident insurance policies will cover you for:

An accident or injury that happens at work
An injury caused by someone being violent towards you
Road traffic accidents
Permanent disability caused by an accident
The loss of your body parts or the loss of the ability to use them fully
Injuries caused by falls, slips and spillages

Pros and cons of employers’ liability insurance

When exploring your insurance options as a business owner, it’s important you know exactly what you’re covered for. Here, we’ll dive into the potential pros and cons of employers’ liability insurance:

Pros

Provides legal and financial protection should your employee or ex-employee claim compensation against you for an injury that happened at work
Helps cover the costs of employee injuries or illnesses
Without it, you could face a daily fine – so it’s a good idea to take out the insurance as soon as possible

Cons

Premiums can be expensive – especially for those working in hazardous environments that are higher-risk
Like many types of insurance, the claims process can be complex and time-consuming
For independent contractors or those who are self-employed, coverage can be limited

While there are potential cons to Employers Liability Insurance, it is a legal requirement to have so it’s important you have it in place.

Pros and cons of personal accident insurance

Personal accident insurance can offer you the peace of mind that should you suffer an injury or accident, you’ll be supported. Here are some potential advantages and disadvantages of personal accident insurance for you to consider:

Pros

Provides financial protection should you suffer an accidental injury, disability or death
Can offer you peace of mind if you work in a high-risk job
If you’re no longer able to work due to injury, personal accident insurance can provide a lump-sum payment or ongoing income to support you and your dependents

Cons

You won’t be covered for chronic conditions, illnesses, viruses or diseases as these aren’t caused by an accident
You won’t be covered for conditions that develop over time and aren’t caused by a single accident, such as gradual hearing loss
Premiums can be expensive, particularly if you work in a high-risk environment or participate in high-risk activities

Which insurance is right for your business?

Which type of insurance is right for your business will depend on the level of risk for you and your employees, and legal requirements too.

As a business owner, you’ll need to ensure you have employers’ liability insurance in place as soon as you become an employer. It’s a legal requirement for most businesses in the UK who have employees, to protect you against the cost of compensation claims should an employee have an injury or work-related illness. Without it, you could face a fine of £2,500 for every day you aren’t insured. Certain businesses are exempt from needing employers’ liability insurance, such as those with no employees or family businesses who only employ family members.

As for personal accident insurance, it’s down to your employee if they choose to take out a policy. It’s designed to give your employees peace of mind – so should they suffer an accidental injury, disability or death – they’ll be financially protected. This also means if they were to die due to an accident, their family will be given a payout if they make a claim.

So, which type of insurance is right for your business depends on the nature of your business. Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement for most UK businesses. Whereas, personal accident insurance is there to protect your employees should the unexpected happen – particularly if they work in high-risk conditions.

Speak to a professional

As a business owner, having the right insurance can give you reassurance that should something go wrong, you and your employees will be taken care of. Get a quote for small business insurance with Protectivity today, for the peace of mind you deserve.

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Best sports business books

29 April 2023

•

5 mins read

Contributors

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

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The world of sport has become big business in recent decades, whether it’s the boom in health and fitness interest fuelling gyms and lifestyle brands, or the corporate sponsorship, events and money involved at professional level. But throughout the sports industry, there are people who have succeeded through talent, ability and shrewd decision-making, and all of them have stories to tell.

That’s why we recommend reading some of the best sports business books around, so that you can learn from the experiences of the people who have achieved their goals. In this guide, we’ve picked out five of our favourites that should be next on your bookshelf or reading app.

Our picks of the best sports business books

There are so many specialisms within sports business that it can be difficult to know which books are right for you. The five that we’ve picked out here are those that can either educate or inspire you in general terms, and are most likely to deliver insights that you can apply to your own operation:

Moneyball: The Art of Winning an Unfair Game

This is perhaps the best-known sports business book ever written, and while you might think that it’s too American or too statistics-focused, there’s plenty to learn from it. Michael Lewis’s biography of Billy Beane, manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team, explores how Beane used data and analytics well ahead of his time to gain the edge on his competitors. Beane was able to build a successful team on a limited budget, and set the example of how sports business owners can make informed, data-driven decisions.

Show Me The Money!

The title of this book suggests it’s all going to be about Jerry Maguire, but instead it’s essential reading for anyone focused on sports marketing. It’s written by Esteve Calzada, the former chief marketing officer of FC Barcelona, and uses the global growth of football as an example of what can be achieved if marketing is done right. He explores all the various ways that businesses in all sports can monetise themselves, across sponsorships, broadcasting, image rights, merchandising and much more.

Goal: The Ball Doesn’t Go In By Chance

Sticking with FC Barcelona, its former general manager Ferran Soriano wrote this book in 2011, before he became CEO of Manchester City. He draws on the experiences of football managers and how they have to approach decision-making and strategy to succeed under pressure. The book is full of both anecdotes and detailed research, which shed light on what it takes to manage people and help them maximise their potential.

Athletes Are Brands Too

While the athletes at the top of their games are earning millions from image rights and endorsements, for those at lower levels it can help them fund their sporting endeavours or even just pay the bills. Jeremy Darlow explores how every type of athlete can maximise their personal brand in this book, especially in the age of social media where they can connect to fans, sponsors and media like never before.

Leading

A book by someone whose leadership has led to unprecedented greatness will always inspire – and there are few people who fit this bill better than Sir Alex Ferguson. The Manchester United legend wrote Leading in 2016, three years after he finally retired from the manager’s role at Old Trafford. In turn, he covers several topics that he feels are important to managerial and leadership success, from discipline and motivation through to data analysis and dealing with failure. It’s a fascinating and detailed read for all sports enthusiasts, whether you support Man Utd or not.

Get sports business insurance with Protectivity

Sports business is a very broad industry, and we hope that some of the best sports business books listed above can give you useful advice and inspiration for your enterprise. But whatever the nature of your business, one thing you must never overlook is the value of having good-quality insurance cover in place.

Protectivity provides comprehensive cover for every kind of sports businesses and has been doing so for more than a quarter of a century. For businesses big and small, we can cover you for Personal Accident, Professional Indemnity, Equipment Cover and Employer’s Liability, so that you can achieve your goals with financial certainty and confidence. Take a closer look at all our sports business insurance options.

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Crystal Healing With Reiki

30 March 2023

•

6 mins read

Contributors

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

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In the same way that reiki is energy, crystals also emit energies – but why would you use crystals when giving reiki to a client? It’s because crystals are naturally formed in the Earth and vibrate at different frequencies, depending on their geological make up.

If you hold a crystal in your hand, you may feel a tingle or similar sensation which will differ from one crystal to another, and it’s these frequencies or vibrations that help to hone in to elements of our own energy. That’s why different crystals can help with different aspects that we may need help with. Using crystals can enhance the reiki and even target more substantial blockages in your client’s energy field. You could also stock crystals that you can infuse with reiki and recommend them to your clients as an upselling opportunity.

This guide covers all the basics around crystal healing with reiki.

How to pick the right crystals

Each crystal has its own set of ailments and circumstances it can help with. Broadly speaking, the colour of the crystal relates to the chakra it helps with, which is a good initial indicator when making your choice. If you feel you need to make more specific choices, then you may find looking at books or courses on crystals useful.

You don’t need to know every crystal and their uses to begin using them: with reiki, using your intuition is usually the best way to be guided when picking which crystals that client needs. As long as your intention is for the highest good of your client, you’ll be on the right track.

Best crystals for reiki healing

Make sure that you do proper research when buying crystals to make sure that they are ethically and responsibly sourced, and also of high quality. Reiki is a practice based on the highest good for all, so investing in such crystals is to remain true to these principles. We recommend the following as the best choices for reiki crystal healing:

Clear quartz

If you only start with one crystal, start with this one. As a master crystal, it can be used in place of all others and it can amplify the effects of the other crystals when used together.

Amethyst

Another good crystal to start with is amethyst, as it’s a useful all-rounder but especially good for opening up the crown and third-eye chakras. It increases intuition, calms the mind and is known for its calming properties.

Red jasper

This crystal is associated with the root chakra and is a great way to help with grounding clients at the end of a session.

Rose quartz/Jade

For gentle healing and opening up the heart chakra, these two can work to soften the heart and bring love (including self-love) for the client.

Smokey quartz

Mostly used for transmuting energy from negative into positive, smokey quartz is a great crystal to wear while conducting your reiki sessions.

Selenite

Selenite is a really effective crystal to clean the aura/energy field at the end of a session for client and practitioner and for charging the other crystals.

How to use crystals for reiki healing

How you use crystals during your sessions will depend on your preference and also how you are guided to use them if using your intuition.

Common methods include wearing crystal jewellery as a practitioner to shield yourself from your client’s energies and to keep yourself grounded, or chakra balancing by placing a corresponding crystal on each chakra for all or part of the session while you continue to send reiki. You could also consider making crystal grids under or around the reiki bed to amplify the energy, and cleansing the auras or energy fields of yourself and your client at the end of each session.

Once you’ve decided which crystal you are going to use, either place it directly on top of your client’s body (with permission) or nearby – for example, underneath the reiki bed or to the side of them. You can also hold the crystal in your hand, using it as a lens to send the reiki through.

How to clean and charge the crystals?

Crystals will accumulate energy as well as giving off their own, so it’s important to cleanse them between clients and charge them regularly to keep them working efficiently. There are several ways you can do this:

Selenite

Placing your crystals close to a piece of selenite for a few hours or overnight will cleanse and charge them. You can do this by buying selenite plates and bowls to put your crystals in.

Water

You can place some (but not all) crystals in fresh water or salt water to charge them, especially during a full moon. Make sure to check that your crystals are safe to put in water – as an example of what can go wrong, selenite should never be allowed to get wet or it will dissolve.

Smudging

Using the smoke from herbs such as sage, thyme, rosemary or lavender like an incense, you can cleanse the crystals by passing them through the smoke.

Reiki

Holding the crystals in your hands and sending them reiki can charge them with new energy, and you can set intentions for their next use.

Burial

Putting your crystals in the ground lets the Earth cleanse and charge them. As with using water, you’ll need to check which crystals are safe for this method, as some won’t be suitable.

Get your reiki insurance with Protectivity today

Whether or not you decide to integrate crystals into your reiki practice, it’s still important that you include good-quality insurance cover. As well as protecting yourself and your business against any issues, you’ll want to make sure that your investment into quality, ethically sourced crystals is protected and insured in case of damage, too.

At Protectivity, we offer specialist insurance policies for qualified reiki practitioners. Our insurance includes Public Liability cover in case of injury or damage to a third party, equipment cover and Professional Indemnity. Our cover is available from just a few pounds a month, and is available through flexible payment plans, so you can get peace of mind for minimal outlay. Take a closer look at our options for reiki insurance policies here.

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Professional Dog Grooming Techniques For Beginners

29 March 2023

•

6 mins read

Contributors

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

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If you’re evaluating dog grooming as a potential career move, then it’s likely that you’ve already got some experience in the basics of canine care, whether it’s for your own pet or those of friends and relatives.

While this natural experience gives you a starting point to work from, offering dog grooming services professionally requires knowledge of more advanced dog grooming techniques, many of which you can learn on specialist courses. Owners that are paying you good money will expect a high-quality, comprehensive service, with no areas left out and with a clear benefit to the dog’s appearance, health and happiness.

This guide covers all the key facts around professional dog grooming techniques, including all the most important areas of a dog and how to deal with them in turn.

Bathing

Some dogs like being bathed a lot more than others. Equally, some dogs need regular bathing much more than others, depending on the type of fur or hair that they have, and whether they’ve been anywhere particularly muddy or dirty. Nonetheless, it’s a basic part of the grooming service that most owners will expect.

The best way to approach bathing is to make the experience as relaxing for the dog as possible, with the right water temperature and the removal of any noises or distractions that might make the dog agitated.

Nail trimming

This can be a particularly tricky area for beginners to get right because dogs tend to move around, meaning you’re often aiming at a moving target. However, it’s an important thing to get right so that a dog’s hygiene can be maintained, and so they don’t scratch people or objects too sharply.

If dogs have had their nails clipped from a very young age and are used to the process, then they will be far more amenable to it. But in any case, a softly-softly approach pays dividends. We recommend starting with a very small clip of one nail, followed by some positive words and a treat for the dog. As you repeat this process, the dog should feel more at ease with the trimmer.

Coat clipping

Getting coat clipping right is absolutely crucial. If you don’t take off enough fur (or take it off in the wrong places) then you’ll end up with a messy-looking dog and an unhappy owner. Take off too much, or use the clippers carelessly, and the dog can easily get hurt.

A few simple practices can reduce the risk in this area. Bathing beforehand gives the dog damp fur that’s easier to cut, and gently talking to the dog can help keep it calm. Take particular care around the face and ears, and consider buying low-noise clippers as some dogs get agitated by the sound of them.

Brushing and combing

Not every dog will need its hair brushing: those which have particularly short hair pretty much take care of themselves. But in most cases, brushing out dirt and knots is a key part of keeping dogs healthy. This should be done gently, and with the help of some scissors to cut out any problem areas that brushing can’t solve. Long-haired dogs may need brushing as much as once a week, whereas dogs with shorter, denser hair will need brushing less often.

Ears, teeth and eyes

These three areas are all particularly sensitive parts of a dog, and so have to be treated with the utmost care. Just like you might give tear-less shampoo to a child, the same applies to dogs, so that their eyes don’t become irritated. Brushing teeth should be done gently and slowly, so that its gums aren’t damaged and so it doesn’t feel uncomfortable with the process. And you should also keep an eye out for ear wax, which can especially build up in dogs with droopy ears.

Equipment

It’s important not to cut corners on the equipment you use to groom dogs – better kit makes your job easier, can deliver better results, and can convince owners that it’s a job that you take seriously. Make sure that any sharp equipment like trimmers and clippers are cleaned, lubricated and resharpened regularly, for reasons of hygiene and performance. And don’t underestimate the value of keeping an area clean and tidy, and repreparing the grooming station between each dog.

Overall experience

If you’re going to attract repeat custom and groom the same dogs on a regular basis, then it’s vital that the dog feels comfortable with the whole experience. This means creating a relaxing environment that the dog won’t feel worried about entering, and taking care with each grooming session so that the dog learns that it’s a place they will enjoy being in. Achieving this will make the dog far more receptive to professional dog grooming techniques in the longer term.

Get dog grooming insurance with Protectivity

If you’re a beginner and still picking up professional dog grooming techniques, then it’s natural that you’re going to make some mistakes along the way. However, in the business world, mistakes can often lead to financial consequences, and so it’s vital you take steps to protect yourself from any financial loss.

It’s for this reason that we at Protectivity provide comprehensive dog grooming insurance, supporting newcomers and experienced groomers alike. Our cover includes Public Liability Insurance in case of injury or property damage; up to £100,000 of Care, Custody and Control cover in case of illness or injury to a dog, and up to £30,000 of cover for your specialist grooming equipment. That way, you can have the confidence that you can build your dog grooming career without an unfortunate incident leaving you out of pocket.

Find out more on our dog grooming insurance options, including our competitive rates and flexible payment plans, here.

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Mediumship Training

17 March 2023

•

5 mins read

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My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

Get mediumship insurance from Protectivity

Mediumship is a unique and rewarding role which offers very different opportunities and experiences. It also provides a very special and valuable service to those who may be struggling with grief and loss by connecting with their loved ones who have passed, and relaying messages to them which can bring comfort, closure, relief and peace.

If you’re interested in becoming a medium, or you have some experience but want to take the leap into making a living from your abilities, then this guide will help you to find out what you’ll need to build a respectable and viable business.

Mediumship training requirements

Although there are no legal requirements for becoming a medium, it does come with a set of roles and responsibilities that should be upheld and given proper consideration if it’s a career you wish to pursue. The best way to develop your medium skills is to invest in a course that will take you through the essential knowledge and practices that should accompany any legitimate, professional medium.

Formal training to become a medium is a relatively new concept. Mediumship itself is centuries old but it’s only more recently that it has started to be recognised as a credible profession. As a result, more courses are becoming available and there are now even some accredited courses out there, meaning you can reassure your prospective clients that you are genuine and that you take your work seriously.

Mediumship training providers

If you’re looking for mediumship training, then these organisations are good places to start, whether you’re looking for a course yourself or even if you want to become a trainer further down the line:

International Practitioners of Holistic Medicine

This global holistic training provider certification board offers provides for individuals and training providers who meet their criteria.

The Spiritual Workers Association

A UK-based guild of spiritual workers and spiritualistic service providers, the SWA aims to promote excellence and improve standards in the field of spiritual work.

The Quality Licence Scheme

This UK-based scheme is part of the Skills and Education Group. They work with training providers to help them develop high-quality courses and/or training programmes for non-regulated markets such as mediumship.

Mediumship training courses

Mediumship and psychic services are finally starting to be recognised as legitimate professions. Although still currently unregulated and no formally recognised qualifications are available, there are places starting to offer accredited courses in these areas, which means you can gain a certain amount of learning-based credits and a certificate. Being able to demonstrate that you have completed an accredited course can be a great selling point to your potential clients.

Mediumship Diploma Course Level 3

This course by Centre of Excellence takes up to 150 hours to complete online. There’s no time limit for completing this course and offers lifetime access. It’s made up of 11 modules and is designed to give you all the information, skills and knowledge about mediumship and spirituality that you’ll need to become a practising medium or psychic medium. The course is suitable for beginners with no prior experience or knowledge.

Psychic Development Accredited Practitioner Diploma

This online course by Gateway Workshops allows you to study in your own time with access to the course for one year. It’s made up of 12 modules with a short test and case study assessment at the end to gain the accreditation. Although this course isn’t specifically aimed at those wanting to become a medium, it does cover all the basics of using energy and psychic abilities in various ways, including communications with spirit, and reading for others.

Specialist mediumship training colleges

You can also explore training opportunities with a college known for quality courses from top experts. Gaining knowledge and insight from well-established and respected mediums and psychics can be a great way to fine-tune and expand your own medium skills even faster.

There are many leading colleges for mediumship training, some involve the training being held at residential centres and online where students have the opportunity to study a variety of spiritual and psychic disciplines including mediumship.

How much does mediumship training cost?

Costs for mediumship training vary by training provider, and whether the course is online or residential. For example, a local or online workshop lasting a couple of hours may only cost between £30-50 but a weekend or full week in a residential setting may cost £300 or more.

However, opting for a recognised qualification doesn’t have to be expensive: for example, there are recognised Mediumship Diploma Courses available for £127.

Get your Mediumship Insurance today

Once you’ve gained a good level of mediumship training, you can explore business opportunities as a self-employed medium. There are many options to explore, but whichever you pick, one essential that remains constant is the need for good-quality insurance cover. As well as protecting you and your business from any unforeseen circumstances, it’s another way to reassure your potential clients that you are a serious and legitimate medium which may give you an additional edge over the competition.

At Protectivity, we offer specialist insurance policies for mediums who have obtained an accredited qualification. Our insurance includes Public Liability cover in case of injury or damage to a third party, equipment cover and Professional Indemnity. Our cover is available from just a few pounds a month, and is available through flexible payment plans, so you can get peace of mind for minimal outlay. Take a closer look at our options for mediumship insurance policies here.

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How To Grow Your Gym Business

16 March 2023

•

6 mins read

Contributors

My main focus is managing the blog and product content for the Protectivity website ensuring everything aligns wi...

Get gym insurance from Protectivity

Gyms are as popular across the country right now as they’ve ever been. This has led to a huge rise in the number of gym businesses, and much greater diversity in the types of gyms available. Whether it’s bodybuilding and weightlifting, general fitness, on-trend lifestyle gyms or anything in between, there are gyms out there to serve every demand.

All this interest can be a curse as much as it can be a blessing. If you’re already running a gym in a saturated marketplace, it can be difficult to know how to take your enterprise to the next level and increase your membership and profitability. This guide gives you seven great tips on how to grow your gym business.

Our tips on how to grow gym business

Naturally, some of these tips will be more suitable than others to your specific needs. Some of these may be ideas that you’re already pursuing, but could perhaps do with a refresh or change of approach. In any case, these are the seven tips we’ve picked out that should help the broadest possible range of gym business owners:

Giveaways and competitions

Never underestimate just how much people enjoy a competition or a freebie. Holding regular giveaways is a great way of encouraging engagement through your existing membership, as well as grabbing attention from prospective new members, too. This doesn’t have to be a grand affair with a huge jackpot prize: it can be small, targeted incentives such as gym-related accessories, free months on memberships, or one-day gym passes. Adding welcome gifts to new memberships can also act as a powerful incentive, too.

Referrals and repeat custom discounts

Some of the most useful tools in generating more business and members are working out just outside your office door right now. Your existing customers are already positively engaged with your business, so getting them to work spreading the word is one of the simplest ways to expand your customer base. You can do this through a referral system, which gives membership discounts and offers to those who recommend a friend or relative that then takes out their own membership. Similarly, giving discounts for long-term membership will make your most loyal members feel even more positive about your brand.

Encourage email engagement

It may seem a little old-fashioned now, but emails can still be highly effective in reaching out to people with your message. Generating a regular flow of news and communications to send to people will make them feel that there’s a real buzz around your gym. This is especially the case if you can mix up your content flow with a variety of different emails: this could be your latest offers and discounts, tips on exercise and nutrition, community event details, general encouragement, or a combination of all of them in a newsletter-style email.

Maximise your website

Connected to the previous point, variety should be the spice of life on your website, too. After all, once prospective customers have gained an interest in what you have to offer, your website will almost certainly be their first port of call. They should be able to get all the information they need to know and explore lots of different types of content that shows your gym in the best possible light. Video content is especially important: creating some short promotional and longer instruction videos is a great way to connect with people: these can easily be hosted on YouTube and embedded into your web pages.

Develop your social media presence

No doubt you’ll already have a presence on a number of social media channels, but are you making the most of the opportunity? It’s your platform to share stories of satisfied customers, build a strong community, and even create workout groups that can then come together at your gym. If you employ personal trainers directly, then you may also want to explore software that allows customers to book sessions via social media, to maximise ease of experience.

Join forces with other professionals

Just because there are other gyms in your area doesn’t have to mean that they’re automatically your competitors. You may want to consider joining forces with another gym that has different facilities to yours: offering a common membership or special offers that encourage crossover between the two gyms and give customers access to more amenities and equipment. And don’t forget to keep in touch with the personal training community: they’ll have insights on what’s going on among local gym-goers, and how you can adjust your business model to take advantage of new opportunities.

Foster a positive community

The community and culture within a gym can be critical to its success. For example, if a gym has a more macho, masculine feel to it (especially around the free weights area), then it’s easy for other members to feel intimidated and end their memberships. If you’re trying to appeal to a wide range of gym-goers, then a positive and inclusive atmosphere is a must. This can be encouraged by holding social and community events, expanding group exercise opportunities, or perhaps even opening a cafe/restaurant area where people can unwind.

Get gym insurance with Protectivity

However, you choose to grow your gym or personal trainer business, you’ll need good insurance to protect your financial standing and business assets. This is especially the case if you employ staff, as you’ll need to have employer’s liability insurance in place.

For more than 25 years, Protectivity has been providing gym insurance policies to businesses just like yours. Our cover includes Public Liability, Business Interruption Cover, Employers’ Liability and Buildings & Contents Cover, so however big and successful your business becomes, you can operate with confidence that you’re protected against the unforeseen. Our policies can also cover gyms that are open 24 hours a day.

Find out more on our affordable gym insurance, including flexible payment plans.

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