HOW DO I START UP A DECORATING BUSINESS?

Dear Biz

I’ve recently renovated my own home from scratch to something I’m really proud of.

I have learned a lot of skills along the way and I’ve realised I’d enjoy doing odd jobs and decorating as a fulltime business, but I don’t know where to start.

Any advice?

Shaun Ramble, by email

Biz replies

It’s good to go into something you enjoy, although you need to think about exactly what you are going to offer and whether people will employ someone without a few years’ experience or qualifications.

You need to be aware that you cannot carry out electrical or gas work without the right qualifications.

Maybe you should start off part-time and take on a few jobs so you can create a portfolio of work to show people and get some recommendations from satisfied customers? You could dip your toes in and work out which direction you might head in with this.

And maybe look at studying for some skills in a particular area, so you know the latest techniques.

Finally, you should take out public liability insurance to protect you against the risk of compensation claims or legal action from clients or members of the public, because you will be working in other people’s properties.