Category: Business

09:39:40 GMT • 14 January 2025

How to Become a Hairdresser

By Steffi Cavaliere

19 August 2019

•

11 mins read

Contributors

Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

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If you’re wondering how to become a hairdresser, then the first thing to know is that while the best stylists make it look easy, it can be much more complex than you might think.

Bringing somebody’s hair to life takes skilful use of equipment. You’ll need an eye for style and creativity, a passion for the profession, and a commitment to good old-fashioned hard work. If a career in hairdressing is something that’s always interested you, this might sound like a long and arduous process… but the financial and creative rewards being a professional hairdresser can often make it all worthwhile.

In this guide, we’ll cover all the basics you need to know when considering how to become a hairdresser professionally. We’ll look at the ideal first steps, potential qualifications and training options to pursue, how to continually develop your skills in the future, and the different business models open to you.

Whether you’re still at school and looking at how to break into the industry when you leave, or you’re looking at hairdressing as a career change, the information below will help you start your professional hairdressing journey on the front foot.

What are the first steps?

The first step is to do as much research as possible into the kind of styles that are popular and how they can be created: YouTube videos are a good starting point for this kind of information.

On a more practical level, you should consider applying to work in a salon in an entry-level position, or even just as an intern or work experience placement. You’ll get the chance to see first-hand how salons operate day-to-day, and get to know the basic duties like helping out on reception, shampooing hair and keeping a tidy working environment. If you can make a good impression on the people you work with, then you’ll be in pole position to take on greater duties and move onto the next stage as and when an opportunity arises.

If you’re still at school and looking towards a career in hairdressing in the long term, then aiming for a grade C or above in core subjects like English and Maths is important. While it won’t completely make-or-break your prospects if you don’t achieve those grades, getting them can be a big advantage when employers are looking at taking on new staff.

What qualifications do I need to be a hairdresser?

Unlike many other professions, there are no qualifications that are legally mandated to become a hairdresser by trade. However, it’s strongly recommended to get at least some qualifications, as they can demonstrate that you possess some of the skills needed and give you a better chance of landing a job.

There are several different options for you to explore, such as a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in Hairdressing and Barbering – more on this in the training section – and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs). There are also a range of different courses and certifications you can pursue in more formal educational settings, from short-form courses to full-length university degrees.

What types of training are required?

The NVQ in Hairdressing and Barbering is one of the best ways to pursue a career in the sector because it gives you the opportunity to learn on the job, and to progress your skills over a period of time. You can start the course even if you have no experience in the industry whatsoever, and follow it all the way through to the skills and credentials needed to be a senior stylist.

The NVQ is made up of three levels:

Level 1 covers the basics of day-to-day work, both in terms of styling and being in a customer-facing business environment. You’ll learn how to shampoo, condition and blow-dry hair, how to prepare and maintain a working area, and how to develop working relationships.

Level 2 allows you to learn more advance techniques and skills, such as consulting with clients, treating hair and the scalp, and other optional units such as perming, plaiting, twisting, and running a salon reception.

Level 3 brings in more advanced techniques, such as detailed consultation services, applying creativity to treatments through a variety of techniques, and being able to colour hair. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about how salon businesses operate from a financial standpoint and gain an understanding of how to market and promote a salon operation.

How long does it take to become a hairdresser?

There is no fixed timeframe on how long it takes to become a hairdresser. Some people come into the industry earlier than others, and while some stylists may have a natural talent and flair for the jobs, it’s also perfectly acceptable to build up your expertise more gradually and academically.

In the case of the NVQ mentioned above, it can take as many as 1500 hours of on-the-job to complete all three levels and receive the full diploma; this may take you a number of years to complete.

But in any event, the world never stops and there isn’t a hairdresser in the world who knows absolutely everything there is to know about the profession. Those who are the most successful never stop picking up new information about styles, techniques, products and equipment, so you should adopt an attitude of continuous learning and upskilling throughout your career.

What else can I do to improve my skills?

Connected to the previous point, there are many avenues to explore if you want to expand your skills and knowledge outside of formal qualification frameworks. That can start by simply asking local salons for some of their time and expertise, so that you can understand how to develop both your styling skills and your business acumen.

If you want to stand out from the crowd and build a reputation for yourself, then it may be worth channelling your energies into specialist areas, and becoming known as a great stylist for a particular type of treatment. These can include (and not necessarily be limited to): colouring, hair extensions, weaves, perms, straightening, hair extensions, braiding, scalp treatment, glossing and many more. If you can develop a high level of proficiency in a few of these areas, then that can make you more desirable to salons who are looking for specific skills to complement their existing roster of stylists.

Another important area which often gets overlooked is to ensure that your appearance and people skills are the best they possibly can be. Many people pay good money to not only get the style or cut they want, but to get a friendly, enjoyable and stress-free experience when they visit a salon. A big part of that is to ensure that you look clean, healthy, stylish and professional whenever you’re working, and have an outgoing and welcoming attitude at any time that you deal with customers.

What types of hairdressing jobs can I pursue?

Media

First of all, while the majority of hairdressers start out working in a salon, it’s important to remember that it’s only one part of the hairdressing industry. If you’re creative or have some specific career goals, then you could explore offering hair styling services for a number of other industries, such as fashion, TV, film, advertising and marketing. It’s in these highly specialised areas where the biggest money is often made.

Weddings

Whilst wedding work tends to be seasonal, having a stylist is usually a must for any bride. This will often involve several hours work styling various members of the wedding party including the mother of the bride, bridesmaids and of course, the bride. You may even be needed to provide a practice session with the bride before the big day. Bookings like these can be a full days work for just one group, read our blog on how to attract wedding clients.

Salons

It’s also worth remembering that you also have a range of options in terms of the business model you want to pursue. Many stylists like the consistent earnings and the security that working full-time for a salon can give them, especially if they have a family to support or other financial commitments to fulfil.

Freelance

However, if you prefer to do your own thing and have more of an entrepreneurial spirit, then you could alternatively pursue self-employment, once you’ve gained enough experience and developed a strong CV. You could operate as a mobile hairdressing service in customers’ homes, provide freelance salon services in a number of different applications (including the industries mentioned above), or simply rent a chair in a salon and operate from their facility.

Theoretically, this means that the sky’s the limit in terms of your earning power: how much you can make is directly linked to how talented you are, how hard you work, and how good your business decision-making is. However, on the other side of the coin, you won’t necessarily have a guaranteed income, and you’ll also have to pay out for overheads like equipment, transport, chair rental and insurance. You’ll also need to develop a sound understanding of the hairdressing market in your local area, so that you can price your services right and ensure you gain enough clients to keep you busy, without underselling your abilities.

What else do I need to know?

Away from the excitement of applying your creativity and forging a successful career, there are a number of other considerations to take into account if looking at hairdressing.

The first is to say that if you’re looking for a steady nine-to-five job, it’s going to be very difficult to find one in this industry. Many clients will be looking for styling appointments that fit around their working lives, which means evenings and weekends. You should be prepared to work a range of different times of day and week on a regular basis, especially in the early stage of your career when trying to earn yourself opportunities.

Another area to take into account is salary: the starting salary in this line of work can be very low for a beginner. According to the National Careers Service, salon-based hair stylist salaries can range from £14,000 a year for those starting out to as much as £30,000 a year once you’ve gained more experience. If you’re taking a position as an apprentice, most salons tend to offer an annual wage of £10,000 a year. Please note that these figures can also vary substantially, depending where you live in the UK: salaries will be higher in London and the south-east of England to match the higher cost of living there.

Make sure you take your personal finances into account when starting out, and make sure you can balance your own books in the early stages before your earnings start to rise later on.

Get your hairdressing insurance from Protectivity

If you’re operating as a self-employed hairdresser – either on a freelance basis, mobile or even if you’re renting a chair – then taking out comprehensive insurance cover is an absolute must.

Accidents and mistakes can occur, even to the most proficient and experienced of stylists. If somebody doesn’t get the style they want, is accidentally hurt during one of your sessions, or something else happens beyond your control, then they could launch a claim for compensation against you. You could be personally liable for settling the claim if the decision goes against you, which could cost you thousands of pounds and cause significant and long-lasting financial hardship.

Those worries go away if you’re properly insured, and at Protectivity, we’ve been insuring hairdressers just like you for many years. Our cover includes public liability, cover against professional negligence and other protections that give you peace of mind to be creative and grow your business with confidence.

Our cover is available from as little as £3.76 a month and can be paid for through flexible payment plans, helping you stay covered without breaking the bank. Take a couple of minutes today to examine our affordable hairdressing insurance options in more detail.

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09:37:58 GMT • 14 January 2025

Your Quick Guide to Event Licences

19 August 2019

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

So, you are organising an event and the venue and entertainment are booked, the food and drink is ordered. But, have you thought about what event licences you might need?

This will all depend on the type of event that you are organising, if you are serving food and drink and where and when the event will be held. Check if the venue that you are using already has in place the licences that you need.

Do I need a licence to be able to serve alcohol?

If you are holding your event at a venue which doesn’t already hold a licence to serve alcohol, or you are serving drinks after 11pm then you will need a Temporary Event Notice for events attracting less than 500 people. For larger events you will need to apply for a Premises Licence.

What is a Temporary Event Notice?

If you’re organising a temporary event and want to serve or sell alcohol, provide late night refreshment, or put on regulated entertainment at a non-licensed premises then you will need to complete a temporary event notice (TEN).

For the purpose of a TEN, a temporary event is a relatively small-scale event attracting fewer than 500 people (including staff) and lasting no more than 168 hours.

Do I need a licence to be able to play music?

This will very much depend on the venue, the numbers attending and the time that you will be playing music. The venue that you are using might already have a licence that covers your event requirements but if it doesn’t then you should check what is required through your local authority.

Do I need a licence to put on a play or show?

If the performance takes place between 8am and 11pm and involves fewer than 500 people, then you don’t need a licence. You may need a licence in other circumstances. This licence can also cover alcohol requirements for your event.

Do I need a licence to screen a film?

You do need a licence to show a film or exhibit moving pictures. Exemptions are made for places of worship, church halls, Education and television broadcasts. You will need a ‘non theatrical’ film licence for events such as film clubs, one off events, screenings in common areas for residents or passengers.

Do I need a licence to put on a sporting event?

You do not need a licence for most indoor sporting events held between 8am and 11pm and with less than 1000 spectators. If an event is to be held after 11pm, involve a larger number of spectators or includes boxing or wrestling then you will need to apply for a licence.

So, identify what your event will involve, timings and number of attendees and this will help you to identify the event licences that you will need. Most small events of less than 500 people can be covered with a Temporary Event Notice.

If your event takes place after 11pm or attracts more than 500 people you will need a licence to cover your specific event requirements.

Get event insurance with Protectivity

Whatever type of event you’d like to run, there is always something that can go wrong that is completely unforeseen. Whether it’s damage to someone’s property, injury to a person attending, or event cancellation due to forces outside your control, it’s easy for even the best-planned event to be left substantially out of pocket.

Because of this, no event should run without good-quality insurance cover in place, and this is exactly where Protectivity can help. Our specialist event insurance policies include Public Liability insurance, insurance for event cancellation, protection for equipment, and Employer’s Liability if you’re hiring staff to work on your event. That way, even in the worst-case scenario, you can be sure your business and organisation is protected from a financial standpoint.

Take a look, to find out more about our flexible and affordable event insurance policies.

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09:38:35 GMT • 14 January 2025

Why a Multi-Event Insurance Policy Could be for You

14 August 2019

•

3 mins read

Contributors

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

If you run several events or exhibitions during the year then switching to a multi events policy could save you time and money.

A multi-events policy is a single events insurance policy which will cover each of the events that you organise during the year. This means that instead of setting up a policy each time you set up an event or exhibition, you just take out one policy that will cover everything that you organise during the 12-month period.

Well the first benefit is that setting up one policy instead of several will save you time and is one less thing on your ‘to do’ list! The second benefit is that you are likely to see some cost savings as a policy covering several events is likely to be a lower total cost than all the separate policies you have taken out.

What does a multi events policy cover?

Our multi events policy offers the same cover and peace of mind as our One-off Event Insurance policy, it just gives you the flexibility to stretch this protection over all your events with a single policy. Cover includes:

– Public Liability – This will protect you if a third party makes a claim against you for injury or damage as a result of your actions. For example, if there is an accident where a visitor trips over some unsecured cables at your event and is injured, you could be sued, and Public Liability insurance would protect you and cover the costs as a result of the claim.

– Employers Liability – This will cover you if one of your employees makes a claim against you for injury. For example, if one of your catering staff at an event you have organised trips over a box which has not been put away properly and is injured as a result, there could be a claim made against you. With Employers’ Liability in place, you are covered for the costs of defending yourself and any subsequent settlement.

– Equipment Insurance – This offers protection if equipment used for an event is damaged. For example, if you are having a live musical performance at your event, it is likely that you will be using a large amount of amplification equipment, not to mention lighting and the instruments themselves. Having Equipment Cover on your policy will protect you if, for example, any of these items were damaged during the set-up or over the course of the event.

How do I know that a multi events policy will provide the cover I need for all my events?

Our multi-events policy has been specifically tailored to meet the needs of a busy events organiser and is designed to provide you with the cover that you need to cover several events, giving you the peace of mind that each of your events are protected.

You can select to cover up to 15 or 45 events in any given year and we will give you a quote to protect all of them.

Call one of our UK team on 01494 887909 to discuss your requirements or get an instant quote for your Event Insurance today.

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09:37:03 GMT • 14 January 2025

Writing Your Personal Training Business Plan

24 July 2019

•

6 mins read

Contributors

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

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Before hitting the gym and putting together workouts for clients, fitness professionals should have a firm grip on their personal training business plan.

When starting out your career in the industry it’s important to know which direction you plan to take. Your business plan will help you define that.

Putting together written documents may not sound ideal when you envision a career in the personal training industry, but it doesn’t have to be difficult.

We’ve highlighted six important sections to consider in your business plan.

Executive summary

This first section of your business plan should be the first thing a reader sees. Although the first to be read, it could be one of the last thing you write. Your Executive Summary will deliver a concise overview of what a reader can expect to read in the supporting document.

Give an overview of what you intend to do in your business, how you plan on doing it and how your business will sit in the market.

Within this section you can include your Mission Statement. This can be one or two sentences which sum up your personal training business and what you intend to change within the industry. It should perfectly sum up your fitness activities.

Business overview

This section will bring a more granular approach to your business. Here you will breakdown how your business sits within the current fitness industry. Is there a move towards a specific type of training regime? Will your business slot into that niche? Or will you follow a more traditional approach?

You can outline the facilities you will be operating in within this section. Are you intending to train in a gym? Or do you have your own studio where your sessions will take place?

Also within the Business Overview section you can highlight your Unique Selling Proposition (USP). This will be what sets you apart from the other businesses offering similar services. It can explain why individuals should choose you as their personal trainer as opposed to someone else.

Your services

Here you’ll explain precisely what services you’ll be offering. If you are offering group classes, individual one-on-one sessions or offering a workout plan service you should outline what they will entail here.

You should explain the benefits to your clients of following the specific approach you are taking. For example, have you got experience helping groups of people achieve their goals through boot camp classes? Or do you have a specialism that will ensure your one-on-one personal training sessions are hard to beat?

Of course, it is possible that you will be offering a range of different services. Highlight in your business plan how you will judge the best course of action for each client based on their goals, time commitments and other restraints.

Market and competition analysis

Starting a personal training business is bound for failure if you don’t have a idea of the state of the market. You could be the best trainer around but if you have no standing in the market or are not doing anything new then success will be tough.

Carry out an overview of the competitors in your local area, use tools like Google Adwords to assess the demand for personal trainers in your vicinity and document these in your business plan. Once you know who you are competing against and have an idea of challenges you might face, you can solidify your marketing plans.

Reiterate your USPs in this section. Why are you different? What need are your services meeting? Think about how you will market your personal training business. Will you employ a Pay Per Click (PPC) campaign to get your website (if you have one) the traffic you need? Will you use Facebook and other social media to advertise to your clients? Outline all of your marketing plans within this section of your business plan for your training business.

Financial plan

Now you have outlined what you will be doing, you need to show how you will not only be making money, but how you will be spending it too.

Your Market and Competition Analysis may have touched on how much your competitors charge, the price clients are willing to pay and the going rate for the services you will offer. Here you can outline how much money you expect to bring in to your business through your personal training sessions.

Is this the only way you intend to bring money into the business? If not, what else will you be doing to raise funds?

You also need to consider your spending in this section of your personal training business plan. Think about overheads. Are you planning rent a studio or gym -if you so will need gym insurance. How much will that cost? Remember petrol costs if travelling from client to client will soon add up and can take a significant chunk of your earnings.

There’s also the consideration of spending money in order to accumulate it. As briefly mentioned in the section above, you may want to set up an advertising campaign, be it PPC, social media or through a third-party agency. All of this can cost a lot of money, so consider the impact on your overall business here and draw up some sort of cash-flow plan.

Risk assessment

As much as you can plan to have the best run personal training set-up in the land, things can, and do, go wrong. Often though, how you react to slip-ups (sometimes literally) can be pre-planned within your personal training business plan.

Personal Training Insurance is the obvious starting place to cover injuries that might occur during your sessions. However, think about the immediate aftermath. Do you have a safety plan for your sessions? Have you remembered to ask your clients to complete a Par-Q before starting training? And is it worth undertaking some training yourself on how to deal with medical emergencies?

Consider not only what could happen within your training sessions, but think about the wider-world. What happens if a new competitor comes on the scene with cheaper sessions. You may be forced to change how you operate, what you charge or what you specialise in.

There’s also the potential for legislation change. Personal trainers are currently not allowed to produce meal plans unless they are a qualified nutritionist, for example. What would happen if new rules came into play that affected the training you offer? Having a plan of action for all scenarios will certainly help you here.

The sections outlined above are not exhaustive. There is no hard-and-fast rule as to what should be included in a personal training business plan, but hopefully the advice above can put you on the road to success.

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09:36:43 GMT • 14 January 2025

Do I Need Public Liability Insurance for a Private Party?

22 July 2019

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

If you are planning a private party and are uncertain about whether you need public liability insurance, then this guide will help to answer your questions.

Here at Protectivity, we specialise in providing insurance for events. Whether you need party insurance or cover for an anniversary celebration, we’ll likely have a policy suitable for your needs.

What is Public Liability Insurance?

Public Liability insurance covers you if a third party makes a claim against you in the unfortunate situation that an individual is killed or injured at your party as a result of your actions. Potential legal costs and any compensation claims can run into the thousands so a Public Liability insurance policy will protect you.

What does Public Liability Insurance cover?

Public Liability Insurance will protect you in the event that a claim is made against you for accidental bodily injury or damage to third party equipment. Legal fees and potential compensation costs will all be covered by the policy.

Have a look around the venue and if they have recycling bins, water fountains or jugs instead of plastic bottles etc then they could be a good venue to partner with.

In what circumstances would I need Public Liability Insurance?

Businesses will require Public Liability insurance as standard to protect them if a member of the public or an employee has an accident. Businesses or individuals organising events are also likely to need Public Liability cover to protect them if a third party makes a claim following injury as a result of an accident during the event.

Why do I need Public Liability Insurance cover?

Public Liability Insurance covers a range of potential accidents that can occur.

Accidents as a result of disrepair

If there is an accident due to an item of broken furniture or someone trips over some carpet that hasn’t been secured properly then you could be liable for costs as a result of a claim made by a third party.

Hazards

Despite all your planning and risk assessment for your party, accidents cannot always be predicted and if there is an accident as a result of something being dropped or broken then a claim could be made against you. For example, if a party guest spills a drink over a speaker that you have hired and causes damage then this would be covered.

Slips and falls

A simple slip or fall might be unavoidable but any injury that is caused can result in a claim being made against you. So, if a party guest trips over a cable and sues you for the resulting injury then a Public Liability insurance policy would cover these costs for you.

Damage

This policy will also cover any costs as a result of an accident which may cause damage to equipment at the party venue. So, if a table that you have hired is damaged as the result of an accident then you will be covered for this.

Do I need Public Liability Insurance for a private party?

The chances are that you will have invested both time and money in putting on a party. An accident resulting in a claim against you from a third party could result in significant costs which you are unlikely to have planned for. By taking out a Public Liability insurance policy, you can have peace of mind that should a situation happen, you are protected from having to pay these costs.

Some venues even require you to have a policy. Often you will find that as part of the terms of hiring a hall, space or any other area, you will be required to have a certain level of Public Liability protection in place. It’s always best to check with your venue if you need a specific amount of coverage.

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09:36:26 GMT • 14 January 2025

Craft Fair Stall Ideas to Boost Your Sales

19 July 2019

•

6 mins read

Contributors

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

Get stallholder insurance from Protectivity

If you’re a stallholder at craft fairs, food fairs or other events, it’s possible that how your stall looks could affect the sales you make.

If you have any craft fairs coming up and are keen on new ideas on how to boost sales and make your stall stand out, follow these tips to boost your stall at the next craft fair.

About Us

Here at Protectivity, we provide Event Insurance as well as Crafters Insurance for those either organising a craft fair or attending one to sell crafter items or similar.

1. Make an impression

This is a great opportunity to make a good impression with potential customers. You need to showcase your work so make sure that your branding is strong and reflects your style of work e.g. vintage, rustic, retro or modern.

This branding should be consistent, from the style of your stall to the type of tablecloth and signs that you use.

2. Consider your audience

You might not always be able to follow the same format for your stall at each of the fairs that you attend. Consider the type of event you are at and what will appeal to the people visiting the fair. For example, if you are at a school fete then you might focus on items for children but at a wedding fair you might look to focus on items which would work well as favours or as placecards.

It is easy to get carried away at Christmas and so set a budget for your props and decorations and then make sure that you stick to it. If you can reuse props every year, this will obviously be a much more cost-efficient solution!

3. Consider the venue

Find out as much as you can ahead of the craft fair to avoid surprises when you arrive to set up. Have an idea of the dimensions of the space that you will have for your stall, whether your stall will be inside or outside and If you need powerpoints for lighting for example, then make the venue aware of this as far in advance as possible.

If you can get a floorplan showing the other stallholders then this will help you to see who will be located next to you and might help you in planning how your stall is displayed.

4. Have a plan

The way that your stall is laid out is so important, you want to make a good impression to potential customers and make sure that your stall will showcase the products that you make.

Don’t leave the layout of the stall to chance and make sure that you practice how it will look at home. Make sure that props are not likely to fall over, that any wires for lighting etc are hidden and that all your products can be seen clearly.

It might take a bit of playing around with the layout before you are happy with it but once you are, this will make setting up at the fair itself a lot easier.

5. Demonstrations

Why not take along one of your items to be working on at the stall? This not only creates a bit of theatre, allowing you to showcase your work, but also provides a talking point. So, for example, if you make jewellery, take along some unfinished pieces so that people can see your work in action.

This will not only provide a point of interest but will also enable potential customers to see how bespoke the items that you make can be.

6. Make an impact

Craft fairs can be busy places so how do you make your stall be as impactful as possible? For indoor stalls, find something that you will encourage people to stop at your stall. This might be a quirky signpost or an item which is likely to be a talking point.

If you are at a big event outside, it can be even harder different to stand out from the crowd. Consider investing in a gazebo to help you to be easy to spot. This should of course match the colours and style of your business and the products that you make.

7. Avoid crowding the stall

A busy stall can mean that customers struggle to find products to buy. Pick out some best sellers and some unique items and display them well, but if you have lots of products then potential customers will quite quickly get overwhelmed and move on to the next stall.

8. Don’t use too many props

You want props to complement your products and help them to stand out, not to distract customers from the items that you are trying to sell. The right props can display your products in a unique way, helping them to stand out, but don’t make them the focus at the expense of your own products.

9. Sell yourself (as well as your products)

When talking to people who stop at your stall, make sure that they know that your items are handmade, tell them which items you made yourself, how you made them and how you get inspired.

Some little snippets about you and your business can heighten a customers interest as they learn more about the time (and effort) that has gone into making your products.

10. Increase your chance of future sales

You might find that people who visit your stall will like your work but might not purchase anything on the day. Make sure that your business cards are highly visible or your stand so that potential customers can take a card with them so that they easily find your website or Facebook page if they would like to buy from you in the future.

So, follow these tips at your next craft fair to make your stall and your products stand out from the crowd!

Remember, before you head to your next fair, ensure you have suitable Stallholder Insurance in place to protect yourself if things go wrong.

Alternatively, if you’re looking for event cancellation cover you can get a quote for event cancellation insurance here or get a quote for craft fair insurance here.

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09:36:13 GMT • 14 January 2025

5 Marketing Channels for your Therapy Business

By Steffi Cavaliere

8 July 2019

•

5 mins read

Contributors

Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

Get therapist insurance from Protectivity

Are you looking for some tips on how to successfully promote your therapy business? Here are 5 strategies to consider when writing your marketing plan.

About Us

Protectivity provides specialist Therapy Insurance to thousands of UK professional therapists each year. Our policy includes public liability and professional indemnity as standard along with several other benefits which can be added to your policy.

Digital

Whether you are online savvy or don’t know where to start, the digital marketing channel can be a very efficient way of communicating. It is essential to have an impactful and informative website as this can be one of the best ways of advertising your business.

There are plenty of agencies that will design a website to meet your brief or there are tools available so you can build it yourself, keeping costs down. With social media channels such as Facebook and twitter there are a lot of ways you can reach a targeted audience at a relatively low cost. Often it is trial and error to see the most effective combination for you.

Pros – Relatively low cost and easy to switch ‘on’ or ‘off’ depending on what is working (or not).
Cons – unless you employ someone to manage the digital aspect for your business, you will need to get some basic knowledge and training to make effective use of this channel.

Networking

Networking events are a great way of making your business name known amongst fellow business leaders but is unlikely to result in an instant increase in clients. But whether you are starting up a new business or looking to achieve growth for your therapy practice they can be useful for promoting your business as well as learning from others. There is an increasing trend for digital networking events so that you can benefit without even having to leave your practice.

Pros – You can meet fellow business owners, promote your business and share knowledge. They can promote your business and you can promote theirs.
Cons – Typically you pay to attend these events and you are not always likely to get direct business as a result, making it difficult to measure the impact of attending.

Local media

One of the more traditional marketing channels, local media can still have a role to play in advertising your business. Get in touch with your local newspaper or other publications distributed in your area. Many of these have good readership numbers and are placed in doctors surgeries, dental surgeries and libraries meaning that your business name can be seen by a number of prospective clients.

If a publication chooses to feature you, due to an event or offer that you might have, then this can be a cost-effective way of promoting your therapy business.

Pros – There are a range of options available from a small ad to featuring in an editorial piece and, if you select the right publication, you can reach a relevant audience.
Cons – Print ads can be expensive and don’t always offer a high return. Do some research and find out if this channel is right for your business and will generate a return on your advertising spend.

Partnerships

Partnerships can offer a great opportunity to do joint promotions, share advertising costs and reach a new client base. It is important to find someone who complements but does not compete with your own business, so for example nutritionists, physiotherapists, reflexologists etc.

Maybe you could get a few of you to host an event to promote your businesses, chat to potential clients and even give a little taster of the treatments that you offer?

Pros – You can share knowledge, costs and responsibilities.
Cons – There is a risk that your business name and proposition might be lost amongst the other businesses and that a promotion might not be as targeted as you might like.

Print

Whilst much of the world is turning to the digital platforms for a lot of their information there is still a role to be played through having leaflets in the right place.

Some well-placed and informative leaflets located in doctors and dental surgeries, community centres and libraries can reach a different audience. Carry leaflets and business cards with you and have them available at your practice for clients to take with them so that they can recommend you.

Pros – Print is a great way of physically getting information into the hands of potential clients.
Cons – Your message can get swallowed up in the large amount of junk mail that we all deal with every day. Not very environmentally friendly.

At Protectivity, we provide a wide range of what we believe are cost-effective insurance solutions for therapy professionals including Reiki Insurance, Counselling Insurance, Massage Insurance and many more.

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09:35:45 GMT • 14 January 2025

Your Guide to Becoming a Qualified Dog Trainer

By Steffi Cavaliere

25 June 2019

•

4 mins read

Contributors

Steffi Cavaliere

Steffi joined the business in July 2017 as Business Support Executive. Steffi completed her degree in Sports and ...

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If you love dogs (and their owners!) then becoming a dog trainer could be the perfect job for you. There are several different types of dog training careers from running puppy classes for people and their pets to training guide dogs or medical support dogs for specific tasks.

There are some key skills required to be a successful dog trainer:

Good social skills
Understanding of behaviour in dogs
The ability to develop skills and techniques
Understanding of the legal aspects
Independently accredited qualification

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Understanding of Behaviour in Dogs

This is essential if you are going to be a dog trainer. When training a dog, they are required to listen, communicate and remember and so you need to be able to understand how they do this and what motivates each dog that you work with.

This knowledge can be gained through training courses, books and of course, experience, as you work with more and more dogs.

Develop Skills and Techniques

Take time to learn different skills and techniques, practice them and build up experience that will enable you to become a successful and confident dog trainer.

This confidence is an important part of working with dogs as they will respond better to a confident trainer, but it will also be important in developing relationships with existing and new clients who are looking to put their trust in you.

Understanding the Legal Aspects

There are several laws which exist which are important for you as a dog trainer to understand. These include the Animal Welfare Act (2006) and Dangerous Dogs Act (1991).

You can see more information on this on the Kennel Club website.

It is also important to understand the legal aspects of running a business, such as data protection.

Independently Accredited Qualification

Formal qualifications are not necessary to become a dog trainer but will always help to set you apart from other dog trainers and to attract new clients. A good starting point is the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, a voluntary organisation and whose members are accredited.

There are a range of courses available either at colleges or through distance learning, all of which will give you the training and qualification to start your career as a dog trainer.

Another essential aspect is the need for adequate insurance cover. So, should something happen to an animal, a member of the public or their property as a result of your business actions you will have peace of mind that you are protected.

So, you can be covered if a third party makes a claim against you if their dog has an accident and suffers an injury during one of your classes.

Cover can also include your equipment in event that it gets damaged at a training session.

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09:35:28 GMT • 14 January 2025

Top Tips for Planning a Family Friendly Event

14 June 2019

•

5 mins read

Contributors

Mandy has been with Starpeak Insurance Solutions since 2018, starting in sales in the consumer department and mov...

Organising a family friendly event can seem like quite a task to undertake but the key to success is in the planning, so follow our top tips to ensure that your event is a big hit with the whole family!

Venue

Select your venue wisely. There are lots of things to consider when picking a venue for a family friendly event. For example, consider the following:

Easy to find and good access – The middle of a forest might be a lovely space, but parents won’t thank you when they have a trek to get to the event itself!

Plenty of parking – Make sure that there is adequate and convenient parking available. You don’t want to have families stressed out because they have had a battle to find anywhere to park before they have even reached the event.

Accessible – When catering for families it is essential that your venue is buggy and wheelchair friendly. Make sure that there are no steps for families to have to negotiate when moving around the event.

Signposting – Whether you are planning an indoor or outdoor event, it is important to make sure that your visitors can navigate their way around. Make sure that rooms, stalls and activities are clearly labelled and that there are signposts to direct people to them if necessary. Some larger events might require a map which can be printed in a programme if you choose to distribute one.

Food

Make sure that you provide a range of options for food at your event, considering all ages. Some parents might object if the only option available is a burger van. Ensure that all the suppliers that you use have all the necessary food hygiene certification to ensure that all food and drink is prepared and stored safely and that they have suitable Stallholder Insurance in place.

Entertainment

Choose an entertainer who will appeal to all ages and make sure that you see them perform before you book them. Putting a family friend on the stage with a microphone might seem like a good idea, but make sure that they are good enough to put in front of a crowd first!

Toilets/Changing facilities

Make sure that you have toilet facilities available for adults and children and baby changing facilities will be a big hit! Consider hiring them if necessary. Facilities should be inspected regularly before, during and after the event to check supplies and cleanliness. Some venues will do this for you.

Flexibility

You might be planning your event with military precision, but families will find it difficult to follow a strict schedule. Ensure that there is plenty to do at your event with flexible opportunities for downtime, whether to sit and get something to eat or watch the entertainment that you have provided.

Weather

As we all know, there is nothing that you can do about the weather! If you are planning an outdoor event, make sure that you have a plan for all possible scenarios. It might be wise to have stall under gazebos – if it’s too hot then this will offer protection from the sun and provides protection from the rain if you get a downpour!

Costs

Make sure that you start with a budget in mind with a contingency budget to cover any unexpected costs that might arise. Should the worst happen, and someone has an accident at the event or the venue cancels at the last minute, the financial losses might be significant. Make sure that you get the necessary event insurance policy in place to make sure that you are protected.

Licenses

Depending on the type of event that you are planning you might need permits or licenses. For example, some locations might require permission from the landowner or council and you might need a licence if you are playing music or selling alcohol. You need to be clear on any restrictions, for example you might only be able to play music until 11pm.

Insurance

The insurance requirements for your event will depend on it’s size and number of people expected amongst other things. Financial losses in the event that someone attending your event makes a claim against you can be significant. So, should someone have an accident during the event or a guest claims that the food gave them food poisoning, make sure that you have a policy in place to protect you. As planning events can also be costly, it’s important to make sure you take a look at cancellation insurance for events too.

Enjoy!

Take time to enjoy the event. You will have worked hard in delivering it so make sure that all of your efforts are rewarded!

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