Beginner’s Guide on Starting a Thatching Business in the United Kingdom
You must be crafty, skillfully experienced in physically challenging jobs enough to decide on starting a thatching business. In fact, having trade ideas you’re naturally qualified at is a sign of good trade business. Although coming up with a business structure is exciting, especially in a field you’re familiar with, note that there are several things you need to consider in company incorporation all the way from planning till the restrictions abide.
There are differences in the workflow as thatchers compared to managing the entire business of the skilled job. You are generally responsible for sourcing materials, documenting safety provisions, accounts, and transactions. This enables you to think outside the industry and connect the relevant core formations of thatched properties.
As a business owner, it’s essential to understand the prerequisites of starting a thatching business in the United Kingdom—from the internal constituents to the external factors. It sounds complicated, but you wouldn’t run out of options. Contact 3E Accounting to assist you in forming your company for a less hassle process and cost-efficient transaction at the same time.
What Is a Thatching Business?
It is undertaken yearly and mainly composed of individuals willing to work on heights and rough locations. This business lies in physical properties, constructing roofs with dry vegetation, and is prominent in tropical and temperate areas. Most thatching businesses flourish in rural settings, local villages, small towns, anywhere far from cities, and larger cities in the United Kingdom. Note that starting a thatching business requires abundant outdoor work and a team.
Although the practice of thatching has been traditional for decades, the industry has become quite extensive. Several types of buildings and establishments—churches, market places, parks, small constructions, shelters, and many more have required thatching methods. There have been innovations built. You could get references from architects and specialists.
Aside from the physical work and resources, thatching business considers materials that put up reputation and associations with wide-range projects. This includes trade organizers, advertisement materials, an extension of services, and special features, and expertise. For example, some clients favor synthetic thatching products over traditional straws or vice versa. So it’s important to foresee the preferences of your target area. Many thatchers grow their own materials for their own use; some buy from direct producers; others buy from outside countries through their dealers.
Why Thatching Business?
Thatched roofs are preferred for both residential and commercial properties. It’s a solid and durable material for long-lasting use, gatekeeping water inside the buildings and preventing seeping into the interiors. Most importantly, it keeps residences cool during summer and warm during winters. Hence, it is demanded constantly. Note that there are myths about thatched roofs that many people still fall for, so it’s important to inform and educate them about the advantages of installing their shelters with thatched roofs.
Thatching Business Registration Process
For the sake of validity and legal attainment of your business, your thatching company is required to follow the prerequisites in UK company registration. Here are the primary steps in registering your company—whether you’re a sole proprietor, in a limited company, or having partnerships.
- Come up with a business name and make sure it’s unique.
- Prepare all the necessary documents (records, finance, etc.) and fill up the registration form.
- Complete registration application process. It could be submitted via software or paper-based.
- Comply with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
- Comply with other legal obligations as an owner (insurance).
More documents and certifications would be required depending on the nature and specifics of starting a thatching business. If you want to ensure you wouldn’t face lapses along the registration process, you could seek assistance from 3E Accounting. We’re a team of professionals in this field that would guide you in forming your company. We offer wide-range services you could choose from to make the most out of your thatching business in the United Kingdom.
Licenses and Permits Needed in Starting a Thatching Business
Although there are no specific licenses or measures that thatchers should comply with, some activities that have restrictions may be patterned with the industry. Such implementations, including hazardous constructions, the listing of buildings, coordination of plans with the local authority, may be related to certain legislations. As per the lawDonut, in detailing the thatching business sector, you could obtain certifications from the following:
- Natural Resources Wales
- Northern Ireland Environment Agency
- Environment Agency in England
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) in Scotland
- (Adhere with the) Environmental Protection Act
There are instances that Building Regulations most likely cover your projects. Hence, they would inspect your process. Or, as an alternative, you could also join the National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) roofing schemes for automatic qualification. Note that there are exemptions in ancient infrastructures or domestic buildings and properties with historical value.
Contact your local council planning and health department for more information. In addition, it would be best if you would seek assistance from professionals in forming your company to ensure that your business ideals would come out victorious. Reach us out if you’re looking for a corporate service provider near me, and never skip a document in incorporating your thatching agency.
Safety Provisions & Reduction of Risks
All building and property roofing projects may come off as hazardous, especially during seasons where surfaces become more slippery or indisposed. You might want to update yourself with the compliances that should be imposed in your company.
- Work at Height Regulations (to both thatchers and owner)
- Use of proper protective clothing and equipment.
- Prepared first aid kit, electrical equipment.
- Track of (potential) incidents.
- Compliance with health, safety, and fire legislation.
Understand that there are natural and inevitable risks that might cause severe damage. Know that thatched roofs are more likely to catch fire than normal ones. But do not fret. It could be reduced by ensuring you follow precautions by addressing the leading causes of fire, primarily chimneys, flue temperatures, and sparked arrestors.
