Beginner’s Guide to Starting a Pottery Business in the United Kingdom

With there being new craft businesses that use technology, a pottery-based business seems refreshing and new. This craft is becoming in vogue, and people seem to like it. Starting a pottery business does not require you a huge capital. If you have the knowledge and skills in pottery, you can turn this hobby into a business.

Aside from selling your crafts online, you can display your unique products in a physical store. Moreover, you can approach retailers to sell your potteries. You will also need to consider pottery legal issues and how you can comply. Check out this guide to company registration in United Kingdom to find out.

 

What is a Pottery Business?

Pottery refers to the process of using clay and ceramic materials to form vessels and other products. High temperatures are used to be able to sustain the durable and hard form expected from these.

Keep on reading to learn how you turn your passion into a business and how to legally register your pottery business.

Research Target Market

In this type of industry, knowing the target market is crucial. You have to make sure that your pottery business is in demand. Through this, you will learn whether to produce large quantities or focus on a niche. Knowing your customer can help you set your pottery business apart from others and how to advertise your business.

Identify the Nature of the Pottery Business

Determining the nature of the pottery business gives you an idea of how to produce your chosen products. Do you prefer creating unique items or mass produce an item?

• Production Line: It is the development and production of large quantities but a limited range of products.
• Commercial: It is creating standard ranges of products that can be sold in craft shops or retail outlets.
• Craft Potter: It is more of producing unique products with diverse clays and forms. This can be displayed or sold in an exhibit.

List the Materials and Equipment Needed

The primary reason why you need to identify the nature of your pottery business is that you need to procure the materials and equipment. What you opt to use depends on the techniques and pieces you will create. Make sure to buy what you need first. Then you can gradually expand.

Find Reliable Suppliers

Potters depend on reliable suppliers. Creating pieces with quality materials can be a selling point. Furthermore, you would want to ensure the durability of your products. But you also need to make sure to look for various suppliers and compare their prices. This way, you won’t end up losing money.

Identify the Product Range

Choose amongst the crafts you want to make. The product range depends on your expertise and niche. Here are some of the pieces you can create.

• Kitchenware
• Ornaments
• Garden Pots
• Tiles

Learn How to Promote Your Business

Starting a pottery business does not solely rely on skills. You should also be out there promoting your business. Think about your edge in the competition. Ask yourself:

• How do you want to be known in the industry?
• How can you reach potential customers?
• Will you sell in an online platform or physical store?
• How will you expand and grow your business?

Answering these questions can help you curate a focused marketing strategy. You should also think about how you can gain and retain customers. This can be done by after-sales strategy and customer service. Also, you can ask for their referral.

Boost your brand visibility by utilizing social media. Keep your clients updated about new products and packages. Also, you can highlight your products through video and content marketing. This business is not only about producing high-quality pieces but tapping the right market with appropriate marketing.

Focus on Growth Opportunities

If you started this business as a side hustle, keep an eye on its potential. Think about how you can grow the business to widen your reach and create brand visibility. If there are potential investors or media that would like to support your craft, you can take advantage of it. Moreover, revisit and change your business plan according to the situation.

If you do not want to go through a long, let us know because 3CE accounting is here to help you with your company incorporation in United Kingdom.

 

How Much Does It Cost to Build a Pottery Business?

In building a pottery business, you need to equip yourself with techniques and skills. Also, you won’t need massive capital to start them. But you can focus on the following as a start-up company:

• Cost of Materials
• Craft Stall
• Marketing

Most importantly, learn how to negotiate with the suppliers and budget the marketing expenses. Remember starting a pottery business does not need to be too expensive.

 

Guide to Business Registration and Self-Assessment Tax Returns

When starting a business, you should also sort out the legal side. First things first, what will be the legal structure of the company? Most pottery businesses are managed by sole traders. But you have an option to set it up as a limited company.

Since you are a start-up company, you may opt to choose to run the business as a sole trader. You will need to deal with HMRC and register as self-employed to pay your taxes. Make sure to keep the documents so you can file and pay at the right time.

Insurance For Pottery Business

As a new business owner, you need to protect the business from any liability claims and property damage. Without business insurance, you can face legal claims that may be costly. Make sure to have business insurance that can cover your needs including:

• Public Liability Insurance
• Product Liability Insurance
• Stock Insurance
• Motor Insurance for Vehicles

 

Licenses and Permits

In the ceramics industry, most products are used in the kitchen and most likely come into contact with food, most especially pieces that will be used as kitchen wares. As such, when you want to start a pottery business, you must comply with the health and safety regulations in the UK. This is because there are harmful substances that can potentially harm the environment and its people. Moreover, the pottery industry involves potentially harmful procedures or methods to create pottery.

Having said that, the workshop should be safe and free from detrimental chemicals. Take note that there are no licensing requirements in craft pottery. But still, there are areas where legislation can affect your pottery business.

• Copyrights, Designs and Patents Act

• When venturing into the craft industry, you must be aware of how you can protect your original designs and work. Original work, including artistic craftsmanship, will be protected with a copyright through this act. You will need to register your original designs to the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO).

• Safe Kiln Operation

• You need to ensure that everyone working with a kiln is properly using it and is properly dressed. It must also be placed in the correct location to minimize hazards.

• Use of Protective Equipment
• Consumer Protection and Fair Trading Legislation & E-Commerce Policies (Customers’ Cancellation Rights and Email Privacy)

• When you want to enter the retail and e-commerce industry with your pottery business, you must familiarize yourself with the applicable legislation. As a business owner selling products, you have a legal responsibility to your would-be consumers. Additionally, there are sales requirements you need to follow.

• Environmental Legislation

• Depending on the nature of your pottery business, you may need a waste management licence for your operations.
• Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations

Another good thing to consider when starting your pottery business is getting insurance. Like any other business, you have to understand that the government regulates laws to protect the business, environment, owners, consumers, and employees. Since there are many regulations you have to consider, it would be helpful if you asked for advice from legal experts. Luckily, our business can cater for your concerns because we are a corporate service provider.

 

Let’s Build The Business Together

The pottery business is a great business to venture into if you have the knowledge and skills in this craft. This is the best way to turn your passion into a profitable business. However, it can be challenging due to business compliance and registration. There are a lot of things you need to consider in establishing this business. Don’t fret because we are here to guide and assist you.

Hopefully, the guide and tips above gave you an idea of how you can start your business. Starting is not easy, but you will learn the right business techniques along the way. If you find it hard to deal with the registration and legal requirements, 3E Accounting is glad to serve you. We will help you make your business happen and achieve your dreams. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have concerns or inquiries.