Advice Needed Please

[jack daniels]

I'm a home help that has been working for an agency but have decided to go solo. so that the client has the service for cheaper rather then paying on top for the agents fee. I know I need to take out insurance, I need to have an invoice, terms of agreement. I already have a valid DBS (CRB) certificate. I am self employed already. I know I need to open a bank account for the business only. I will be getting leaflets printed for myself to advertise. Can someone give me some advice of what else I should be doing please. TIA

[AuntPollyGrey]

You don't need to open a business account. It may be easier to keep records but its not necessary. You will probably need liability insurance which can be bought quite cheaply ( around £80 for up to one million in cover. ) Use Facebook to advertise on local pages, in my experience leaflets are a total waste of money. Beware the agency does not come down on you for 'pinching' their clients, they could sue you.

[Maydup]

I think leaflets might be useful for the client base you're looking to reach, and along with an advert in the local church and community magazines. You dont need it, but a First Aid qualification would be a useful selling point and a business name might indicate a professional attitude. You dont need to register the business name unless you wish to, but you'd be wise to check that another of that name doesnt already exist.

[hc4361]

You will need to insure your car for business use if it isn't already

[rockyracoon]

If you’re going solo, do you have a back up plan incase you are unwell or unable to get to your clients.

[jack daniels]

Thank you for your replies, there's some very useful advice. I've advertised on Facebook but got nothing, so trying this way. I am going for a customer base that my agency doesn't cover so hopefully ok. Fortunately I got the leaflets done very reasonably compared to other printers. I'd be grateful for anything else. TIA

[pixie374]

Register your company, if you haven't already and find an accountant for year-end, if you want one.
My sister and I did exactly the same. Word-of-mouth has been how we have got every single client. For the company to sue you, they will have to prove they have suffered severe financial damage... and if it is just you- they are very unlikely to bother.
You don't legally even need to be insured... although we are and I would recommend it anyway.
Good luck to you xx

[Pete65]

Have you considered advertising on Gumtree?

[pixie374]

You also need to print out sheets for the essential information, daily log sheets (you need to keep those for 6/7 years), invoice blanks and medication sheets xx

[jack daniels]

thanks pixie, I have a limited area I can cover so can't advertise on Gumtree but thanks x