Month: March 2025

Whether you’re stepping out into the world with your handmade craft products for the first time or if you’re a veteran craft business owner, obtaining the best insurance package can be time-consuming and may sound a little confusing. However, here at Craft Insurance, we aim to make the process as straightforward as possible, ensuring you get the best possible value for money and a creative enterprise insurance package tailored to your particular business needs.

In this blog, we will answer some general questions first and then take a look at the various policy options we offer. Our insurance is tailored towards crafters who live in the U.K., the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands. It is for individuals who sell at a few fairs or village hall events a year, through to craft clubs and registered businesses. You buy the policy and make any amendments with us. As we are a small family firm ourselves, you will not have to wait in a queue to speak to a call handler. Either Sam or Naomi are here to answer your calls or pick up your messages. Craft insurance has been running for a couple of generations and so we have amassed a broad knowledge of the various insurance needs of crafters over the decades. We always enjoy hearing of new enterprises or speaking to valued customers and we look forward to hearing from you.

One of the most frequently bought creative enterprise insurance packages is for public and product liability. These are not a legal requirement, but as they cover you for all those completely unforeseen mishaps, it is wise to consider them. Public liability insurance will cover you for any claim made by a member of the public for damage or injury to them or their property by a member of your staff or by yourself. An example of this could be someone slipping on the edge of a tablecloth at a craft fair. Product liability insurance covers you for any claim made against one of your products causing injury or harm. Even if you are not at fault, public and product liability insurance will cover your legal defence costs and any compensation required. Public liability insurance is good to have if you go out and about to sell, demonstrate or teach your craft, and product liability insurance covers you for selling online or in shops as well as at fairs. If you are planning on setting up a craft fair, it will not provide blanket insurance for this, but can be bought by the individual craft sellers who attend.

Another popular type of creative enterprise insurance is our business items cover. This covers for loss, theft of damage to items used in connection with your business. We also cover items used in connection with clubs. For example, this could be stock, raw materials or tools. It could also be finished products made by yourself or in your care. It can be items essential to your business but not directly involved in the making of craft products, eg desktop computers, video cameras, laptops or other media recording devices or accessories. We also cover equipment you would need at craft shows or fairs, eg electronic card readers. As with product and public liability insurance, business items cover is not a legal requirement but for items with a high monetary value or stock which has taken time and skill to produce, it is well worth considering. The quote is based on the items you wish to insure, which allows for good value as you are only paying for what you need.

Business items insurance also covers loss or theft of money in connection with your business up to £500, the cost of replacing locks or keys in order to keep a building safe up to £250 and loss related to cancellation, postponement or relocation of a craft fair or event at which you are pre booked within the UK or Ireland. Excess for any claim is £50.

While the above two insurance options, while advisable, are not a compulsory requirement, employers’ liability insurance is, in most cases, a legal requirement. This dates back to the Employers’ Liability (compulsory insurance) Act in 1969, and fines can be issued if it is not in place. So, whether you are a sole trader, a limited company or a club, if you employ anyone, even on a temporary basis, or open your doors to volunteers, you will need to check out the requirements for employers’s liability insurance. There is no excess on this and it covers you for claims of injury or illness made against you by employees of staff as a result of the work they do for you.

For those of you in the initial throws of turning your crafting hobby into a business, insurance can sound a little overwhelming. However, we can assure you that it is really quite straightforward. While you obviously need to get a couple of quotes, we here at Craft Insurance not only offer very competitive and tailor made packages for your creative enterprise insurance but because we are a family business ourselves you can email or phone us, and we will be here to answer your queries and talk you through the insurance needs for your specific business. This ensures you are not paying for something you don’t actually need.

We love hearing about the incredible business ideas and creative industries of our customers. So, to end this blog on the nuts and bolts of creative enterprise insurance, here’s a quick reminder to protect your crafting passion and productivity; make some space for your own creativity to be inspired and nurtured. Why not put a date in your diary to go for a ramble in the spring countryside, visit an art gallery or craft exhibition or simply sit with a mug of tea and watch the clouds. Enjoy!

The beginning of a new year always presents us with a good opportunity to reassess, recognise and celebrate our successes and change, stop or redirect those areas which are not working so well. For owners of crafting businesses, there are three natural pauses in the year in which we can do this. One is New Year at the start of January, one is the beginning of a new academic year following the summer holidays in September, and one is at the beginning of a new tax year in April.

This also coincides with the coming of spring, some warmer weather, longer, lighter days and a general sense of fresh hope. You may have a tried and tested system in place already for giving your business a general health check, but if not, here are our suggestions for what to include in this valuable process.

Just as starting our mornings well begins the night before with some careful preparation, so beginning a new tax year well begins with finishing the last one on time with all tax deadlines met, accounts submitted and records in order. Make sure you have chased unpaid invoices and filed your business expenses, supplier invoices and bank statements. If you are VAT-registered, check that your records are up to date to reclaim VAT. Once all this is done, whatever your accounts look like, celebrate the end of a year of hard work.

The process of doing all the above may have thrown up some glitches in your administration.

Financial administration is generally not a favourite task, and some of us find working with numbers and organising our financial affairs harder than others. Take a look at your system for storing and collecting all the information you need at the end of a tax year. Could you improve it in any way? It might be worth looking at some accounting or bookkeeping software options or even hiring a bookkeeper or accountant if your business turnover allows for this. Are there any habits you could adopt to ensure that your paperwork is filed as soon as you send or receive it to save scrabbling for invoices, receipts, etc at the end of the year?

Another area to review at the end of one financial year and the beginning of the next is your overall budgeting. Have you kept to budget? What has been more costly than anticipated? Can you make savings anywhere? The current financial climate is tough and continues to be unpredictable, which makes budgeting especially challenging.

With utilities rising, might you be able to get a better deal with another provider? Take a look at your raw materials. Where are you sourcing them, and is there a more cost-effective way of procuring what you need? Depending on the raw materials you need, it might be worth looking at resources such as Scrap Stores or rummaging through a few charity shops for textiles.

Another saving you could make is in your crafter’s liability cover. You may have been using a provider for some time, but it is always a good idea to shop around. As a small family business ourselves, we understand the need to find value for money and offer very competitive crafters’ liability cover. We listen to your unique business requirements and will find a package, usually including both product and public liability insurance, which is tailored to your needs. You are therefore only paying for the crafter’s liability cover which you require, and not for anything you don’t. We also communicate directly with our customers… no anonymous call centres…saving you time as well. So, pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be here to give you a customised quote for crafters liability cover. We look forward to hearing about your business!

April is also a good time of year to review your business plan, set new goals and adjust existing ones. Review what ranges have sold best. Look at the times of year when your sales have soared or slumped. Can you do anything to address this? If you sell at shows and markets, which ones have been the most profitable? If you have done well at face-to-face events, consider booking yourself into some more for the coming year. Are there specific days or seasons which you have not as yet focused on? As well as Christmas and Easter, we have Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day and Harvest Festival amongst others. We also have four quite different seasons and each one offers an opportunity for a different range of products…are there new ways you could adapt your products to reflect these and thus increase sales?

Alongside planning your product range for the coming year, it is also essential to review and plan your marketing and promotional strategy. If you have a website, what are your stats like? What can you learn from these? Use this information to plan your promotions for the year ahead. How about your social media advertising? Is your platform growing in the way you’d like it to? Take some time to look at comparative sites and platforms and think through any tweaks you can make or additions you can include to your marketing strategy.

Remember that your time is a cost to your business; if there are any practical changes you can make to your workspace which reduce time spent carrying out mundane tasks, then this too will save you money. How efficient is your packaging process? Is everything required for postage kept in one place? Similarly, is everything required for craft fairs kept in one place? It could be worth investing in storage boxes or units to enable a streamlined approach to such practicalities.

Finally, get creative! Once all the above are done, allow yourself some time to be inspired and devise your next range of beautifully crafted, locally made and wonderfully unique products to bring delight and joy to your customers!

What might a perfect Mother’s Day look like? Maybe it’s an afternoon ramble in the countryside bathed in sunshine, surrounded by brightly coloured spring flowers, blowsy magnolia and delicate apple blossom, rounding up with tea and a generous slice of cake all in the company of a brood of well-behaved children. Or maybe it would be a trip to an art gallery or exhibition with lunch at a trendy cafe. Many mums of small children will happily settle for some sticky, jammy toast and weak tea enthusiastically made by small hands in the morning and an undisturbed bubble bath in the evening. Mums of teens may well feel that a whole day without any arguments would be a blissful win. Mothers of adult children may await with barely suppressed excitement a visit home from said young adults and grandmothers might anticipate a phone call from the parents of their grandchildren.  

While these are all snapshots of motherhood, we also acknowledge that Mother’s Day can be bittersweet for many, and downright painful for some. It can be a difficult day for those who have lost dearly loved mothers, for children who are adopted or in foster care, or for those who are far away from their families and would love a hug from mum.  Mothers hold a special place in the hearts of most of us.  

Despite, or maybe in some way because of, the deep pain which can be a part of motherhood, mothers play a central, if often undervalued, role in every society. They not only provide food, clothing and a taxi service to their children, but they also create a home, a place of safety and security in an unsure world, offer words of wisdom born from years of experience and are there to comfort when life hurts. They model kindness, integrity and hard work. They open windows to art, to music and to good stories. They celebrate every day wins as well as birthdays, yearly festivities and just being together. Alongside dads, they are nurturing and shaping the future of our nation as they raise the next generation.  

Mother’s Day is, therefore, much more than another event to sell mass-produced products; it’s an opportunity to honour and appreciate all that our mums do and give. And what better way to do this, than with a beautifully made hand-crafted gift? Each of our families is completely unique, each mothering journey will be completely different, and so a uniquely hand-crafted gift is especially poignant. For crafters, this is an opportunity not only to sell your stunning creations but also to know that they will be given with a message of love and appreciation and often cherished for years. 

Whatever theme you choose for your Mother’s Day range, pampering needs to be paramount. Mothers generally buy for themselves last, and so this is an ideal opportunity to give something which is a treat, which is not strictly essential and which will bring with it a feeling of being special, loved and valued. Bath products fall easily into this category, as do candles. Maybe you could gather together some pamper baskets or boxes, with attractively packaged luxury bath items for that ultimate, indulgent soak in the bath. Hand-knitted socks or blankets, made with deliciously soft lambs or Alpaca wool are also guaranteed to make a mother feel spoilt every time she slips on the socks or wraps herself up in a cosy blanket. 

Individualised jewellery will always lend itself to a perfect Mother’s Day gift. Whether it be a necklace, bracelet, brooch or earrings, it will be completely unique and treasured for years to come. There will be a demand for cards too; dried flowers are an especially good choice for this occasion, with maybe a bookmark to match. 

As well as providing well-made, unique products which are both environmentally and ethically sound, small craft businesses have the flexibility to offer bespoke products. Ceramic mugs with mum’s name, plates, cushions or pictures which include the names of her children, or for a granny maybe a piece of artwork with includes the birth flowers of each of her children and grandchildren. Let your imagination loose! 

With a full stock of individualised gifts, you will be needing to look into some custom goods liability insurance. Custom goods liability insurance will generally include both product and public liability insurance. These basically cover you for any claim made against either you or your products, even if it is not your fault. This insurance will cover legal costs or compensation required. Custom goods liability insurance is not a legal requirement but it does protect you from those accidents which are completely unforeseeable and therefore which no number of risk assessments can prevent. As a family firm ourselves we communicate directly with our customers and will talk you through the best insurance package for your unique business. We always love to hear about your amazing craft businesses, so pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be here to talk with you.  

As we approach Mother’s Day, crafters play a special role, helping people show their mothers how much they are appreciated, by providing those carefully chosen, unique, hand-crafted gifts. No need for a rush to the garage for a bunch of flowers when there is an abundance of stunningly crafted gifts made by local crafters at hand!  

A look at some of the fascinating traditions from yesteryear that have influenced life on our shores – and how they could inspire arts and crafts today. Some of these pieces could even be more saleable online to overseas markets as they depict a piece of little old England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland! 

Spring – Possibly the Most Inspirational Season of the Year!  

Spring is a time of renewal, bursting with vibrant colours, fresh ideas, and centuries-old traditions that continue to inspire creative professionals. With hedgerows in bloom and wildflowers painting the countryside, it’s easy to see why artists, writers, and crafters alike find this season their muse. Whether through painting floral landscapes, crafting seasonal decorations, or designing traditional folk art, spring customs provide endless artistic inspiration. 

St David’s Day – Crafting the Welsh Spirit 

In Wales, spring officially begins on March 1st with St David’s Day, celebrating the nation’s patron saint. While English poetry has immortalised the beauty of daffodils, the Welsh prefer to wear them! Cities such as Cardiff and Swansea host parades where people proudly display daffodils and leeks. For craft enthusiasts, this is a great time to create St David’s Day-inspired decorations – hand-painted daffodil motifs, embroidered Welsh dragon banners, or even handmade traditional Welsh dress replicas for dolls and figurines. 

Shrove Tuesday – Pancakes and Paper Crafts 

Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day, is another spring festivity with deep-rooted traditions. Originally marking the start of Lent, it was a way to use up rich ingredients before the fasting period. Beyond the delicious pancakes, this day is a source of fun craft ideas! Illustrated recipe cards, or decorative aprons featuring traditional English folk art. Pancake races, like the famous one in Buckinghamshire dating back to 1445, can even inspire whimsical illustrated prints or handmade greeting cards. 

St Patrick’s Day – Celebrating Through Craft 

On March 17th, the UK turns green in celebration of St Patrick’s Day, and in Northern Ireland, in honour of their patron saint, everyone enjoys a bank holiday. While the parades and Guinness are a staple, this tradition also provides creative professionals with a wealth of crafting opportunities. From shamrock-themed jewellery and Celtic knot embroidery to hand-painted wooden signs with Irish blessings, there are countless ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day through arts and crafts.  

April Fool’s Day – Playful Crafts and Practical Jokes 

April begins with a day of laughter and fun. The origins of April Fool’s Day are unclear, but it has been observed for centuries. This playful tradition is perfect for novelty craft ideas—think handmade prank gifts, joke greeting cards, or even DIY trickster toys. If you create humorous or novelty crafts professionally, having creative professional insurance ensures that your work is covered, even if your customers laugh at their own expense! 

Easter – A Time for Traditional and Modern Crafts 

Easter is the most significant Christian celebration, bringing with it a rich history of arts and crafts. Before chocolate eggs became widespread, real eggs were decorated and exchanged as gifts. Today, Easter-inspired crafts include: 

• Hand-painted wooden eggs in folk art designs 
• Embroidered or appliqué Easter banners 
• DIY Easter bonnets for parades 
• Handmade wreaths featuring spring flowers like tulips and daffodils 

For those selling Easter-themed crafts, creative professional insurance is essential to protect against unforeseen issues such as lost stock or event cancellations. 

St George’s Day – Traditional English Craft Inspiration 

On April 23rd, England celebrates St George’s Day, honouring its patron saint. This day is rich in medieval heritage, making it a fantastic inspiration for historical crafts. From hand-forged dragon sculptures to illuminated manuscript-style calligraphy, the creative possibilities are endless. And if you intend to take your Anglo-Saxon-inspired creations and join the ranks of craft vendors at fairs you’ll require creative professional insurance to safeguard your unique handmade goods. 

May Day – Maypoles and Handmade Flower Crowns 

May Day on May 1st is a joyous celebration of spring, known for its maypole dances and floral displays. Traditional crafts associated with this festivity include: 

• Handmade flower crowns and garlands 
• Painted maypole-themed pottery 
• Folk-style wood carvings depicting dancers and greenery 

Whether selling online or at local fairs, artisans should consider creative professional insurance to protect their work and business investments during the busy festival season. 

Cooper’s Hill Cheese Rolling – The Quirkiest of Traditions 

One of the UK’s most eccentric spring events is Gloucestershire’s Cheese Rolling, held on the last Monday in May. While the race itself might not be craft-related, it inspires countless quirky artworks, from illustrated prints of tumbling racers to cheese-shaped pottery. This event is a testament to Britain’s love of the unusual – and a great source of inspiration for humorous or themed craft pieces. 

Crafting Through Spring – Protecting Your Creativity 

Spring traditions continue to inspire the UK’s thriving arts and crafts scene. Whether you’re a painter capturing the beauty of daffodils, a textile artist embroidering Celtic patterns, or a woodworker carving maypole figures, these customs offer endless creative possibilities. 

For those turning their creativity into a business, protecting your work with creative professional insurance ensures that your craft is safeguarded against unexpected setbacks, allowing you to focus on bringing tradition to life through artistry. 

Looking to secure your craft business? Explore our creative professional insurance options today and keep your passion protected through every season!