Category: Starting a business

16:21:23 GMT • 13 November 2024

Dog business ideas

18 July 2023

•

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

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

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

Dog grooming

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

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

Dog walking

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

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

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

Dog sitting and pet-minding

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

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

Doggy daycare

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

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

Pet shop

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

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

Dog treat maker

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

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

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

Dog clothing and toys

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

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

Dog-friendly Cafe

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

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

Dog photographer

Dog massage therapy

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

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

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

Dog training

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

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

Dog writing and blogging

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

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

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

Get pet business insurance with Protectivity

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

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

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

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11:40:54 GMT • 14 November 2024

Small business expenses – what can you claim for?

11 July 2023

•

8 mins read

Contributors

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

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

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

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

Why is it so important to claim business expenses?

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

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

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

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

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

Types of allowable business expenses?

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

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

Office equipment, property and utilities

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

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

Clothing and footwear

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

Staffing costs

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

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

Training and development

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

Transport and travel

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

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

Goods

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

Finance, legal and admin

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

Advertising and marketing

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

Get small business insurance with Protectivity

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

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

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

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

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16:42:00 GMT • 13 November 2024

Dog and pet events in 2023

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

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

Paws in the Park

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

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

Dogfest

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

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

Edition Dog Live

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

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

The Game Fair

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

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

North East Dog Festival

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

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

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

London Vet Show

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

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

BETA International

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

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

All About Dogs

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

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

Looking ahead to 2024

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

Crufts

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

Woofstock

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

Get pet business insurance with Protectivity

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

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

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

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16:43:03 GMT • 13 November 2024

How much can I earn as a dog walker?

8 June 2023

•

6 mins read

Contributors

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

Get dog walking insurance from Protectivity

So many people around the UK own (and love!) their dogs, but struggle to find the time to give them exercise. This is especially the case in recent years, where many families bought dogs during lockdown, but now can’t give them the same time and attention as they’ve returned to regular work.

As a result, there’s never been a better time to start a dog walking business. It can be a lucrative endeavour if you get it right, and can help you pursue work that you really enjoy. However, there is much to consider in terms of the money you bring in, and the money that will have to go out before you can accurately assess your earnings.

In this guide, we’ll explore how much dog walkers charge, how much you can earn as a dog walker, and some of the expenses to watch out for.

How much do dog walkers charge?

Generally speaking, you should be able to charge between £10 and £15 per hour for walking a dog. But the amount a dog walker charges can vary, depending on where you are in the country. As is the case in many lines of work, operating in or near London generally means higher rates, in order to mitigate the higher cost of living in the south-east of England.

As the National Living Wage is £10.42 per hour for the 2023/24 financial year, this may not sound like a particularly attractive level of earnings. However, you can multiply these figures by walking several dogs at the same time. It’s important to assess how many dogs you can comfortably and safely walk in one go, as well as the size and temperament of the dogs involved.

Areas that may impact your earnings

As with any business, there are many different factors that mean that you won’t be able to keep hold of all the income you generate. When you’re considering how much to charge as a dog walker, you should also take into account costs in these areas:

Business expenses

You’ll incur many expenses in the course of your business activities, from dog treats and toys to food and drink for yourself, as well as the cost of transporting dogs to and from different places. These expenses are generally tax-deductible, helping you recover some of the cost, but you’ll still need to spend out on them first.

Tax

A certain proportion of your turnover will have to be paid to the government in the form of income tax and national insurance. How this will work depends on whether you’re operating as a sole trader (in which case you’ll need to submit a tax return) or as a limited company. In the case of the latter, this guide to limited company tax can help you understand all your tax implications.

Accounting

Connected to the previous point, you may want to consider hiring the services of an accountant to take care of all your tax and finance paperwork and obligations. Not only can this free up some of your time and make your job less stressful, but can actually end up saving you money if they can find ways to make your affairs more tax-efficient.

Qualifications

While you don’t need any formal qualifications to set up a dog walking business, they can be useful for improving your skills when out on a walk, and showing off some credentials to impress potential customers. But whatever qualifications you pursue, there will naturally be a cost for any courses you undertake – although these may well help you earn much more in the long run.

Marketing

Every dog walking business needs to get their name out there, and this requires investment into marketing over an ongoing period of time. This includes minor spending like website hosting, and major commitments like leafleting or advertising. As with the business expenses mentioned above, any spending here is also considered tax-deductible.

Employing staff

Your business may grow to the point where you can employ other dog walkers to work for you. That’s great news as it means you’ve made your business a real success, but it also comes with several extra costs to take into account: employee wages, Employers’ National Insurance contributions, employers’ liability insurance and more.

Insurance

There are specialist dog walking insurance policies that can protect you and your business in the event of a claim being made against you. These policies can often be taken out on monthly payment plans but can give you peace of mind, as well as financial back-up if something untoward happens.

Obtain dog walking insurance with Protectivity

Dog walking insurance isn’t a legal requirement, and because of that, it can be tempting to leave it out in order to cut costs, especially if finances are tight. However, this can end up doing much more harm if unforeseen circumstances arise. These could include dogs jumping out in front of pedestrians, cars or cyclists; a dog attacking another animal; or someone tripping on a lead and hurting themselves.

These are just three of the possible mishaps that can easily happen – and all of them could lead to a substantial claim for compensation. Without insurance, you can find yourself with a sizable bill to pay if the claim is successful, and in the worst-case scenario, your home could be at risk if you’re struggling to cover the cost.

That’s why dog walker insurance is vitally important, and why Protectivity offers insurance for pet businesses like yours with comprehensive policies. For as little as a few pounds a month, we can make sure you don’t end up out of pocket if you face a claim, vet bills, or if you’re unable to work yourself due to injury. Our policies also include public liability insurance, and ‘Care, Custody and Control’ cover, so that both you and your business can grow with confidence and reassurance.

Take a closer look at our dog walking insurance today and find a wide-ranging policy at a price that suits you.

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12:20:00 GMT • 14 November 2024

Businesses you can start for under £1000

6 June 2023

•

8 mins read

Contributors

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

Millions of people all over the UK dream of being their own boss and starting their own business. And while it’s unlikely that an entrepreneur will become the next Elon Musk or Jeff Bezos, it’s still immensely rewarding to start a business from scratch and develop it into a viable, profitable success.

The only problem that stands in many people’s way is the need to ‘speculate to accumulate’: that is to say that it can take a lot of initial investment to get a business idea off the ground. This can be off-putting if it involves getting into large amounts of debt in the early stages, or simply impractical for those who don’t have access to that kind of startup capital.

However, that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible! There are countless small business ideas out there that require minimal initial outlay – and in some cases, nothing at all – making them viable for anyone who wants to strike out on their own. In this guide, we’ve picked out 14 of our favourite small business ideas that can be set up for less than £1000.

Online retail

The ability to buy and sell goods from anywhere in the world has fundamentally changed the retail world forever, and opened up new opportunities for small business operators to grab their own slice of the action. You don’t need a huge amount of capital to get things up and running: just the right platform for selling your goods, and an initial amount of stock to get you started. By taking small steps, you can gradually grow your business without taking on too much debt.

Reselling and upcycling

These are two trends which have gained real popularity as hobbies in recent years, but have now grown to the extent that many people are now pursuing them as full-time jobs. Whether you find bargains in charity shops, in auctions, at car boot sales or from other sources online, selling on goods for profit can help generate a good income if you know what you’re looking for. It’s a relatively simple business to set up and manage, too.

Creative services

If you have a creative mind, then there are many different options that you can explore on a freelance basis. If you’re a good wordsmith, for example, then you can work as a copywriter, while those of a more artistic bent may want to consider becoming graphic designers and web designers. These are jobs that are perfectly practical to do from home – all you’ll need is a good computer, internet connection and any relevant software.

Pet grooming

When it comes to hiring, there are two ways in which people make mistakes when starting a business. The first is taking on too many full-time staff members too soon. The second is not bringing in any help at all.

When your business is still finding its legs it’s important to strike a balance between areas where it’s more important to save time, and where it’s more important to save money. Bringing in staff, be they full-time or part-time, can help to spread the workload, saving you time and energy, but it runs the risk of being a drain on your funds – at least at first.

Pet-sitting

When pet owners go away on holiday or for work reasons, they want to make sure that their dogs, cats and other animals will be cared for. Putting them in kennels and catteries can be expensive, so hiring a home-based pet-sitter is often a cheaper and more personalised alternative for them. You can provide a dedicated service that caters for an animal’s specifics, and you have full choice of which pets you’re willing to accommodate and which ones you aren’t.

Tutoring

There are always people who want to expand their education and knowledge, whether training for a particular qualification, studying for an exam or even just learning to play a musical instrument. In any of these cases – and a whole lot more – you can offer one-to-one tuition from the comfort of your own home. Along with your expertise, you’ll need some relevant qualifications, plus a DBS check if you’re planning to tutor children.

Cooking and baking

If food is your passion, then why not take that passion to a wider audience? All over the country are bakers, caterers and street food vendors that started their business on the strength of their own recipes and ingenuity. If you’re able to travel to events to sell your creations, then your expenses are pretty much limited to your transportation costs – as just about all the other equipment you’ll need is already in your kitchen!

Hairdressing

You have two equally exciting options to pursue if you have talent and experience in cutting and styling hair. The first is to provide hairdressing services from a designated space in your own home; alternatively, you could set yourself up as a mobile hairdresser and provide sessions in customers’ homes instead. Either way, you’ll enjoy full flexibility in when you work, and can enjoy all the rewards of your efforts.

Beauty treatments

Similar to the hairdressing services mentioned above, the same principle applies to all sorts of beauty treatments, as long as they don’t require lots of space or specialist equipment. For example, there’s nothing to stop you offering manicures and nail-painting services from your own home, or the homes of customers, rather than having to invest in expensive high-street retail space.

Laundry and ironing

If you’re going to do housework, then you might as well get paid for it! There is a substantial marketplace for laundry and ironing services, from people who need a freshly ironed shirt for work to those who need their clothes washed, but don’t have the time or the appliances in their own home. If you already have a washing machine, iron and ironing board, then you’re good to go – although you may want to consider transport costs so you can offer collection and delivery, too.

Dog walking

Britain is a nation of dog-lovers, and there are lots of dog owners out there that don’t have the time to give their pet the exercise it needs… which is where you can come in as a professional dog walker! While dog walking fees are relatively small – between £10 and £15 per hour is commonplace, depending on the area – you can multiply this by walking several dogs at the same time. This makes it a lucrative job you can do in your local area.

Life coaching and therapy

Any services that involve simply talking to someone, or conducting a physical treatment, can be done from home (as long as you have the suitable qualifications and experience). Putting in place all the equipment to offer massages and physiotherapy may require more of a substantial investment. But areas such as mental wellbeing help and life coaching can be more viable – and can help you make a genuine positive difference to people’s lives.

Handyman/handywoman

Some people are much better than others at DIY and other repairs, and those who don’t are often willing to pay to get somebody in to do a job properly on their behalf. If you have a bit of common sense, you’re good with your hands and you’ve got a basic set of tools, then you can start a business doing odd jobs and other minor bits of work. You’ll need to be able to travel, but it will be mostly light labour – and you’ll probably get offered plenty of tea!

Event organiser

While there are countless jobs that can be done from home with a computer, one that you may not have considered is organising events professionally. From weddings and funerals to village fetes and sports competitions, many large-scale events need a coordinator who can pull everything together and make sure that everything runs smoothly on the day. As a freelancer, you have total freedom to pursue the types of events that interest you the most.

Get small business insurance with Protectivity

Even if your small business idea needs very little startup capital – or none at all – you’ll still need to take action to protect your revenue and assets as you grow. That’s because you never know what might happen, and even a minor issue that is beyond your control can easily escalate into a substantial claim for compensation.

At Protectivity, we’re dedicated to making sure that aspiring entrepreneurs like you don’t end up out of pocket when unfortunate or unforeseen circumstances arise. That’s why we provide a wide range of affordable small business insurance policies for a variety of different specialisms, such as hairdressing and pet businesses insurance, with additional policies such as event insurance and counsellors insurance.

To find out more on our policies and how we can protect your business, get in touch with our team today.

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16:50:14 GMT • 13 November 2024

How much tax would I pay as a limited company?

2 June 2023

•

11 mins read

Contributors

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

Starting a small business can be extremely exciting and rewarding. If there’s something you’re passionate about, you’ve spotted a gap in a market, or you just want to be your own boss, then there are plenty of opportunities out there for you to become an entrepreneur. And perhaps the best part about it is that there’s no limit to how successful your business can be and how much money you can make… except one.

Tax isn’t exactly the most fun part of doing business but it is an unavoidable fact of life. As a small business owner, you’ll be required to pay tax not only personally, but also for the limited company you operate. Unfortunately, this can be a fiendishly complicated subject to deal with, as there are many different taxes, thresholds, rates and deadlines to comply with.

This guide makes all the basic ins and outs of limited company tax digestible and easy to understand. If you’re starting a small business, or thinking about doing so, then it’s essential that you understand the key facts around tax – even if you intend to recruit a qualified professional to take care of your tax affairs on your behalf. We’ll cover all the main kinds of tax both you and your company will have to pay, how to (legally) reduce your tax bills, how to get help with tax, and the other key considerations to make as you begin your business adventure.

What types of tax does a limited company pay?

There are five main kinds of tax to watch out for if you’re running a limited company. Some of them may not apply to your business, and you may be able to apply for reliefs and exemptions for others. However, you should keep abreast of all of them, as the thresholds and requirements are liable to change on a regular basis (especially in the Government’s annual Budget, usually announced in March).

Corporation tax

So, how much is corporation tax for a limited company? Well, there’s no fixed answer to that question, as it depends on a number of things.

As and when your company makes a profit, you will be required to pay a certain proportion of it as corporation tax. Your profit is defined as your takings for the year, minus any wages and dividends you pay out, any pension contributions, any expenses (more on that below) and any allowances or reliefs that you may be entitled to.

The rates that apply depends on how much profit you make within your accounting year. Your first £50,000 of profit for the year is taxed at 19%. After this, a tax rate of 26.5% is applied to all profits up to the £250,000 mark, then 25% after that. This is so that larger companies pay tax at a higher rate overall, because it means that all companies that make more than £250,000 profit in a year pay a total rate of 25%.

Employer’s National Insurance contributions

If you employ any staff within your limited company (even just one) then you will be required to make National Insurance contributions, on top of those that employees make themselves out of their wages. These contributions also have to be paid on any employee benefits and expenses that employees claim. The rate is generally 15.05%, although people including the low-waged may be exempt.

Business rates and small-business rates relief

The simplest way to describe business rates is that it is the business version of council tax. It applies to any properties within your company that are primarily used for business purposes; if you are a one-person business working from a computer at home, then business rates generally don’t apply.

While the costs of business rates to your local council can be substantial, there are several reliefs available to small businesses that can lower the size of bills, or sometimes wipe them out altogether. These include (and are not necessarily limited to): farm buildings, religious buildings, properties used for the disabled, and businesses with a low rateable value. Retail properties can also apply for 100% business rate relief for three months.

VAT

If your business turns over more than £85,000 in any 12-month period, you are legally obliged to register for Value Added Tax (VAT). If your turnover is below the threshold, you can also voluntarily register for VAT as it can sometimes be advantageous to do so. The current VAT rate is 20%, and you’ll be required to charge it on top of your normal fees for any goods or services you sell, and pay it for any that you buy.

The amount of VAT that you have to remit to His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is whatever you’ve taken in VAT from other businesses from your sales, minus any VAT you’ve paid out in goods and services you’ve bought. So, for example, if you’ve collected £10,000 in VAT within a three-month period, and you’ve paid out £3,000, then you owe £7,000 to HMRC.

The good news is that the system works both ways: if you have paid out more in VAT than you’ve taken in, then you can apply to reclaim VAT from HMRC and they will refund you the difference. As the example here, if you’ve paid out £5,000 in VAT, but only taken £1,500 in, then HMRC should pay you £3,500.

Capital gains tax

If you are a limited company, then capital gains tax (paid on any profits you make by selling assets) doesn’t apply in the same way it would to a sole trader or a partnership. However, you are required to pay corporation tax on the profit instead: the money you make will count as part of your overall CT profit and therefore taxed at the applicable rate (see above).

What kind of personal tax would I have to pay as a limited company owner?

As the owner and director of a company, you will naturally want to take some (or all!) of the fruits of your labours as your earnings. There are a number of different ways to do this that are open to you, and which will be better will depend on the state of your business and your own personal circumstances. But in general, there are two main taxes that will apply to you personally:

Income tax for employees

Much as you would if you worked for another business, any wages you take are taxed according to normal income tax rates.

As of the 2023/24 tax year, the first £12,570 you earn each year are exempt from any income tax, but all your earnings beyond this up to £50,270 will be taxed at 20%. Earnings beyond this are taxed at 40%, and if you’re doing well enough to be earning more than £125,140 a year, then the highest rate of 45% applies. Please note that slightly different thresholds apply in Scotland.

You’ll also have to make National Insurance contributions in the same way as a ‘normal’ employee. This is in addition to the Employer’s National Insurance contributions mentioned above.

Dividend tax

You can pay dividends out of your company to yourself whenever you want, but this will be subject to dividend tax. As of the 2023/24 tax year, the tax-free dividend allowance is £1000, and this is expected to be cut again to £500 in 2024/25. Beyond this, dividends are taxed at 8.75%, which still represents a tax-efficient way to pay yourself compared to regular income tax.

However, if your normal pay plus your dividends totals more than £50,270 a year (which would normally move you into the higher rate of income tax), then you’ll have to pay 33.75% dividend tax on all your dividends above this threshold.

When should limited company taxes be paid?

These requirements vary from one tax to another, depending on the time of year you started your business, how much you pay yourself and other employees, and whether certain taxes are applicable to you. As a general guide, the following timescales normally apply:

Corporation tax: nine months after the end of your business year (i.e. if your business year runs from 1 January to 31 December 2023), then your Corporation Tax bill will be due around the end of September 2024

VAT: this should be remitted to HMRC quarterly, no more than 37 days after the end of each designated three-month period. You are still expected to submit a VAT return every three months if registered, even if you don’t have any VAT to pay for that period

Business rates: you will normally receive a business rates bill around February or March, detailing the monthly instalments you’ll be required to pay for the following financial year

Employers’ NI: should be paid at the same time as you make each payment of wages to your employees (i.e. weekly or monthly)

Income tax and dividend tax: this could be through Pay-As-You-Earn, an annual Self-Assessment with associated payments every six months, or a combination of the two

What should I do about tax when starting a limited company?

If you’re worried that the above is overly complicated and too much to keep track of, then don’t panic: you’re certainly not alone in that. Even the most experienced entrepreneurs and small business owners can find limited company tax requirements perplexing.

That’s why it’s always a good idea to hire the services of a good accountant when starting a limited company. They will be fully up to speed with everything mentioned in this guide, and any upcoming changes that may affect you. They will be able to organise your payslips and tax returns, and give you all the information you need about what you need to pay and when.

How can I legally reduce my limited company tax bill?

Tax evasion is illegal and never a good idea, even if your business is struggling. However, the complexity of tax regulations means that there are a number of legal ways that you can reduce the amount of tax your or your business has to pay. Using dividends instead of PAYE to pay some of your wages, as mentioned earlier in this guide, is an excellent example of this and common practice among small business owners around the country.

This is another area where having an accountant really comes into its own. They’ll have the expertise and experience to advise on areas where you can bring your tax bill down, such as business expenses you can claim that you may not have been previously aware of. While you’ll need to commit a certain amount of money to hire an accountant’s services, they can often save you many times you outlay in tax each year, making it a very worthwhile endeavour.

Get small business insurance with Protectivity

If you’re just starting out with a small business, there’s a lot to get your head around – and tax is just one of the complex challenges to navigate. Given the risks of starting a business, anything you can do to protect yourself and your enterprise from financial harm is worth doing, which is why good insurance cover is essential right from the start.

At Protectivity, we specialise in comprehensive insurance cover for countless small businesses just like yours. We offer hairdressers insurance and insurance for pet businesses and dog groomers. We can give you peace of mind that if the unforeseen happens, such as an injury or damage to property, you won’t be out of pocket. Our flexible, affordable policies start from just a few pounds a month, meaning you can safeguard your future without breaking the bank.

To find out more on our policies and how we can protect your business, get in touch with our team today.

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12:04:02 GMT • 14 November 2024

8 Pricing Strategies for Event Planners

24 May 2023

•

6 mins read

Contributors

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

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If you’re an event planner organising a ticketed occasion, then getting your name out there and converting interest into sales is one of your most important pre-event tasks. Of course, convincing people to part with their hard-earned cash ahead of time can be tricky – but it’s also important to remember that people generally love a bargain or a special deal.

That’s why it’s so important to diversify the way you sell tickets to an event so that you can appeal to different customers with a range of offers that are more likely to pique their interest. In this guide, we’ll explore eight tried-and-tested pricing strategies for event planners, giving you a full variety of options to apply to your future event projects.

About Us

Protectivity provides event cancellation cover for events big and small, indoor and outdoor. Our policies offer public liability, employers’ liability, Event cancellation cover and equipment protection. That way, you can rest assured that you won’t be out of pocket in a worst-case scenario, and can devote your efforts to maximising your ticket sales.

Early bird and time-limited discounts

If you want to build up some initial momentum to your event, or you need to get some cashflow coming in to cover the first bills, then some early-bird offers are the way to go. Giving customers the opportunity to get a ticket at a lower rate, if they buy weeks or months in advance, gives you a solid base from which to work from.

If it’s especially successful, then you can adjust your future strategy to take into account however many tickets you have left. However, you should resist the urge to extend an early-bird offer, as it can come across as desperation or a sign of poor sales thus far.

One-off discounts

In many circles, these are known as ‘flash sales’, and they can be incredibly effective if planned and executed right. Ideally, you want to post on relevant social channels that you’re offering a substantial discount on tickets for a very short period of time (that particular day is normally about right).

Voucher codes

If restaurants and entertainment venues can offer discount codes through websites such as Groupon, then why can’t you follow the same principle? Using voucher codes gives you complete freedom in the level and duration of discount you want to provide, as well as how they’re distributed, making them ideal for targeted or personalised marketing campaigns. And if you’re running a conference or exhibition where some businesses will want to run stands, the same approach can be applied to help generate sales in this area.

Memberships and subscriptions

If you’re running regular events, then selling tickets for a series of them at a more affordable rate is a good way to keep ongoing sales coming through (hence why football teams sell season tickets). But you can also look at the concept of membership in a different way: if organising a trade event, for example, you could put special ticket packages in place for members of affiliated trade bodies or companies. You can enable this by putting different registration options in place for members and non-members, incorporating the different price points.

Group ticketing discounts

Encouraging people to buy tickets for larger groups and get discounts as a result can generate large sales volumes ahead of time. Think of a black-tie awards dinner, for example: a full table of ten people might be priced at the same level of six or seven individual tickets, making them more receptive to bringing more people along. Alternatively, framing the offer messaging in such a way that the ‘buyer gets in free’ can help the person making the purchasing decision feel like they’re getting personally rewarded.

Packages and bundles

If an event is likely to involve multiple purchases by a ticket-buyer, then bundling things together can help them save money, take the stress out of buying things on the day, and improve your advance cashflow. This could include food, drink or merchandise being included with ticket sales; access to car parking, transport or accommodation; or the ability to access the event early or through a priority entrance lane.

VIP offers

If you have particularly loyal and long-standing customers, or some who have invested heavily into your business or event in previous years, then packages that recognise their efforts can encourage them to maintain their commitment in the long-term. The offers in this area don’t necessarily need to be discounts: instead, you can give them levels of exclusivity above and beyond those provided to other ticket-buyers. These can include premium seating, better food and drink packages, the chance to network with other people involved, and more.

Activation discounts

Inspiring action from a participant, in exchange for cheaper tickets, is a great way to get your customers engaged with your event. For example, if you’re running a festival-type event, you might want to offer discounted entry for anyone who comes in fancy dress. It’s the same principle as women being able to get into a nightclub free of charge on a ‘Ladies’ Night’ in years gone by. However, you should be careful to make sure that whatever you offer doesn’t discriminate in favour of, or against, a particular group of people (i.e. by race, gender, disability and so on).

Get event insurance with Protectivity

However many tickets you’re able to sell for your event, the unforeseen can still happen. This is especially the case with outdoor events, which are often at the mercy of the Great British weather. Of course, if your event is disrupted, you’ll still have expenses to cover, which can become extremely costly if you have to refund ticket-holders. And that’s why event insurance is so vitally important.

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12:10:44 GMT • 14 November 2024

What to put on a personal trainer business card

16 May 2023

•

6 mins read

Contributors

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

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You might think that business cards are a bit old-fashioned these days. But even in a world where the Internet and social media dominate the marketing and communication landscape, the business card still has value in reaching prospective customers and getting your enterprise noticed.

Whether you’re just starting a personal training business, or you have an existing business you want to grow, an informative and concise business card can therefore make a real difference. However, it’s very easy to get it wrong, and end up with cards that are messy, unattractive, or are simply trying to do too much.

In this guide, we’ll highlight what to put on a personal trainer business card, what not to put, and what else to consider.

What information should you include?

Obviously, your first port of call in what to put on a personal trainer business card should be determining the key contact details to include. These should comprise your name (and/or your company name if you have one), your job title, and contact details across a variety of communications methods.

You can include any of your phone number, email address, website, postal address (if you operate from a specific venue), and the addresses for your social media channels. Some of these will be more important than others, depending on which platforms you use for your marketing and communication, so it’s best to prioritise a few of them rather than including absolutely everything.

Ultimately, your card should tell people who you are, what you do and how to get in touch with you from the very first glance. Ask friends, relatives or colleagues for a second opinion if you’re not sure that your proposed design achieves this.

What should you leave out?

It’s important to remember that less can often be more with a business card. You’ve only got the size of a credit card to get your points across, and if you try to overload the card, it will end up looking cluttered and unfocused. Make sure that there is nothing on the card that doesn’t absolutely need to be there.

A good example of where something might or might not be required is information around your credentials, i.e. letters and abbreviations after your name that mean you have a degree or other personal training qualification. Depending on the nature of your business, it may be very important to point out specific qualifications or skills that you have, because they will appeal to your target audience.

But if that isn’t the case, putting all those letters onto your business card is unnecessary, and wastes valuable space. The business card is to encourage people to make first contact – let your website and social channels tell the full story of you and your business.

What should your call-to-action be?

One thing that often gets overlooked in personal trainer business card development is the call-to-action: what it is you want the reader to do when they’ve picked up your card.

Most commonly, this will be to get in touch with you via your selected channels of communication, but it could be something else. For example, you might want to promote a discounted membership, a free trial session for new customers, or direct people to health and fitness content on your website.

Whatever you choose, your call-to-action should be prominent on your business card, leaving the reader in no doubt as to what they should do if they’re interested. For specific offers or digital content, a QR code can make it as fast and easy as possible for readers to take the next step.

What should your design look like?

As well as content, you also need to consider the overall look and design of your business card. This doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming, as most business card providers have online design tools, on which you can carefully construct your card’s design and then place your order immediately.

Things to consider in this area include:

Logo and colour scheme: if you have a logo for your company, and/or an overall look and feel across website, social media, clothing and equipment, make sure they are included

Slogan: a motivational line or a short description of your services can help you get your message across – the reverse side of your card can be ideal for this

Font: play around with different fonts to find something that complements your colour choice and stands out, but without being too difficult to read.

How much should you spend on personal trainer business cards?

The good news is that business cards can be very affordable, to the point that some companies are willing to print you a limited run of basic business cards for free. While this will help you on a small-scale, these free cards may not give you the design or material options you want.

The price of your business cards will vary, depending on how many you order, how quickly you need them delivered, and the quality of the printing and card material you choose. Standard options are generally available from less than £10 per 100 cards, rising up to more than £20 for more premium alternatives. You’ll also find that buying in larger quantities will normally bring these prices down by a reasonable amount.

Get personal trainer insurance with Protectivity

A good, memorable personal trainer business card is one of the most important jobs to tackle when you’re starting out with your business enterprise. Another is making sure you’re protected against unforeseen circumstances with comprehensive insurance cover.

At Protectivity, we have decades of experience covering personal training businesses big and small, and whether a new company or established enterprise. With our affordable and customisable policies, you can make sure you don’t end up out of pocket, thanks to Public Liability cover, Professional Indemnity, and £250 of free equipment cover. What’s more, our flexible payment plans mean you can get peace of mind without breaking your budget. Take a closer look at our insurance for personal trainers.

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09:40:41 GMT • 11 November 2024

How long does it take to get business insurance?

4 May 2023

•

6 mins read

Contributors

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

Gone are the days of meeting an insurance agent in person whenever you want to purchase a policy. Today, you can arrange your business insurance yourself either online or over the phone in less than an hour.

So how long does it take to get business insurance? The answer depends on the product and the type of business you run. With most insurers, you should be able to get a quote in as little as five minutes. Once you’ve decided to go ahead with your policy, you’ll need to give the insurer more information about yourself and your business, to ensure your policy covers you for what you need it to. That way, you’ll have the reassurance that your policy will cover you and your employees should the unexpected happen.

Here, we’ll explore the factors that affect how quickly you can get your business insured, the wait times for different types of coverage and how to speed up the process.

Factors that affect wait times for business insurance coverage

When it comes to your business, you’ll want to make sure it’s protected should the unexpected happen and you need some support. That’s why it’s important you get your business insurance as quickly as possible, to protect your livelihood and your employees.

There are several factors that can affect how long it takes to get your business insured, including:

Type of insurance coverage: The type of business insurance you require may take longer to be approved than others due to its specific nature. Here at Protectivity, we offer tailor-made insurance for different types of businesses, from hairdressing insurance to dog walking insurance. Certain types of insurance can take longer to get set up, such as Sports Business Insurance, whereby we need to complete a form and send it to our underwriters to approve first.
Size and complexity of the business: The larger or more complex your business, the more information you’ll need to provide, which can make the application process that bit longer.
Level of risk: When getting your quote, insurers will look at your annual turnover, as well as the number of employees you have, to determine your level of risk. The more you potentially have to lose, the longer it can take to arrange.
Availability of insurance providers: You may prefer a tailor-made approach to your insurance policy that suits the type of business you have. While these specialist niche insurance products can cover the ins and outs of your business, they may take longer to apply for. They can also be harder to find due to their limited availability. Here at Protectivity, we specialise in the niche insurance market, offering insurance for specific types of businesses to ensure you get personalised cover, tailored to your individual needs.

How to expedite the business insurance coverage process

If you’re looking to speed up the insurance application process, it’s a good idea to be prepared. Be sure to have your business’ details to hand to make the application as straightforward as possible. Insurers will usually need to know the nature of your business, the number of employees you have and your annual turnover.

It also helps to be clued up on what different insurance terms mean, and the different types of business insurance available beforehand. In the UK, it’s compulsory for all businesses to have employers’ liability insurance. You may also choose to take out public liability insurance to cover you for claims made against you by members of the public. While it’s not a legal requirement, it can help you to cover the legal fees and compensation costs if you or a member of your team accidentally causes injury to a member of the public, or damages their property. With this in mind, it’s important you know exactly what business insurance your company needs, to make the application process as straightforward as possible.

When getting business insurance, you’ll also want to feel confident that you’ve chosen a reputable and trusted provider. Be sure to investigate the insurer’s reputation and read reviews to get an idea of how likely they are to pay out in the event of a claim. Also, make sure you understand exactly what the insurer will cover you for and your policy limits. This can give you the reassurance that you can rely on your provider to pick up the pieces if disaster were to strike and you needed some support.

How soon can you get business insurance coverage?

Taking out business insurance shouldn’t be a long or complicated process. In fact, you should be able to have your insurance ready to go in no time, provided you have all the necessary documents to hand. Most insurance providers give you the option to get a quote online which should take around five minutes. The sooner you get your insurance, the sooner you’ll be protected should something go wrong. It’s also worth noting that having employers’ liability insurance in place is a legal requirement, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can fine you £2,500 for every day you’re unprotected. So it’s worth getting your insurance sorted as soon as possible.

Here at Protectivity, you can get an instant quote for most of our insurance policies. How long this process will take depends on the type of business insurance you require. For those purchasing Gym Insurance, you’ll need to fill out a form which helps us get to know you and your business a bit better, which can take between 30 and 45 minutes. If you need Sports Business Insurance, the process can take a bit longer as we’ll need to complete a form for you and send it to our underwriters. Once approved, they’ll return it back to us within 48 hours.

Get insured fast

Here at Protectivity, we pride ourselves on our quick and efficient service, so you can protect your business with ease. Request a quote for small business insurance with Protectivity and get the peace of mind you deserve.

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