Category: Starting a business

09:40:40 GMT • 11 November 2024

How to Get Started as a Handyman

7 December 2023

•

13 mins read

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If you have strong practical skills and are good with people, a career as a handyman (also referred to as a handyperson), could be for you. You can enjoy independence in your professional life, as well as variety in your work environments and the people you meet. Handymen work in settings such as people’s homes, workplaces, schools, hospitals or other public buildings.

The entry route to becoming a handyman is fairly straightforward, with the potential for a good income if you grow your entrepreneurial abilities and continue building your business. By gaining plenty of hands-on experience and continuously expanding your skills, you can enjoy a fulfilling career.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to become a handyman, covering qualifications, responsibilities, potential earnings and progression opportunities.

How in demand are handymen?

Research in the last few years has shown that handymen work an average of 10 hours per day to fulfil the high demand for work. The demand for handymen in the UK can be influenced by various factors such as economic conditions, population growth, and the housing market. The demand for specific services may vary based on location.

In today’s busy lifestyle DIY tasks are often outsourced with people having a lack of time or inclination to focus on them – that’s where a handyman can come in.

Main clients

With no shortage of work available, starting up might be sounding good, but knowing who your customers are will help to promote your services. These are a selection of your clientele.

Homeowners

Around a third of the UK population own their own homes, and homeowners often require maintenance and repair work.

Many properties in the UK are older and may require regular maintenance and renovations, creating a steady demand for handyman services.

Busy lifestyles

Households with multiple full-time workers often have the need to hire handymen for tasks they don’t have the time or expertise to handle.

DIY limitations:

While DIY is popular, some tasks are beyond the skill level or time constraints of homeowners, prompting them to seek professional help.

Landlords

Around a fifth of the UK are private renters. Landlords and property managers often require maintenance and repairs for rental properties, contributing to the demand for handymen.

Home improvement trends

Homeowners investing in home improvements and renovations contribute to the demand for skilled professionals.

Qualifications and experience

No formal education required

Unlike many professions, becoming a handyman doesn’t require a formal education. However, gaining relevant qualifications and offering particular services can enhance your skills and marketability.

Specialist training and courses

Consider specialising and pursuing courses in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and general maintenance to broaden your expertise.

Vocational qualifications

Vocational qualifications, such as a City and Guilds diploma in Maintenance Operations or Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards, may be required depending on your job. These can be added to your CV to boost your credibility.

The value of hands-on experience

Hands-on experience is the most crucial element to bringing in a steady amount of work. Apprenticeships, volunteering schemes, or assisting an experienced handyman can give you valuable insights and help you refine your skills.

What does a handyperson do?

Here are some of the typical responsibilities you can expect to carry out as a handyman.

Minor repairs and maintenance

You can expect to handle a range of general practical tasks as part of your day-to-day. You might be fixing leaky taps, repairing broken doors or installing shelves. You could also be putting up curtain rails, fitting smoke alarms or assembling furniture.

Plumbing and electrical work

Basic plumbing repairs fall within a handyman’s scope too. These could include unblocking sinks or dealing with leaks. Simple electrical tasks, such as fixing small appliances and installing thermostats and doorbells, can also be part of your duties.

More complex issues will likely fall under the remit of professionals, who are more specialised in these areas.

Painting and decorating

Handymen also carry out basic painting and decorating tasks. You might be working on areas such as walls, window frames, furniture and doors. These could be inside or outside buildings.

Roofing

Another area you can offer services in is roofing. This could include cleaning up, repairing or repainting roofs, on the interior and exterior, as well as applying insulation, replacing any fixtures and improving structural components.

Gardening work

You can also base your services outside of the home, with this kind of work particularly in demand over the spring and summer months. Handymen services in the garden can include mowing grass, erecting and painting sheds, clearing out debris and jet-washing driveways.

Tiling and flooring

Installing or repairing tiles and flooring is a common responsibility too. This kind of work may involve measuring floor spaces, applying adhesive, cutting, laying and sealing tiles and other flooring materials.

Window fitting

You could base your business around installing or fixing windows, replacing panels and frames, and attending to smashed glass.

Customer service

If you work for yourself, interacting with clients, understanding their needs, and providing excellent customer service are essential aspects of the job. This could mean answering emails and calls, outreaching for new clients over the phone or online, or making door-to-door sales calls.

Required skills for a handyman

Becoming a handyman requires a diverse set of skills to effectively address the varied tasks and challenges involved. By honing these skills, you can increase your chances of success by providing a quality service.

The best way to learn these skills is to work closely with other tradesman or take a course to improve your knowledge.

If you want to know how to become a handyman, read more about the most important skills you’ll need.

Technical skills

The practical and technical skills you may need include:

Carpentry – A proficiency in woodworking for tasks like furniture repair, door installation, and building shelves.

Plumbing – Basic knowledge of plumbing systems to fix leaks, install faucets, and address common plumbing issues.

Electrical work – Understanding of basic electrical systems for tasks such as installing light fixtures, outlets, and switches.

Painting and decorating – Skill in painting walls, ceilings, and trim, as well as basic knowledge of decorating techniques.

Problem-solving skills

It will greatly benefit you to be able to apply analytical thinking and to be able to quickly identify practical solutions to problems. You’ll also need to be adaptable, being able to apply yourself to various different tasks and unexpected challenges on the job.

Communication and interpersonal skills

Strong communication skills will help you to understand your customer’s requirements, explain your work processes and negotiate contracts. A customer-centric approach is essential, as you’ll need to make sure they’re satisfied with your work. Happy clients are key to building a strong reputation, encouraging word-of-mouth recommendations and securing good reviews.

You’ll need to work well in a team too. Whether you work for someone else and divide your daily duties with colleagues, or you manage people and have responsibility for others’ livelihoods, it’s critical that you can talk to teams, managers or employees effectively, pass on instructions and feedback, and hear what others have to say.

You may also regularly interact with suppliers, fellow industry professionals and other third parties. You’ll need to cultivate good working relationships with people from all walks of life, at all levels of seniority.

Manual dexterity

Hand-eye coordination is highly important. You’ll need precise control and coordination for tasks such as using tools, handling materials, and performing intricate work.

Organisation and time management

You should be able to plan and prioritise tasks efficiently to complete jobs within deadlines, which is one of the most important parts of your job. If you can carry out good work in a shorter timeframe than other professionals, this can give you an edge over competitors. It can allow you to increase your prices as you become more efficient over time. You could also give the option for a shorter turnaround at a higher fee.

Effective time management skills will also help you to handle multiple tasks in different locations when you are balancing projects for a range of different clients.

Physical fitness

Strength and stamina are also an important asset in this work. The job can be physically demanding, so being in good physical condition is important for tasks that involve lifting, carrying, and working in various positions.

Attention to detail

Precision is everything when it comes to making clients happy. Paying attention to detail ensures that your work is completed to a high standard and meets customer expectations. One minor lapse in concentration, or a failure to check over your work, could be the difference between a good review and a bad one, or even a refusal to pay.

Knowledge of tools and equipment

Tool proficiency is important too. You’ll need to be familiar with a variety of tools and equipment used for different tasks, from basic hand tools to power tools.

You’ll need to have the right kit to be a handyman, so make sure you have a reliable set of tools, ladders, protective clothing and, ideally, a van. Depending on the work you do, you may require and need to be comfortable using painting supplies, electric drills, spirit levels, circular saws and tape measures. You can protect your tools with our specialist tools insurance for tradespeople.

Safety awareness

Health and safety is paramount as a handyman. You’ll have to adhere to safety regulations and protocols at all times, to prevent accidents and injuries on the job. This isn’t only for your own protection, but that of your clients and anyone you employ. This also means protecting yourself financially with the right insurance, in case an incident occurs and a lawsuit is brought against you.

Business skills (if self-employed)

Entrepreneurial skills are highly valuable, especially if you work for yourself and want to grow your business. Understanding basic business principles, including budgeting, pricing, and marketing, is essential for self-employment.

If you do go self-employed, you’ll need to register with HMRC and make sure you file and pay your taxes before each annual deadline.

Progression opportunities

You can either start out as a handyman working for a construction company in a team, or working for yourself. However you enter the industry, over time you can start to develop your services and reputation to for more financial and job security.

Here are a few ways you can progress as a handyperson:

Specialisation – As you gain experience, you can choose to specialise in certain areas such as plumbing, electrical work, or carpentry, expanding your expertise and potential income.

Entrepreneurship – Experienced handypeople often start their own businesses, offering a wider range of services and managing a team.

Further education – You could opt to take up additional training in specific trades, enhancing your qualifications and marketability. Acquiring relevant qualifications will help you to market yourself and set yourself apart from the competition.

Networking – Building a strong professional network can help you secure partnerships, collaborations, and a greater number of job opportunities.

How much can a handyman make?

Handyperson earnings can vary based on experience, location, and the services you offer. However, the average salary is between £19,000 and £42,000. As you grow your experience and portfolio, you can expect to earn at the higher end of the scale.

The average self-employed handyman hourly rate in the UK is around £30, though many have a minimum call-out fee to make the job worth their while. Specialised skills or emergency call-outs may command higher rates.

When you start out, the hourly rate will usually be lower. If you work for yourself, it’s up to you to increase your income over time and bring in your worth as your career develops.

Starting out as a handyman

Starting a handyman business can be a rewarding and profitable venture, but it’s important to get the basics right. This 10-point checklist covers the key steps to help you set up, stay legal, and grow your business successfully.

Learn the Trade – Gain experience in basic skills like plumbing, carpentry, painting, and electrics. Online courses or apprenticeships can help.
Get Certified – While not always required, having qualifications (e.g., NVQ in maintenance operations) can boost credibility.
Register as Self-Employed – Notify HMRC if you’re working for yourself to stay legal and handle tax properly.
Get Insurance – Public liability insurance protects you in case of accidents or damage.
Invest in Tools & Transport – A reliable van and quality tools are essential for professional work.
Set Your Rates – Research local handyman rates to price your services competitively.
Market Yourself – Use social media, local directories, and business cards to attract customers.
Join Trade Platforms – Websites like Checkatrade, Rated People, or MyBuilder can help you find work.
Network & Get Reviews – Word-of-mouth and positive customer feedback are key to growing your business.
Stay Legal & Organised – Keep records of income, expenses, and jobs for tax purposes.

Get Tradesman Insurance with Protectivity

Being a handyman comes with certain hazards, as with any trade. Starting a company also has elements of risk, as you navigate finances, build a customer base, try to deliver good work and establish your reputation. Therefore, protecting your business is important if you want to make a success of it.

Protectivity’s tradesman insurance has been created to help protect your handyman business from typical risks you might face. Our policies include public liability up to £5 million as standard; you then have the option to add Contractor Works cover, Plant and Tools cover, financial loss and employee tools (only if you’ve included the other benefits). You can also insure your tools from as little as £8.98 a month with our new tools insurance offering.

Find out more about our liability insurance for tradesman get an instant quote designed for your needs. If you need any help, our experienced team are on hand to help.

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13:40:41 BST • 19 May 2025

How to Start a Painter and Decorator Business?

30 November 2023

•

11 mins read

Contributors

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Starting a painter and decorator business can be a rewarding venture if you have the skills and passion. It requires time and effort, but there are plenty of opportunities out there to bring in work if you remain committed. You can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of being your own boss and get to flex your creative skills, while meeting a wide range of people.

If you love the idea of running your own company, setting your own schedule and the variety of constantly changing working environments, the profession certainly gives you all of this. You’ll need to take a sustained approach to building a client base and reputation, as patience and consistency are key. Of course, it all starts with offering a high-quality service. However, there’s so much more to building a successful business that will give you an attractive income.

In this guide, we’ll talk you through how to become a painter and decorator, with advice on the kind of money you could earn and ways to eventually grow your business.

Do painters and decorators make good money?

Painters and decorators can earn a good living from their trade. You can work on ways to increase your earnings over time. For example, you could research the most profitable areas to specialise in, charge higher rates with experience, and focus only on your local area to keep travel costs down.

It’s well worth knowing what kind of income you could make from your profession before you decide how to market your business and how you’ll source customers. If you’re wondering how much self-employed painters and decorators earn, you can consult government resources and trade websites for a good indication.

However, as a rough guide, sole traders can earn around £37 an hour, £296 a day, or £54,576 a year, on average. This increases if you set up a limited company, to an average of around £48 an hour, £384 a day, or £70,802 a year; factor in the additional costs from this figure, such as corporation tax. If you employ staff, your outgoings will also include their wages.

Build your business with a methodical approach

Here is a step-by-step guide to how to start painting and decorating for a living. If you already work in this profession for an existing company, you can follow these tips to find out how to set up on your own.

Review your current skills and qualifications

You don’t need to be qualified to be a painter and decorator, but you will need to demonstrate your experience. The first thing you’ll want to do is make sure you have the necessary skills and knowledge in painting and decorating.

If you don’t have any past work under your belt yet, consider taking courses or gaining experience through apprenticeships. Maybe you could take on work for an established painter and decorator before you become self-employed, to give you some stability of income and learn from someone else as you hone your talents.

Decide what kind of services you will offer

Knowing your strengths is key. You can either choose to do more of the type of jobs you love, find out what is likely to be most profitable for you, or understand what type of jobs are most likely to be available in your area.

Here are some examples of painting and decorating services you can specialise in:

Basic painting
Painting with effects (e.g. marbling)
Traditional finishes
Wallpapering (including other materials such as vinyl)
Minor repairs
Carpentry
Tiling
Flooring

Decide who your ideal customer will be

There are a range of ways you can approach this, so you don’t have to rely on guesswork to find out the best way to secure a steady stream of work. Once you know what you’ll offer, you can research your ideal customer base and assess your competition.

Will you offer your services to commercial or residential clients? What type of buildings have the most potential to bring you business and a healthy fee? Find out how many other people are offering those services, and look at what kind of buildings are in your area. If you focus on working in your own region, you can develop a strong local reputation.

Create a solid business plan

A well-thought-out business plan is essential. It will give you a clearer understanding of how you will approach building a company and securing work, while helping you secure financing if needed. At the very minimum, it should outline the following:

Your short-term and long-term business goals
Associated costs, e.g. any requirement investment, training, vehicle, materials and tools
Your specific services
Your target market
Your pricing strategy
A marketing plan outline
Financial projections

Register your business correctly

When establishing what you need to be a self-employed painter and decorator, registering your business is one of the most important first steps. Ascertain the appropriate legal structure for your business (either a sole trader or limited company) and register it with the government. Obtain any required permits or licenses for your area. There are advantages and disadvantages to both, but when starting out it may be more likely that you’ll meet the requirements of a sole trading company.

As a sole trader, you’ll be able to keep everything you earn after tax. You can register as a limited company when your income is over a certain threshold, which could give you more credibility. Some bigger clients may only do business with limited companies.

Invest in the right equipment and supplies

Purchase the necessary painting and decorating equipment and supplies. This includes brushes, rollers, ladders, drop cloths, paint, and wallpaper. Aim to invest more in items where the materials need to be high-quality, which will help you deliver a professional service. For anything that can be bought at a lower price without compromising the results, make sure you shop around for the best value.

Determine your pricing and how you want to be paid

Be intentional with how you will price your services. You can do your research to find out how much others charge, but also consider factors such as the cost of materials, labour, overheads, and your desired profit margin. Use your business plan projection as a guide, looking at how much you’ll need to earn each month in order to meet your desired annual income. Decide on payment terms and methods, including whether you will require upfront deposits.

Start marketing your business online and offline

Develop a detailed marketing strategy that will help you to attract clients through various channels. At the very least, you should create a professional website, set up social media profiles, create business cards and flyers, and network with local real estate agents, builders, and interior designers. Find out what networking events are in your area, and join local and national business federations which encourage referrals between members.

Continously add to your portfolio

Showcase your work through a portfolio of completed projects, which can sit on a dedicated page within your website. You could also post regular updates on sites such as LinkedIn and Facebook to keep people informed on your latest work, encourage conversation about your services and generate enquiries.

Include before-and-after photos to demonstrate your skills and the quality of your work. This portfolio will be a valuable tool when meeting potential clients, as they can easily see what you do rather than taking your word for it.

Familiarise yourself with estimating and bidding

Learn how to provide estimates for projects. This is a useful alternative to giving quotes, as they can’t be changed if the work ends up taking longer or incurring unexpected costs. This can leave you out of pocket and doesn’t establish you as a professional who’s being paid what they deserve, which can diminish the respect people have for your business.

Be transparent with clients about the scope of work, costs, and timelines. Providing detailed and competitive bids can help you win contracts.

Create a reliable template for client contracts

Always have a written contract in place before starting any project. The contract should outline the scope of work, timelines, payment terms, and any other relevant details. This helps protect both you and your clients, giving you both a clear vision of what to expect and what the finished outcome will look like.

Contracts serve the purpose of letting clients know exactly what they’re getting in return for their investment and minimising the chance of any disputes around payments or delivery dates further down the line.

Create a thorough accounting system

Set up a system to manage your finances, including tracking income and expenses, invoicing clients, and paying taxes. Consider hiring an accountant if you need support in this area. If you have the know-how and confidence to take care of your own finances, you can use accounting software to help you stay organised. Read our blog on Accounting tips for small businesses.

Develop your knowledge of safety and regulations

Make sure you are highly knowledgeable about safety regulations and best practices in your industry. Anyone you hire will also need to know these inside out, in order to follow guidelines and prevent accidents. You’ll need to comply with workplace health and safety regulations, as well as exercising fire safety. Pay attention to areas such as the use of equipment, protective clothing, and processes for reporting accidents.

Always provide high-quality customer service

Never underestimate the importance of excellent customer service for your reputation. Satisfied customers are more likely to give you good reviews, which you should always ask for as standard practice. Ask on completion of the work whether they’d be willing to give you a positive review, and include it in your follow-up emails. You could even offer future discounts in exchange for reviews.

People like to get recommendations for painters and decorators, so if you’ve built trust with customers and impressed them with your quality of work, they’ll talk about you and refer you to anyone and everyone, from friends to family and colleagues. Securing repeat customers should also be a priority when it comes to your business strategy, so the happier clients are, the more likely they’ll return to you for future projects.

Grow your business when the time is right

Your marketing plan should incorporate ways to keep scaling your business, so that you can increase your earnings year on year and become an established name in your sector. Once you’re bringing in a steady stream of work and developing a good reputation, you may get more word-of-mouth referrals, but it pays to avoid complacency. As you experiment with new ways to bring in work, you’ll increase the likelihood of scalability, rather than simply aiming for consistent work.

As you start to increase the scale of your work, you can take on additional painters or decorators. Expanding your team means you’re well-resourced to take on bigger projects, which you could charge higher fees for, and reach out to a greater number of potential customers.

Get Painter and Decorator Insurance with Protectivity

Running a professional painting and decorating company needn’t be made more difficult by worrying about claims against your business. While you focus on doing great work that keeps clients happy, liability insurance gives you reassuring financial support in the event that third parties take you to court, employees become poorly or have an accident while working.

Whether someone suffers an injury, illness or damage to property, Protectivity’s Painter and Decorator Insurance gives you a range of options for protecting your reputation and finances, with your chosen limit. Our Public Liability option protects you in the event you are sued by clients or members of the public, while Employers’ Liability includes claims from staff and subcontractors. You can also protect your tools and equipment with our new tools insurance offering.

Our insurance for tradesman is trusted by thousands. Our helpful team are on hand to support you with any queries.

Get Painters and Decorators Insurance from Protectivity

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22:03:45 GMT • 22 January 2025

How to Start a Candle Business

16 November 2023

•

11 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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Creating calm, atmospheric spaces is a common priority in modern home design, so candles are far more than just sources of light. The right candle can exude comfort, ambience, and style, serving as an extension of the existing decor in any room. This is why starting a candle-making business can be rewarding both creatively and financially.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to start a UK candle business, from selecting unique business names to designing exceptional products and creating effective packaging.

Shortlist candle business names

One of the first things you’ll want to do is come up with potential names for your candle business. If you want to make a strong first impression on new customers, it goes without saying that you should call your brand something catchy, unique, and memorable.

Here are some tips for brainstorming candle business names:

Reflect your brand personality: The name needs to mirror the essence of your candles and how you want buyers to feel. Think about the style, scent and brand mission of your product, as well as your target customer.

Check for availability: See which of your candle business name ideas are available. If the one you really like is already in use by another business, you might still be able to use it if they haven’t registered a trademark. If the company hasn’t done the latter but is well-known, that could change things, as you’ll struggle to make yourself known in your own right. If they have registered it, you would be committing trademark infringement to use the same name, so consider alternatives like using a different spelling.

Domain name availability: Securing relevant domain names for your candle business is a smart move. Even if you’re not sure whether you’ll use them, it avoids somebody else registering them for their business at some point in the future. If this happens, it can impact the potential customers you’re able to attract through website traffic.

Test it out: Share your candle business name ideas with friends and family to gauge their reactions. You can gain valuable feedback this way, potentially raising issues or selling points you hadn’t previously considered.

Create your business plan

A well-thought-out business plan is a blueprint for your company. It provides a comprehensive overview for investors and helps you clarify your vision, serving as a roadmap to guide you in the various stages of growing your company. It should outline your short-term and long-term goals and help you to identify potential challenges, among other details.

Key components of your business plan need to include:

Business description: Explain the nature and purpose of your candle business.

Market research: Show analysis of your target market, competitors, and customer preferences.

Start-up and operating costs: Estimate your expenses and explain how you plan to fund your business.

Marketing strategy: Detail your plans for promoting and selling your candles.

Financial projections: Create a financial forecast, including income, expenses, and profitability.

Calculate your start-up costs

Starting a candle business, like any other venture, requires an initial investment. This can vary widely based on factors like scale, quality and the materials you use. On average, you can expect to invest anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand pounds in supplies, equipment, and marketing efforts in the first year.

It’s essential to have a detailed understanding of your start-up costs to ensure that your business has the best chance of hitting the ground running. These expenses typically include:

Candle-making supplies: Wax, wicks, fragrance oils, dyes, moulds, and other essential materials.

Equipment: Candle-making equipment like melting pots, thermometers, and pouring pitchers.

Packaging and labelling: Jars, containers, labels, and packaging materials.

Business registration: Costs associated with registering your business and obtaining necessary licenses.

Marketing and promotion: Budget for marketing materials, website development, and advertising.

Set up your workspace

Creating a functional, organised workspace is crucial for producing high-quality candles. Whether you’re working from home or a dedicated studio, think about the following:

Safety: Create appropriate ventilation, follow fire safety measures, and use personal protective equipment. Never leave candles unattended while burning, and keep flammable materials away from your workspace.

Organisation: Arrange your supplies, tools, and equipment in an orderly manner to enhance your efficiency as you work.

Ergonomics: Choose comfortable seating and appropriate workstations to reduce strain over extended periods of work.

Source your candle-making supplies

The success of your candles largely depends on the materials you use. It’s essential to source high-quality supplies for products that stand out in the market and burn consistently, which is important for customer satisfaction. You can find candle-making supplies in specialised online stores, local craft shops, and wholesale suppliers. Research and compare prices, quality, and shipping options to choose the best suppliers for your needs.

Wax: Options include paraffin, soy, beeswax, and palm wax. Each of these has unique properties and benefits, so do your research.

Wicks: Purchase wicks in your desired size and material, to match your brand aesthetic and identity. If you’re taking a sustainable approach, you can opt for eco-friendly varieties.

Fragrance oils and dyes: Select scents and colours that align with your brand and target audience. Again, you can choose options that fit a green business model, such as vegan-friendly oils.

Moulds and containers: You can have a lot of fun with this one to inject plenty of personality into your brand. Opt for a variety of shapes and sizes to diversify your product range.

Hone your candle-making skills

Creating exquisite candles is at the heart of your business. The more you learn and practise, the more confident you’ll become. To excel in this craft, you’ll need to:

Learn different techniques: Spend time mastering methods for various types of designs, such as container candles, pillar candles, and taper candles.

Practice consistently: Like any skill, practice makes perfect when it comes to candle-making. Experiment with different materials and techniques to refine your talents.

Follow protocols: Make sure you’re fully informed on how to avoid accidents and personal injury when working with hot wax and open flames.

Design unique candle styles

Setting your candle business apart from the competition largely comes down to the unique designs and styles you offer. They need to both echo your brand and resonate with your market.

Some design considerations include:

Colour palette: Experiment with various colours and combinations to create visually appealing candles. You can go for on-trend hues, stick to classic neutrals or use seasonal colour themes.

Fragrance selection: Offer a diverse range of scents that cater to the preferences of your customers. If it’s something you love, it’s a good sign that others will like it – but again, it’ll be valuable to get others’ opinions too.

Decorative elements: Get creative and incorporate decorative elements like dried flowers, glitter, or unique textures.

Personalisation: An easy way to expand your range and broaden your income sources is by offering the option of customised candles for gifts and special occasions.

Create an eye-catching logo

A visually appealing logo is essential for building brand identity and recognition. You can either do this yourself or outsource your logo design to a professional, which is a worthwhile business expense if you want to grab people’s attention from the start.

Simplicity: A simple, clean design is often more memorable. It also makes it easier to use on different types of packaging and marketing collateral.

Colour psychology: Choose a colour/s that makes sense for your brand name and fits the style of your candles.

Originality: It’s of paramount importance that your logo is unique and doesn’t infringe on others’ trademarks. You also don’t want to be confused with any other brands or you lose your identity.

Versatility: Your logo should look good across different offline and online platforms and channels, from business cards to social media profiles.

Choose the right packaging

Packaging is not just about protecting your candles; it’s also a vital element of branding and can elevate your product. The right packaging makes a powerful first impression, enhances your customers’ unboxing experience and conveys the quality of your candles.

Consider the following packaging options:

Container type: Select containers that match your candle style and are heat resistant, whether you choose jars, tins, or other creative options.

Labelling: You’ll want your labels to provide various pieces of essential information, while visually showcasing your brand’s visual identity. Besides the name, this should include ingredients, instructions for use and your brand ethos.

Sustainability: If possible, invest in eco-friendly packaging materials to avoid a harmful global impact. This also makes great business sense, as more and more of today’s consumers place importance on reducing their carbon footprint.

Branding consistency: Your packaging needs to act as an extension of your brand image and messaging.

Know the legal consideration

Starting a candle business in the UK involves various legal and regulatory requirements, so these are essential to understand. You can consult with legal and financial professionals to ensure that you meet all the legalities for your candle business, but it’s good to be aware of what they may include:

Business structure: Do your research and decide on the legal structure of your business, whether it’s a sole proprietorship, LLC (Limited Liability Company), or corporation.

Permits and licensing: Get a business licence and look into your local authority’s requirements for candle-selling permits.

Product safety: You’ll need to be compliant with business health and safety regulations and standards, adhering to local and national laws.

Taxes: Understand your tax obligations as a business owner and keep accurate financial records.

Market your candle business

Effective marketing is key to attracting customers and growing your candle business. It’s an ongoing effort that helps you to connect with people, engage in an ongoing conversation and get them excited about your offering.

Consider these strategies:

Create a website: Build your online presence with a professional site that showcases your candles and brand. There are plenty of website-building platforms with easy-to-use interfaces, that allow even beginners to create something impressive.

Grow your social media following: Leverage platforms like Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest to share visually appealing candle photos, storytelling videos and other behind-the-scenes content.

Utilise content marketing: Write blogs, guides, and articles about candle care, home decor, and fragrances to suit every mood, to engage and educate your audience.

Use email marketing: Build a mailing list to inform customers about new products, promotions and content, collect feedback and run competitions. Emails are a good way of getting noticed by sitting in people’s inboxes, rather than having your message lost in online noise.

Try out different selling methods

The digital age has made it easier than ever to sell candles online. While it opens up a potentially global market for your products, it also requires a dedicated effort and careful attention to detail.

Here are some important points to think about in your planning:

E-commerce platforms: Choose an e-commerce platform like Shopify, WooCommerce, or Etsy to set up your online store.

Professional photography: High-quality product photos are essential for showcasing your candles.

SEO optimisation: Optimise your product listings by including keywords, to increase visibility in search engines.

Secure payment and shipping: Focus on smooth payment processing and reliable shipping methods.

Get Crafters Business Insurance with Protectivity

Growing any business takes a lot of focus and a positive mindset. This is why it’s crucial to safeguard your business with the right insurance, so that you can minimise any additional stress and give your full attention to making a success of your brand.

Protectivity’s Crafters Business Insurance is designed to protect you against the unexpected. It can cover you in cases of accidents, liability claims, or damage to your equipment and products. By securing your candle business with crafters insurance, you can do what you do best, creating beautiful candles, with peace of mind.

Find out more about our Crafters Business Insurance and get an instant quote to suit your needs.

Get Crafters Business Insurance with Protectivity

Last updated by

09:40:40 GMT • 11 November 2024

How Much Does It Cost to Start a Craft Business?

9 November 2023

•

13 mins read

Contributors

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

Starting a craft business is an exciting step—whether you’re looking to make a bit of extra cash on the side, launch a home-based venture, or eventually turn your passion into a full-time gig. If you love creating—whether its knitting, jewellery making, woodworking, ceramics, or anything in between—there’s real potential to turn that hobby into a rewarding business.

And you’re not alone. As of early 2025, the UK is home to over 19.5 million crafters and more than 11,000 craft-based businesses. With around 13.3% of adults buying a handmade item in the past year, there’s clearly a growing appreciation for quality, unique, and handmade goods.

But turning your passion into profit takes more than creativity. It’s important to understand the startup costs, legal requirements, and practical steps needed to build something sustainable. The good news? You don’t need a huge budget to get started. Many makers begin small testing the waters through online platforms or local craft fairs before scaling up.

This guide will walk you through the essentials—from how much it might cost to launch your craft business, to what licences or registrations you may need, how others are successfully making money from their crafts, and most importantly, how you can start small and grow with confidence.

What are essential craft business startup costs?

Craft business start-up costs can vary based on the scale and nature of your company. However, here’s a general breakdown of key costs to be aware of plus a sensible percentage of how much to allocate from your start up budget.

Essential Startup Costs (Approx. 70–80% of your budget)

These are the non-negotiables—the things you’ll absolutely need to get your craft business off the ground.

Materials and Supplies (25–35%)

This is where most of your budget will likely go. The materials you need will depend on your craft, whether that’s fabric and thread, beads and wire, or wood and paint. Try to buy in bulk or find trade discounts if you can.

Equipment and Tools (15–20%)

You don’t need the fanciest tools, but you do need the right ones for the job. Think sewing machines, power tools, or moulds—whatever helps you create your products efficiently and to a high standard.

Workspace Setup (5–10%)

Whether it’s a spare room, garage, or corner of the kitchen, you’ll need a functional and organised workspace. This might mean a few basic furnishings, lighting, and possibly small upgrades to your space.

Packaging and Shipping (5–10%)

If you plan to sell online or post out orders, you’ll need boxes, bubble wrap, labels, and postage costs. Start small and scale up as orders come in.

Business Registration and Insurance (5–7%)

Get registered properly and consider essential insurance like public and product liability. These costs protect you legally and help you run your business with confidence.

Accounting or Bookkeeping Tools (2–3%)

Even a simple spreadsheet can do at first, but investing in accounting software or light help from a bookkeeper will save you time and stress when tax season rolls around.

Nice-to-Have Startup Costs (Approx. 20–30% of your budget)

Once your essentials are covered, these are great extras to build your brand and grow your customer base.

Marketing and Promotion (5–10%)

Social media is free—but things like a website, business cards, or paid ads can help you look more professional and reach new customers. Don’t overspend early on; start small and test what works.

Photography and Branding (5–7%)

Great photos can make your products stand out. If you can afford it, invest in a basic camera or hire a pro for a quick product shoot. A consistent brand look and logo can also help people remember you.

Storage and Inventory Management (3–5%)

As your stock grows, you might need better storage at home or even rent space. At the beginning, though, clear plastic bins and shelves might do the trick.

Travel and Craft Fair Costs (3–5%)

Attending local markets or fairs can be a great way to get noticed. But booths, travel, and accommodation can add up. Start locally or test just a few events to see if they’re worth the investment.

Contingency Fund (Always aim for 5%)

Things will go wrong—orders might be delayed, prices may rise, or a machine might break. Having a small buffer gives you peace of mind and flexibility when unexpected costs pop up.

Much of these ‘nice-to-have’ options are things you can do for free so here’s an example of budget allocation for a £2000 startup budget.

Essential Category	% of Budget	£ Allocation	Notes / Examples
Materials & Supplies	40%	£800	Stock up on raw materials specific to your craft (e.g. fabric, wood, beads)
Equipment & Tools	25%	£500	Purchase or upgrade key tools or machinery needed to create your products
Workspace Setup	10%	£200	Set up a functional home workspace (e.g. table, lighting, storage bins)
Packaging & Shipping	10%	£200	Buy packaging materials and cover initial shipping costs
Registration & Insurance	10%	£200	Cover legal registration fees and basic insurance (e.g. public liability)
Accounting / Bookkeeping	5%	£100	Invest in simple accounting software or a consultation with a bookkeeper

Do I need a licence to sell crafts in the UK?

When you’re just starting out, one of the first things that might cross your mind is: “Do I need a licence to sell my handmade goodies?” The good news is – in most cases, there’s no specific “craft licence” needed in the UK. But depending on where and what you’re selling, there are a few legal bits to consider.

Selling in Public? You Might Need a Licence

Street Trading Licence
Planning to set up a stall on the high street or sell in public spaces? You’ll likely need a

Street Trading Licence from your local council. Rules (and fees) vary, so it’s best to check with them directly before setting up shop.

Market Stall Licence
Fancy selling at a local craft fair or farmers’ market? You might need a Market Stall Licence—this is usually organised through the event team or local authority. It’s often included in your stallholder fee, but always worth confirming upfront.

Special Products = Special Rules

Candles, Cosmetics & Edibles
If your crafts involve things like candles, skincare, bath bombs, or edible treats, you’ll need to meet specific safety and labelling regulations. These might require testing or registration, especially for anything going on the skin or in the mouth. Better safe than sorry—check trading standards or gov.uk for guidance.

Alcohol-Based Crafts
Selling anything with alcohol (like homemade infusions or cocktail kits)? You’ll need to explore alcohol licensing laws, which can get quite strict—even for gifts or small batches.

What If I’m Selling Online or From Home?

If you’re working from home or running things online (Etsy, Folksy, your own website), you’re unlikely to need any specific local trading licences. However, you still need to make sure your products are safe, properly described, and meet all consumer protection standards.

Do I need to register to sell crafts in the UK?

Yes, if you’re making money from your crafts (even as a side hustle), you’ll probably need to register your business with HMRC. It doesn’t have to be complicated—but it does need to be done right.

Here are your main options:

Sole Trader (Most Common)

This is the simplest route and ideal for most small craft businesses. If you’re earning money (over £1,000 per tax year) from your crafts, you’ll need to register as self-employed with HMRC. You’ll need to:

Keep track of income and expenses
File a Self-Assessment tax returns each year
Pay tax and National Insurance (if applicable)

Tip: Many crafters use bookkeeping apps or hire a part-time accountant to help keep things in order.

Limited Company

Looking to scale up or offer extra legal protection? You can register your business as a limited company through Companies House. This comes with more admin and formal reporting—but can be a good fit if you’re planning to grow big or take on contracts.

VAT Registration

VAT only kicks in if your turnover exceeds the current threshold (around £85,000 a year). If that happens—first of all, congratulations! —but also, you’ll need to register for VAT and charge it on your sales. It also means you’ll submit quarterly VAT returns to HMRC.

Can you make money from selling crafts in the UK?

Yes – absolutely! People all over the UK are turning their creative talents into real income. From weekend crafters on Etsy to full-time handmade businesses with their own websites, there’s plenty of potential to earn from your craft—if you approach it with care, strategy, and consistency.

Here’s how to give yourself the best shot at turning your passion into profit:

Focus on Quality That Stands Out

Well-made, unique items often sell for more
Take care with your finishes, details and presentation
Think about what makes your product different or memorable

Do Some Market Research

Look at what’s already selling well in your niche
Explore platforms like Etsy, Not On The High Street, and craft fairs
Think about what your audience wants—and how you can offer it differently

Get Your Pricing Right

Know your costs (materials, time, packaging, etc.)
Build in a fair profit margin to keep your business sustainable
Compare your pricing with competitors, but don’t undersell yourself

Important note: If you make more than £1,000 profit per year, you must register as self-employed and declare your income to HMRC. Track everything from the start to avoid penalties later on.

Choose the Right Sales Channels

Sell through platforms like Etsy, eBay, Folksy, or your own website
Explore local craft fairs and markets to meet customers face to face
Use social media to sell directly and grow your visibility

Build a Brand That Feels Like You

Develop a consistent visual identity—logo, colours, fonts
Keep your tone of voice and customer experience authentic and friendly
Share your story and the creative process to build connection and trust

Manage Your Time and Workflow

Plan your week and batch similar tasks to save time
Stay organised with orders, supplies and packaging
Set up systems that keep you focused (especially if you’re juggling a day job too)

Keep an Eye on Your Finances

Track your income and expenses from day one
Create a simple monthly budget to stay on top of cash flow
Avoid overbuying stock or materials until you’re confident in demand

Look After Your Customers

Be responsive, polite and professional—especially with queries and complaints
Add personal touches where possible (a handwritten note, nice packaging)
Encourage reviews and repeat business by offering great service

Stay Compliant

Make sure your products meet legal and safety requirements
Register your business with HMRC once you’re earning regularly
If you’re making candles, cosmetics, food or products for children—check extra regulations

Learn, Adapt and Keep Going

Not everything will work straight away—and that’s normal
Ask for feedback, test different approaches, and don’t be afraid to change tack
Celebrate small wins and keep improving

How do I start a small craft business in the UK?

Starting a craft business might sound overwhelming but breaking it down into clear steps makes it much more manageable.

Here’s a practical, no-nonsense checklist to help you get going—from turning your ideas into real products to making those first sales.

Nail Your Craft Niche

☐ What exactly are you making—and why will people want it?
☐ Have you done a bit of market research? (Look at trends, customer needs, competitors.)
☐ Can you describe your ideal customer in a sentence or two?

Draft a Simple Business Plan

☐ Set some goals—monthly sales targets, number of markets, etc.
☐ Outline who you’re selling to and how you’ll reach them
☐ List what you’ll need to spend upfront (materials, tools, website, etc.)
☐ Estimate your monthly running costs and potential profits

It doesn’t need to be fancy—just useful enough to keep you focused.

Register Your Business

☐ Choose your structure (most small crafters start as sole traders)
☐ Register with HMRC as self-employed
☐ Check if you need any licences (e.g. for markets or selling food/cosmetics)

Pick a Business Name & Build Your Brand

☐ Choose a name that fits your vibe—and check it’s not taken
☐ Secure a matching domain name and social handles if possible
☐ Start developing a consistent brand style (logo, colours, tone of voice)

Develop & Test Your Product

☐ Finalise your first batch of products
☐ Make sure your crafts meet all relevant safety and labelling regulations
☐ Try a soft launch—sell to friends, at a small market, or via social media

Set Smart Prices

☐ Know your costs (materials, time, packaging, etc.)
☐ Add a fair profit margin—your time has value!
☐ Check competitor pricing to stay realistic and competitive

Set Up Your Sales Channels

☐ Decide where you’ll sell: Etsy, Folksy, markets, website, Instagram shop
☐ Set up basic online listings with clear photos and descriptions
☐ Think about how you’ll take payments (PayPal, Stripe, card reader, etc.)

Start Spreading the Word

☐ Launch your social media (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok—wherever your people are)
☐ Tell your story—why you craft, what makes your work special
☐ Join local craft groups, forums, or events to network and grow your reach

Get Organised with Admin

☐ Keep receipts and track your income and expenses from day one
☐ Set calendar reminders for tax return deadlines and stock updates
☐ Create basic systems for orders, packaging, and stock control

Learn, Adjust, Repeat

☐ Test what works (and what doesn’t)
☐ Ask for feedback from customers and fellow crafters
☐ Be ready to tweak your products, prices, or marketing as you grow

Get Crafters Insurance with Protectivity

There are things you can do to minimise the start-up costs for any craft business. This includes having the right craft insurance to cover you in the event that incidents may occur. This way, you can lessen the potential financial impact that could threaten your operation.

Protectivity’s Craft Insurance offers Public Liability cover, designed for accidental damage to customers or third parties, and Employers’ Liability, for any staff you may employ. Our Products Liability extension has been created for claims around third-party products, or opt for Equipment and Stock Cover for loss, damage or theft. We also offer Craft Fair Insurance, if you need cover for your equipment and supplies at one-off or short-term events.

Read more and get a personalised quote today. If you need help with anything, our friendly team can answer any queries you may have.

Get Crafters Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

15:27:03 BST • 5 June 2025

How to Start a Food Truck Business

7 November 2023

•

11 mins read

Contributors

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

Get catering insurance from Protectivity

All over the country, countless people just like you are branching out with their own food truck business. From traditional fare like burgers and hot dogs, to the tantalising tastes of Asia and Africa, there’s a booming market for delicious meals and snacks on the go. By setting up your own food truck business, you could work at events or set up in a public place to attract customers – but there’s plenty of planning to do to get yourself up and running.

This guide tells you everything you need to know about starting a food truck business, from equipment and stock to licences and payment, and everything in between.

Why should you start a food truck business?

If you’re stuck in a rut with the nine-to-five, and fancy a change of pace towards a job you enjoy, then looking at setting up a food truck might just be the thing for you.

Starting your own food truck business gives you an opportunity to get creative, and to share some of your great recipes with the public. And not only that, you can be your own boss, work where and when you want (within reason!) and work towards making your food truck business exactly how you want it to be.

Things to do to set up a food truck business

Getting a food truck business up and running isn’t as simple as rolling up in your vehicle and getting cooking: there’s plenty of planning and preparation required before you can start selling your dishes to the public.

This list covers all the key basics that you’ll need to navigate as you get started. It isn’t an exhaustive list and you don’t necessarily have to approach them all in this order, but all of them need to be considered along the way:

Create your concept

First of all, you should work out exactly what you want to offer and how you present it. A theme and brand for your food truck business is vital if you want to stand out from the crowd. While working this out, you should not only assess the dishes that you’re capable of creating to a high standard, but also the other food trucks that are already operating in your area. If you offer a style of food that’s already well-catered for, you may find it difficult to get enough market share.

Research your marketplace

Once you’ve got a solid concept in place, you can begin to explore the potential locations and customers that you can target. These could be certain positions and parking spots that will give you access to the public; special events like festivals, sporting events or street food fairs where you can get a pitch in exchange for a fee; or private-hire bookings for occasions like weddings or office parties. The mobility of your business means it’s entirely possible to combine all of these at different times.

Develop your menu

Working out the exact details of your menus is an important early step. You’ll not only want to think about dishes that are delicious, but also make sure that you can charge a realistic amount for them and make a decent profit. Also bear in mind that it’s now become customary for food vendors to provide vegetarian and/or vegan options, so it’s worth creating some meat-free ideas if you don’t already have any.

Work out your prep, storage and freshness times

Connected to your menu preparation, you’ll also need to consider the preparation of your food, including what you can do in advance and what you’ll need to do on site after taking an order. This should consider storage, especially if things need to be kept chilled or frozen, and how long items can safely be stored for before they have to be thrown away. These decisions will play a major part in helping you work out the stock you need to buy, and when you need to buy it.

Remember ingredients and allergies

Don’t forget that you’ll need to provide full information about all the ingredients that you use if requested to do so. The legislation around food and potential allergies has been tightened significantly in recent years. As a result, you should make sure you read up on your requirements, and inform customers over any products that might cause an allergic reaction in certain people.

Register your business

With most of your food-related needs sorted out, you can then start to look at more of the business and finance-related details. You should begin by registering your business, once you’ve decided the form it will take. The simplest way to start will be as a sole trader, but you should remember that you’ll be personally liable for any debts you run up. Limited companies come with a bit more complexity, but do give you some extra protection. Read more about small business accounting in our guide here.

Get your funding in place

You may need to get some extra funds in place to get your business up to speed. This may well be the case if you need to source and fit out a vehicle (which will probably be your biggest initial outlay), or you may need support getting equipment, cooking appliances and your initial stock. There are plenty of small business loans and credit facilities available for you to take advantage of, but make sure you don’t sign up to repayment terms that put you under too much pressure.

Ensure you have the right driving licence

Depending on the size of the vehicle you have in mind, you may need an extra class on your driving licence to be legally able to drive it. Start by checking the classes you already have (these are the letters on the back of your photocard), and compare them with your target vehicle. Then look at the costs of any training and testing you may need to make the grade.

Invest in a reliable vehicle

While it’s easy to get swept up in the excitement of getting the perfect vehicle for cooking and food preparation, don’t overlook the importance of its mechanical reliability. Without being able to reliably get to your planned selling locations, your sales and revenue are stopped dead in their tracks. Remember that any deal that looks too good to be true almost certainly is – and if you don’t have automotive expertise, ask a friend for their advice.

Complete your fit-out

Once you’ve got your vehicle, then you can start fitting it out with all the workspace, storage areas and appliances you need. With only a limited amount of space to work with, measurement is the key here. Come up with as precise a plan as you can as to what will go where, and measure any equipment and appliances you need precisely, ideally before buying them. If you buy things that get in the way, don’t fit or that you can’t get into the vehicle, you could be left with a problem that’s very expensive to rectify.

Get the right operating licences

In order to sell your creations, you will need some licences, depending on the nature of your sales. For example, if you’re planning on trading in a public space, then you will need permission from your local council or authority. If you’re going to serve anything alcoholic, then you’ll need an alcohol licence, which you can get for yourself personally rather than for your company. There may be others applicable to you, so seek advice from the authorities about which ones may apply to you.

Forecast your running costs

For any small business, keeping control of cashflow is absolutely paramount. You may find that your income goes through peaks and troughs – you’ll be more likely to make big money at the weekends, and during the warmer months of the year. But you’ll still have overheads to shell out on, from tax, insurance and fuel for your vehicle, to stock, energy and marketing. You should try and predict your expenditure as closely as you can and as far ahead as you can, so that you don’t find yourself short of cash at any point. Planning major purchases well in advance can also help you smooth out your cashflow.

Consider how you’ll serve customers and take payment

Remember the old saying: ‘the first taste is with the eyes’. In your case, that means the presentation of your vehicle and the overall customer experience, especially if you’re in an environment where there are many other competing food trucks around. It’s critical that your food truck looks inviting, has the menu and prices clearly displayed, and has an uncluttered counter so that it’s easy to get served. It’s also important to consider how you’re going to take payment: many food truck operators have shunned the inconvenience of cash and now use mobile card readers as payment devices instead.

Take health, safety and hygiene seriously

There are a number of different risks that come with food trucks, for yourself, your customers, and anyone you employ to work for you. For customers, there is the risk of them becoming ill or (as mentioned above) suffering an allergic reaction, while the confined nature of your working space can heighten the risk of an accident for anyone inside the truck. Make sure you conduct a full risk assessment, and adopt a diligent and proactive approach to food hygiene – getting a top hygiene rating from your local authority can be a big selling point to your customers.

Put good insurance cover in place

Insurance is vital for any business, but for small businesses in particular. A claim against you by a customer who has got ill, or an employee who has got hurt inside your truck, could cost thousands to defend. This can have serious and long-lasting ramifications for your personal finances, especially if you’re operating as a sole trader. Furthermore, most events that host food trucks will require you to have public liability insurance as a condition of attending. For both of these reasons, you should always make sure you have comprehensive insurance cover in place.

Implement your marketing and advertising

By this point in the list, you’re more or less ready to go, and it’s time to start getting your brand, menu and creativity out to a wider audience. Social media is definitely the best place to start, as you can spread your message to large numbers of people for free. You may, however, want to consider paying for some ads on social platforms as a way of getting noticed. But social media isn’t the be-all and end-all: don’t neglect the power of more traditional forms of advertising, like leaflets, posters, newspaper adverts, and an eye-catching blackboard outside your truck when you’re open.

Get catering business insurance with Protectivity

Taking all of the steps listed above can give your food truck business the best possible chance of success. However, no business is 100% immune from unforeseen circumstances, and as a small business operator, the financial implications of an unfortunate event can be severe.

That’s why it’s so important to have good insurance in place, such as the catering business insurance that you can get from Protectivity. Our comprehensive cover includes up to £5 million of public liability insurance, up to £10 million of employers’ liability cover if you employ other people, products liability for everything you sell, and the option of commercial legal protection.

Our cover starts from just a few pounds a month, but can give you the confidence and peace of mind to grow your food truck business into something really special. Take a closer look at our catering business insurance today.

Get Catering Insurance from Protectivity

Last updated by

09:40:40 GMT • 11 November 2024

What Qualifications are Needed to Become an Electrician?

24 October 2023

•

8 mins read

Contributors

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

Get electricians insurance from Protectivity

Britain is suffering a severe shortage of qualified tradespeople, despite the fact that the level of demand means that there are potentially excellent earnings on offer. As well as builders and plumbers, good-quality electricians are extremely sought after right now. And with technology, electric cars, smart homes and domestic appliances all playing increasingly large roles in our everyday lives, the need for electrical installation and repair work isn’t likely to subside any time soon.

If you’re a young person evaluating your career choices, or you’re looking for a change in profession, it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why we’ve created this guide, so that you can understand what qualifications you need to be an electrician. We’ll cover why qualifications are important, how they vary across the different routes into the industry, and the other key considerations to make as you become an electrical professional.

Why are qualifications important to be an electrician?

We’ve all heard of cowboy tradespeople and bodge-jobs at one time or another, and this kind of poor-quality work, often done on the cheap, doesn’t do anybody any good. Taking the appropriate qualifications for electrical work is vital for a number of reasons to ensure everyone gets the work and service they expect. Let’s break it down into five key areas:

Safety

This is perhaps the most important thing to remember when looking at what qualifications you need to be an electrician. Work that is not done safely can cause serious injury or worse, not only to whoever is doing the work, but to whoever is using the electrics afterwards. Good-quality training will ensure the right attitude and approaches towards safe work.

Specific expertise

Electrical work is such a broad church that there is a wide range of different works, which can vary depending on the work involved. For example, Domestic Installers don’t necessarily require all the qualifications and legal commitments that other electricians might need (more on that later). Different types of qualifications ensure that an electrician’s skill set is suitable for the type of work that they’re doing.

Quality of work

Qualifications ensure that an electrician is capable of doing the jobs they’re hired or contracted to do to the best possible standard. The training involved will guarantee that the right techniques and approaches have been learned along the way, instead of relying on second-hand advice or guesswork.

Customer trust

All three of the points above are important for giving customers confidence that their project is in good hands. Everyone remembers a good electrician, but they’re just as likely to remember a bad one. If a customer feels positive about work before, during and afterwards, they’re far more likely to become a repeat customer for months and even years to come.

Legislation

Different types of work come with different types of rules and regulations, many of them to ensure all the points listed above are adhered to. Qualifications help ensure work that takes place is legal, and that the importance of legal work is understood. In many cases, having these qualifications will be a legal requirement to get certain work and jobs.

What electrician qualifications can I get, and how can I get them?

There are several different ways to get into the electrical industry, and which ones are right for you depend on a number of different factors. These include (and are not necessarily limited to): your age, any pre-existing experience you have, any qualifications you’ve gained in other industries, and how much of your own money you’re able to spend on training. In this section, we’ll cover the main options in turn, and highlight some of the qualifications to work towards:

Apprenticeship

Getting an apprenticeship is probably the most common way to get a foothold in the industry, and in many ways, it can be considered the most traditional. You’ll be able to work on-site part-time, and spend the rest of your time learning in a college of specialist training centre.

Generally speaking, electrician apprenticeships last around three or four years. To be eligible, you’ll normally be expected to have GCSEs at grade C or better in English, Maths and Information Communication Technology. At the end of the apprenticeship, you’ll have either a technical certificate, NVQ or diploma at Level 3, which will enable you to pursue a long-term career in most types of electrical work.

Electrician’s mate

If you work as an electrician’s mate, then you have the chance to gain some working knowledge of electrical installations by shadowing and assisting a qualified professional. There are no formal requirements for qualifications to become an electrician’s mate, although gaining some of the basic credentials at levels 1 and 2 is desirable. Generally speaking, mates will not be able to carry out work unsupervised, which is why they’re generally better suited to larger businesses and sites where there are more people able to assist and provide advice.

Formal qualifications

It is possible to take qualifications in a formal college-based setting, in particular the Diploma in Electrical Installation at levels 2 and 3, or the T Level in Building Services Engineering for Construction. However, these should not be considered everything that is needed to become a fully qualified electrician: practical experience working in the electrical industry (normally around three years) is also required. This is why the apprenticeship (as highlighted above) or company-specific training and development schemes should be considered in tandem with any course.

Approved Electrician status

The Joint Industry Board (JIB) awards the status of Approved Electrician to anyone who meets their exacting criteria. For starters, you’ll need to have completed an apprenticeship or equivalent; but you’ll also need at least two years’ further experience after that; and a level 3 qualification in inspecting, testing and initial verification.

Approved Electricians are able to design and install electrical projects in a high-quality, efficient and safe manner. They’ll also be able to manage projects and understand requirements from drawings and specifications. Therefore, while it may take a long time to get Approved status, it can significantly increase your earning power in the long-term.

Domestic Installer qualifications

In the eyes of the law – specifically Part P of the Building Regulations (Electrical Safety – Dwellings) – Domestic Installers are not electricians, strictly speaking. However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t professionals in their own right.

Domestic Installers do not necessarily have to go through all the qualifications that electricians need to. Instead, you can get up to speed through gaining a level 3 award that confirms their knowledge of electrical installations. This should also ensure that you are conversant with the British Standard BS 7671 on Requirements for Electrical Installations (also known informally as ‘The Regs’). These awards can be completed in around 100 hours, meaning it’s possible to get what you need in as little as three weeks, as long as you can demonstrate an example installation to an assessor.

Direct application

Many electricians come into the industry from other trades, especially related areas like building or electrical engineering. In this case, some of the qualifications gained to work in these industries can be transferred into working as an electrician. You may find that through your existing credentials, you’re able to get a job at an employer that will then help you gain all the skills and specific qualifications that you’re missing.

Pre-existing experience

If you’ve already been working in the industry for some time and you haven’t reached at least a level 3 qualification, you may be able to get that level of accreditation without going through training. You can take an Experienced Worker Assessment that takes a look at your capabilities and expertise, and works out if you’re already operating at a sufficient level.

Get electricians insurance with Protectivity

Electrical work is vitally important, and it can also be highly dangerous if not done correctly. It’s for that reason that there are a wide range of requirements and legislation in place to make sure that work is always done safely and to a good, professional standard. If something goes wrong, the financial implications can be severe, which is why having the correct insurance is essential. At Protectivity, we now offer insurance for tools to help tradespeople protect their business.

If you’re working for an employer, then you’ll normally be covered by whatever insurance provision they have in place. But if you’re working on a self-employed basis, or running your own electrician business where you’re employing other people, then having your own tradesman insurance in place is a must.

At Protectivity, we specialise in providing electricians insurance to professionals and entrepreneurs just like you. Our cover includes up to £5 million of public liability cover, employers’ liability if you hire other people, and the option for commercial legal protection in case you need support in this area. Find out more about our affordable policies, excellent claims handling, and monthly payment options for our electricians insurance today.

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14:11:07 GMT • 23 January 2025

Why do catering businesses need insurance?

16 October 2023

•

13 mins read

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If you run a catering business, then you need catering business insurance.

Whether you’re serving food to hundreds of people at a wedding, or you’re running your own food truck at festivals and events, insurance gives you vital protection if something goes wrong. Without it, you’ll be placing your business – and therefore your own finances – at serious long-term risk. You may also be holding your business back from its true potential, and maximum profitability.

This guide explains all the key basics around catering business insurance: why it’s so important, what it protects you against, and why it might not cost as much as you thought.

Do I need insurance for a food catering business?

Short answer: yes! Every type of food catering business that is serving members of the public should have some form of insurance in place, at the very least to cover them against any illness or injury caused to customers.

Types of business that should be insured include (and are by no means limited to): event caterers, wedding caterers, business and corporate caterers, and artisan food operators, and even if you run a banqueting or exhibition hall and have your own catering staff on-site.

As catering businesses generally operate across a wide range of locations, it’s important to make sure that you’re covered for every reasonable eventuality, across every single place that you might operate in.

Situations where catering business insurance is vital

You might be tempted to focus on the food you sell and/or produce as the main risk of a claim being made against you. This is undoubtedly a major concern, but for any mobile catering or food-related operation, it’s just one of a host of possible issues that can easily creep up at any time. Five of the biggest include:

If someone becomes ill

Foodborne illnesses can easily strike, almost at any time, and the impact of them both on you and your customers can be severe. The most common causes of them for mobile catering businesses are food that is either undercooked, or that hasn’t been stored properly, and so becomes infected with dangerous bacteria. Poor hygiene practice, such as failing to wash hands on a regular basis can also allow bacteria to spread.

While all good types of insurance for a catering business will take care of any claims arising from this, you shouldn’t rely on insurance to bail you out. You should be as proactive and diligent as you possibly can be, and strive to achieve and maintain a five-star food hygiene rating from your local authority.

If food is spoiled for reasons beyond your control

Sometimes, circumstances conspire to make some of your food unfit for sale, or to make some of your ingredients unusable. For example, if you have anything stored in the fridge, then that can’t be used if the fridge breaks or if there’s a power cut as the food will become too warm and at risk of bacteria spreading. Of course, if you’ve made a significant investment into that stock, then that can have a major impact on your finances, so taking out insurance means you can be compensated – as long as you can prove it was because of events out of your control.

If your equipment breaks

Similar to the previous point, any equipment or machinery that can’t be used can seriously disrupt the services you can offer to your clients. This could be something as simple as a whisk or mixer going down if you make milkshakes, to a faulty or broken oven. As well as damage or mechanical breakdown, these items are often vulnerable to theft or even vandalism, which can similarly hamper your ability to prepare and sell products, or meet the requirements of your clients. Insurance can ensure that when these situations occur, you have the finances to source repairs or replacements in a timely manner, so that you can keep your business up and running.

If someone working for you gets hurt

As your business grows, you may find that you need to employ other people, so that you can handle all the demand coming your way, and so that you don’t have to do everything all by yourself. In this situation – even if you only employ one other person – it is absolutely essential that you have employer’s insurance in place. Under the terms of the Work Injury Compensation Act, if your employee is injured in the course of their work, you are legally required to compensate them for all their medical expenses and lost earnings that result. Employers’ insurance can offer financial protection against these eventualities.

Why you should buy catering business insurance

As you can see, there are several different circumstances where catering business insurance comes into play. But from your perspective, it gives you vital protection and reassurance in a number of different areas that go far beyond your day-to-day operations:

It protects your financial interests

When you run a small business, your personal and business finances are very closely interlinked – even if you have the official separation of operating as a limited company. When your normal activity is disrupted, your ability to generate income is severely impacted and you may find yourself struggling to pay the bills. Additionally, a successful claim for compensation can cost thousands of pounds, plus legal fees. Insurance helps you keep up and running, and covers many of the costs that can crop up unexpectedly.

It meets your legal responsibilities

If you’re running any sort of catering business, then you’ll be expected to comply with a range of different rules and regulations. As mentioned above, you’ll need employers’ insurance if you employ at least one other person, while you should also have products insurance to cover all the goods and services you provide. A good-quality catering business insurance policy will roll all of these protections and more into a single manageable monthly payment.

It reassures your customers and employees

Many catering businesses have to work very hard to convince and reassure people that they operate to the highest professional standards, from service to hygiene and everything in between. This doesn’t just apply to customers, who want to know that your food is safe (and tasty), but also your employees and suppliers, who want to feel that they’re dealing with a professional, diligent organisation. Being able to demonstrate that you have good insurance cover in place can show them that you take your business and your responsibilities seriously.

It complies with event attendance regulations

The vast majority of events will expect to see proof of your insurance as a condition of your catering business attending. Generally, they will expect to see evidence of a certain level of public liability insurance when you make your application. Without this in place, you’ll find it extremely difficult to get access to any prime opportunities to make major sales, because event organisers naturally want to protect themselves against the claim. That’s why you should always look for an insurance policy with a strong level of public liability cover: £5 million is a good starting point.

It gives you access to legal support if needed

Of course, every now and again, circumstances will arise which simply aren’t avoidable, and you may find yourself having to defend your business and actions in court. Even if you’re successful, this can be an extremely expensive endeavour in terms of legal fees, and that’s without considering the time you’ll lose that you could otherwise spend trading and developing your business. Some catering business insurance policies therefore offer extra cover for legal support, so that the financial and time loads of any court actions or disputes can be lightened.

Situations where catering business insurance is vital

If someone becomes ill

If food is spoiled for reasons beyond your control

If your equipment breaks

If someone working for you gets hurt

Why you should buy catering business insurance

It protects your financial interests

It meets your legal responsibilities

It reassures your customers and employees

It complies with event attendance regulations

It gives you access to legal support if needed

Get catering business insurance with Protectivity

As this blog demonstrates, insurance cover is critical, whatever type of catering business you want to run. And at Protectivity, we have years of experience in providing catering business insurance to creative entrepreneurs just like you.

With one of our affordable policies, you can:

Get up to £5 million of public liability cover against accidental injury or property damage
Up to £10 million of employers’ liability insurance, which is a legal requirement if you employ at least one other person
Products liability in case injury or illness is caused by the items and creations you sell
Optional commercial legal protection to help you with the expense of any court activity or contractual disputes

Our cover is available from just a few pounds a month, meaning you can give your business security and peace of mind, whatever the future may hold. Take a closer look at our catering business insurance today.

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14:16:37 GMT • 13 November 2024

Cheap small business ideas to start up

5 October 2023

•

8 mins read

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Ever considered some side hustle ideas, so you can break out of the nine-to-five? Now could be the best time to do it!

Every year, thousands of people just like you all over the country decide to set up their own small businesses and follow their dreams. Not only do they get to be their own boss, they get to enjoy the results of their hard work and turn their bold visions into viable business reality. But which idea is best for you?

This blog highlights more than a dozen side hustle ideas, that you can start up as small businesses for very little initial investment, or in some cases nothing at all. It includes side hustle ideas from home, chances to get creative, and opportunities to earn money for doing what you love most.

Pet grooming

If you’re an animal lover and you’ve got an eye for style, then becoming a professional pet groomer could be the job for you. Owners are spending more money than ever on their pets in order to keep them looking great, and to ensure that they’re as healthy as they possibly can be. This means that top-quality pet groomers, who have all the right skills, qualifications, tools and techniques, are in high demand – and can attract premium price tags once they’ve gained experience.

Mobile hairdressing

Men and women alike love to shell out on a great new hairstyle, but many people struggle to find the time to head to the salon. So why not take your styling skills to your customers? Mobile hairdressers are always in demand, especially during the evenings and at weekends when busy professionals are home from work. You’ll need your own transport as well as your own equipment, but you’ll be able to build a regular and loyal client base that can generate consistent income.

Nailcare

Britain’s high streets are teeming with nail salons these days, as they’re a great way to pursue a career in health and beauty without too much of a need to invest in equipment. While the number of nail bars already in business means the market is fairly saturated, but setting yourself up as a mobile nail technician can help you stand out from the crowd. Building a portfolio of your work that you can share online, and getting some formal qualifications, is an excellent place to start.

Personal training

For every gym bunny that works out every day, there’s another person who just can’t summon the self-motivation to exercise and push themselves on. This is just one of the reasons why personal trainers are so popular today. Whether you’re providing sessions in your local gym, outside in the park, or even in a client’s own home, you can make a real difference to their progress, whether they’re training to run a marathon or just want to lose a bit of weight. And you also have the freedom to specialise in certain techniques or types of exercise.

Massage therapy

Similar to personal training, massages can have a real positive impact on a person’s health and wellbeing, and the benefits can be mental as well as physical. Trained masseurs and masseuses can explore a range of different specialisms, from sports massages that encourage recovery to soothing treatments to promote rest and relaxation. You can operate from your own home or those of your clients, but getting qualifications will be key to attracting more – and more lucrative – clients.

Event management

Some of the side hustle ideas with the lowest start-up costs are those you can do from home with a computer. One that can be especially rewarding for small business people and freelancers is event management. There are countless organisations out there who need professional help in ensuring their events go smoothly, and plenty of couples who could do with handing their wedding planning to a third party. If you’re highly organised, can work well under pressure and don’t mind unsociable hours, then this could well be the job for you.

Pet-sitting, house-sitting and babysitting

When people go on holiday, are going out for the evening, or have to travel on business, they want the peace of mind that their loved ones and their belongings are protected. That’s why the market for looking after children or pets, or simply keeping houses occupied, is always a healthy one. The most important investment you can make in this area is to make sure you’ve undergone security checks, such as DBS if you’re intending to look after children.

Virtual assistant

As remote working has increased on the back of the pandemic, so many of the services that are related to work can also now be done remotely. An excellent example of this is a virtual assistant, who will fulfil many of the organisation and administration roles of a PA. Some businesses may only require this work part-time, opening up the possibility of working for multiple clients simultaneously. The key here is to make sure you’re as accessible and contactable as possible, across phone, email, and video collaboration tools.

Laundry services

If you’ve got a washing machine, a tumble dryer, an iron and an ironing board, then you’ve got everything you need to set yourself up offering laundry services. There are several reasons why laundry services get so much business, from busy executives who don’t have time to keep their office attire clean and pressed, to people in small accommodation who don’t have their own laundry facilities. It’s a job you can do entirely from home, although offering collection and delivery can help you stand out even further in the marketplace.

Cleaning

Everything needs cleaning and tidying at some point, but plenty of things can get in the way: a lack of time, not being very good at it, or just general laziness. This means that there’s always demand for professional cleaners, both in residential and business settings. Beyond your own transport, there isn’t too much in the way of equipment or qualifications required, and as a freelancer, you may have some flexibility around where and when you work. A good level of physical fitness is very important, though.

Handicrafts and artisan food

If you’re a creative person, there’s probably never been a better time to explore side hustle ideas that bring your passions to life. It could be arts and crafts, or food and drink, but there are two reasons why you’ve got more opportunities than ever before to sell your wares. One is the internet, where platforms like Etsy or even eBay can connect you to a global customer base. And the other is the growth of craft fairs and other similar events, where creators like you can showcase and sell your products to the public directly.

Tutoring

Tutoring is an excellent side hustle idea from home, and as long as you have the right experience and knowledge (and pass any security checks required), you’re more or less good to go. Tutoring can be in core subjects like English, maths and science for students who need extra help, or can be in learning more artistic skills like playing musical instruments. You may also want to specialise in coaching people to pass certain exams, such as the 11-plus, GCSEs, A-Levels or even university entrance assessments.

Social media and content creation

From individual influencers to global businesses, everyone has to work hard on their online presence, across their website and all their social media channels. If they don’t have the in-house expertise to develop the right content and strategies, then this is where you can help. You can create blogs and social media posts that help businesses generate more interest and sales, and you can also act as a consultant who assesses existing online footprints and recommends ways to make improvements.

Get small business insurance with Protectivity

The cheap side hustle ideas listed here are just a small fraction of the opportunities you can explore. But whatever option you decide to go for, one thing remains the same: make sure you have the most appropriate cover for your needs to ensure you’re protected from unexpected incidents.

Protectivity offers affordable small business insurance for budding entrepreneurs just like you, specialising in a wide range of different activities. Whether you’re looking for catering insurance, crafters insurance, pet business insurance or another another small business, explore the full list of small business insurance we provide today, or get in touch with our team to discuss your specific requirements.

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10:05:45 GMT • 20 March 2025

How to become a gym instructor: A comprehensive guide

26 September 2023

•

8 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 passionate about helping people to improve their fitness and reach their performance targets, you may be considering a career as a gym instructor. In this role, you lead exercise programmes and give people advice to support their physical health and overall wellbeing. It’s a good time to work in this industry as more people become interested in their health and fitness, seeking out advice and training from qualified professionals.

You could work at a gym, in a leisure centre or for a sports club. The benefits of being a gym instructor include a flexible schedule outside of 9-5 hours, nurturing people’s self-confidence and helping them to enjoy healthier lives. Working on shared goals with people in a dynamic environment can be extremely rewarding. This can increase your own happiness through feelings of professional fulfilment and social connection, as you build strong relationships with clients and fellow instructors. Naturally, you’ll also reap the benefits of good physical health, as the role requires you to be consistently active and lead by example, adopting the good fitness habits you teach to others.

If you’re wondering how to become a gym class instructor, there are specific requirements you’ll need to be aware of. In this blog, we’ve outlined everything you can do to become certified and start practising as a gym instructor. Find out more about the desired skills, the necessary qualifications for different roles and levels, and the length of time it takes to qualify.

How do I become a gym instructor?

To become a gym instructor, you’ll need certain qualifications, people skills and a personal interest in fitness. When pursuing work, it will help you to have practical experience in relevant settings, so you could start out by working as a fitness assistant or another role within a gym. You could do this while you study for the necessary certifications to work as a gym instructor. You’ll also have to pass background checks before you can do this work.

Gym instructors looking for roles can also opt to become certified in CPR and first aid. This isn’t always essential but it is often desired, so it could increase your employability as it shows your commitment to safety, which is an important aspect of the role. You could also be filling a vital gap in the gym you’re applying to work in, if they’re in need of more people with that kind of training.

To be able to lead a variety of fitness classes, you can also follow industry trends and attend conferences, taking additional training in specific types of exercise. You could create videos of yourself leading classes with consenting participants, to demonstrate your abilities to prospective employers.

The required skills of gym instructors

Gym instructors need to possess certain skills and qualities, so it will help your prospects if you have these attributes. They include these core areas:

Good communication

You’ll have to clearly explain exercises to clients, with step-by-step instructions and guidance around health and safety. The role requires you to help people understand their own health and fitness, and clearly share details about the progress they are making in various areas. You’ll also have to listen to what clients tell you and trust that they know their own bodies and capabilities best.

Knowledge of fitness

You’ll need a good understanding of areas such as science, anatomy, physiology, and nutrition. This will help you to design targeted workout plans and give informed, relevant advice to people. Your qualifications will give you a good grounding in the required knowledge. If you take up an apprenticeship, it will provide you with on-the-job training and real-world experience as you learn. It will also help you to continuously expand your expertise and skills throughout your career.

Motivational abilities

You’ll have to inspire clients to push themselves and strive to hit their objectives, keeping them accountable and helping them to remain committed to the goals they’ve set. You’ll need to be empathetic and help them remain positive on more difficult days, giving them encouragement and empowering them to push their limits.

Good observation

This is a crucial skill to have, as you’ll not only help people to become fitter, you’ll also be responsible for their safety. This means you’ll observe everything from changes in their appearance to developments in their physical health, their capacity to perform activities at each stage of their training to whether they are safely carrying out instructions and protecting themselves.

Strong organisation skills

You’ll have to balance the training programmes, records and appointments of numerous customers and clients at any one time. This means keeping on top of paperwork, being meticulous in your note taking and constantly reacting to change, adapting your plans and updating your files. You’ll have to be punctual and help clients to remain on track with their goals.

What qualifications are needed to be a gym instructor?

The guidelines for how to become a gym instructor in the UK vary according to the stage you’re at. Everyone needs to take the same qualification when starting out in their career. As you grow your skills and move into particular areas of interest, you can pursue various training routes.

How to become a level 2 gym instructor

A level 2 qualification is the minimum requirement you’ll need to qualify as a gym instructor. The Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing will formally permit you to practise, once you’ve enrolled on the Register of Exercise Professionals (REPs) and gained your membership.

There are no entry requirements for acceptance and 16 years is the minimum eligible age. You can take the course with a traditional educational institution, such as a college, or with an online learning provider.

Do you need to be qualified to give an induction in a gym?

Once you have your Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing and are working as an instructor, you’ll be able to induct new members. Gym inductions involve showing new customers how to use the equipment, informing them about health and safety procedures and obtaining a completed medical questionnaire.

How to become a gym instructor assessor

If you want to become a fitness tutor, this usually incorporates being both a gym instructor assessor and a teacher, supporting other professionals to develop their careers. This can require you to create lesson plans, teach groups of people starting out in the industry, give feedback on people’s work and invigilate exams.

You’ll usually need a couple of years’ experience before you can become an assessor. This role will also require you to have passed a Level 3 Ofqual-accredited teaching and assessing course.

How to become a personal trainer

If you want to advance beyond your gym instructor role and become a personal trainer, you’ll need to take the Personal Training Level 3 Certificate. This is in addition to your level 2 certification. It will teach you to work with people more closely, giving targeted advice around health and nutrition, and creating and delivering personalised fitness programmes. You could then find your own clients and become self-employed in your personal training.

How to become a fitness coach

If you’d like to move into coaching, you can take the Sports Coaching and Development Level 3 National Diploma. This is a vocational, practical-based BTEC qualification, which qualifies you to become a professional coach. You’ll be eligible to undertake this diploma once you’ve obtained your Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing. You’ll usually need at least five GCSEs too.

Sports Coaching and Development teaches you how to support people with specific areas of their health and wellbeing, with modules on subjects such as nutrition and physiology. You’ll learn detailed techniques for helping people with their performance goals. The course content also prepares you for building your career as a self-employed fitness professional.

How long does it take to become a gym instructor?

The timeframe for becoming qualified as a gym instructor can vary, depending on where you gain your qualification. However, the Level 2 Certificate in Fitness Instructing usually takes up to six weeks on a full-time basis; longer if you study part-time.

Get gym insurance with Protectivity

If you’re a self-employed gym instructor or running your own fitness business, you’ll need to take out comprehensive gym insurance that covers a range of possible risks. Whether it’s a customer injury or damage to your premises that prevent you from operating, we have a range of cover that can be tailored to your needs.

Protectivity, offers a gym insurance policy that gives you peace of mind for unexpected situations that may arise. It’s been designed to support your company and your career success, while protecting your professional reputation, workplace and finances. This great-value specialist cover protects you from a range of potential pitfalls that can come with working for gyms and fitness clubs.

We also offer personal trainer insurance for those looking to branch out on their own. Our friendly and experienced team members are on hand to assist with any insurance related queries to help you protect your business.

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