Working from home

[Liz65]

If I decide to give up my hairdressing shop and work from home, do I have to register/notify anyone apart from the taxman? Would I be able to take out public liability insurance if I wasn't registered? Many thanks.

[Buenchico]

If you'll be operating a mobile service (akin to the way that a plumber works) you probably don't need to notify anyone.

If you'll be inviting clients into your home, you might fall foul of any covenant on your property which forbids business use, or you might need planning permission. Further, if you're using part of your home for business purposes, the Valuation Agency (together with your local council) might require you to pay business rates (as well as council tax):
http://www.voa.gov.uk...d_business_rates.html

Chris

[buildersmate]

Yes, you should be able to take out public liability insurance in your own name as a self-employed person providing services.
For the reasons outlined above, you really don't want to be inviting customers to come to you - this is a good business venture idea but you really need to be visiting clients in their home.

[Skyline D]

The Hairdressing Council do specialist insurance.

I'd agree with the two above. Mobile hairdressing visiting your clients would be a much better idea than working from home for the reasons they already outlined.