Category: Insurance

Our job here at Craft insurance is very varied; one of the parts we love the most is hearing about all your innovative and creative businesses, and one of the most frequently asked questions is “How much does public liability insurance cost?” It is of course, impossible to answer straight away, as it will depend on your unique business and all the variables around that, but we can walk you through it on a phone call or, if you prefer, you can fill in the form on our website to get a quote for public liability insurance cost for your business.  

Most crafters discover their need for public liability insurance the first time they try their hand selling at craft fairs, farmers markets or other in person events, as the organiser will often ask that you have it in place. This might be the first time you have had to consider any kind of insurance. It can feel a little overwhelming, just one extra thing to add to your already overflowing ‘to do’ list, but we can assure you that it only takes a phone call or an email, if you prefer.  

So, what is public liability insurance and what are you getting for your hard-earned cash? It covers you for any claims made that you or a member of your team (which can include a volunteer at a fair or market) have caused harm or damage to a member of the public or their property. A classic example would be a slip or trip hazard, someone stumbling over an extension cable or storage box and twisting their ankle. While you will no doubt complete any necessary risk assessments and employ a good slice of common sense, public liability insurance is all about protecting you for those completely unforeseeable and unavoidable occurrences.  

We call this one our sleep easy insurance, in that once it is in place you can simply forget about it and put your time, energy and creativity into growing your standout business. For this to be the case, you need to be sure that what you are paying, your public liability insurance cost, covers you for what it says it will, if the need arises. You are wise to compare companies, and in doing so you will find that our public liability insurance cost may not be the cheapest. This is deliberate, in that we are determined to ensure that you get what you pay for; cover for any indoor or outdoor event, flexibility and the assurance that there are no nasty surprises if you should have to make a claim. 

In addition, as a family run business with decades of experience of working within the craft insurance arena, we can give advice from storehouses of experience as well as up-to-date training. We do not use call handlers, so there are no long queues or anonymous messages. Either Sam or Naomi are here to talk you through what is the best choice for your unique business. Or, if you prefer, we are here to pick up and reply to your individual messages. We can even walk you through the process of getting a quote through our website and then securing the insurance you need whilst you are on a call. This is something we have done for many clients who needed public liability insurance for the first time.  

So, once you have your public liability insurance in place, what else do you need to do to prepare for a successful time at a craft fair? You obviously need to have built up enough stock. It is always a bit of a gamble as to what products to take and how many of them. A little research beforehand always helps. If it is an event where there will be lots of families, you might go for some more budget friendly merchandise and even some pocket money items. If you are going to an evening event with a touch of glamour and flair, stock up on products at the higher end of your range, as gifts or as a pamper purchase. 

You will also need to think about packaging. Is there some way you can customise your packaging, tying it in with the colour theme or logo of your branding? Have a stack of business cards at the ready, to slip in with each purchase. Alongside this, it is worth considering how you can make your stall stand out from all the others, who will also no doubt be selling beautiful handmade products too! If you will be selling at a sizable number of fairs, you could invest in a custom designed transportable banner to set up behind your table. This captures people’s attention and is also an effective way to convey the essentials of your business. Or, for less financial outlay, a tablecloth in your brand colours and some shelves to add height to your stand are also attention grabbing.  

You will need to work out how to receive digital payment, as well as having a cash box with spare change. And you will need to find a way to transfer all your stock plus selling essentials from your vehicle to the stand. It could be a small trolley might be the answer, and/or someone to help! On that note, it can be a long day, and you will need a break every so often, so it is often helpful to have a friend or family member come along with you. You can both sell during the busy times and cover each other for the much-needed comfort breaks, as well as share the mercy dashes for coffee! 

If you have not dipped your feet into the world of craft fairs and markets, we hope this has given you a flavour. They are wonderful places not only to sell your gorgeous products, but also to connect with other crafters, to glean some of latest ideas and to be inspired. As you begin to do them regularly, you will find you build up friendships as you see ‘old’ faces come back each year and make new acquaintances along the way. There is often a deep sense of camaraderie, so book yourself in, pack up some gorgeously tempting stock and enjoy all the fun of the fair! 

Did you know that the area of our brain which recognises fragrance is right next door to the part which is responsible for memory? That’s why smell can be so evocative. Have you ever had the experience of catching a whiff of an aroma, followed by some vivid childhood memories flooding back? Maybe the smell of the cleaning products used at your primary school or perfume worn by your grandmother. These might bring back memories from the distant past, but fragrance can also have associations with more recent events. For example, the smell of pine needles may immediately bring to mind, the anticipation and excitement of Christmas, the scent of vintage roses could evoke memories of long, balmy summer evenings gathered outside with friends, and the tempting smell of baking cookies could enfold you in a homely glow as you recall chats over the kitchen table with a good friend.  

This strong ability fragrance has to evoke memories and emotions within us is maybe one of the reasons why wax melts have become so popular. However, their rise in popularity has been meteoric, so there must be other reasons for this too. We’ll consider a few of them, before we then look at how to ensure you have the best insurance for wax melts in place. 

Wax melts are very affordable, which in periods of economic squeezing for many make them a budget friendly treat. As times become more difficult in numerous ways, it is arguably even more important to endeavour to create a sense of beauty and peace in our homes. This could appear an impossible task and come way down the list as we juggle work demands, family pressures and all the everyday minutiae which need to be done to keep body and soul together, but the act of lighting a candle or warming up a wax melt to fill our homes with a beautiful fragrance is neither time consuming nor expensive and will immediately lift the atmosphere.  

Wax melts are also safer than traditional candles, a consideration for homes with young children or pets. They can be placed on a low wattage electric plate or on a ceramic wax burner, lit by a tea light. The former does not require any flame at all, and although the latter does use a flame, a tea light is more stable and does not have a naked flame in the way a table candle does. Wax burners can themselves be beautiful objects and be part of the aesthetic of the room. Maybe you could consider teaming up with a potter and selling locally hand-crafted burners alongside your locally made melts.  

Another advantage of wax melts is their versatility. You can swap melts easily and even have fun by experimenting with mixing fragrances. If the melt is coming to its end, you can simply pop another one in and revitalise the fragrance. They tend to ‘throw’ their scent further than a traditional candle, and with no wick, they burn evenly and with no wastage.  

Most hand-crafted wax melts will have good eco credentials, using natural essential oils and sustainability sourced ingredients. Do make sure that you promote these well on all your advertising. It may seem like a commonsense choice to you, but to your customers it could be a winning buying pull. 

As you make and use wax melts, you will be introduced to the wonderful and intriguing world of scent profiles and notes (top, middle and base). You will get to know what scents fit best in different rooms of a house, on different occasions and at different times of day. You will even discover how scents can usher in a particular atmosphere or help create a certain vibe. For example, good scents to use in the morning to invigorate and revitalise, would be zesty ones like bergamot or rosemary. If you’re looking for a fragrance with a calming overtone for the evening, you could try relaxing ones like cedar wood or lavender. 

For occasions when you’re aiming to create a sense of warmth, calm and rest, then vanilla or chamomile could be good to try, and if you’re looking to wake everyone up and inspire work and creativity, then a crisp citrus, mint of eucalyptus might be just the thing.  

When you’re planning your recipes for the year ahead, don’t forget to include some seasonal melts. You could create some specially shaped and packaged melts for the season; gingerbread men, Christmas trees or candy canes for Christmas; red and orange leaves and pumpkins for autumn; colourful flowers or fun seashells for summer. Teamed up with cinnamon, pumpkin spice or a fresh floral fragrance, these will be winners both for gifts or for an affordable treat for your hard-working customers.  

Once you have come up with your range of tempting melts, you will need to check that you have the appropriate insurance for wax melts. If you’re just starting out, the two bread and butter insurances for selling are product and public liability. Product liability insurance applies to sales online or in person and covers you for any claims made that your product has caused harm or damage. Public liability insurance covers you for in person sales, for example at a craft fair, if a claim is made that either you or a member of your team has caused harm or damage to the member of the public or their property eg a slip or trip hazard. Even if it is not your fault, the insurance will cover you for any compensation owed and legal costs; we call it our ‘sleep easy’ insurance in that it allows you to forget about potential ‘what ifs’ and concentrate on creating beautiful products and building your business. So, check out our website and get in contact either by phone or via the contact form and either Sam or Naomi will be here to talk you through insurance for wax melts. We look forward to hearing about your business! 

One of the best things about crafting is that anyone with a passion for creating can get paid for it—and make genuine friendships along the way—thanks to craft fairs. There’s something uniquely rewarding about turning a hobby into an income stream while connecting with like-minded people who appreciate the time, skill and love you pour into your handmade items.

Creating what you love

At the heart of every successful craft business is passion. Obviously, there has to be some focus on profitability, but seasoned crafters consistently say the same thing: create the things you love first. When you genuinely care about what you’re making, that enthusiasm becomes tangible. Customers can sense it when they pick up your work—it’s built into the product.

Your passion leads you to create handmade pieces whose raw materials may require a significant investment of finances, time, and skill. The result is a range of truly original pieces that will draw attention to their beauty and workmanship—things that visitors to craft fairs are looking for. Items that they couldn’t easily make themselves. And this is where your individuality and your passion are your biggest strengths.

Many crafters use their ingenuity to combine passion and practicality. Upcycling is a brilliant example of this. By transforming old or discarded materials into something new, you can create unique, conversation-starting pieces and also keep costs low and profit margins higher. Think braided rugs made from old clothing, jewellery crafted from repurposed materials like bottles, or furniture given a second life with creative finishes. These items often stand out at a craft fair precisely because they’re one-of-a-kind.

How to prepare for a craft fair

Before attending a craft fair, preparation is everything. Start by thinking carefully about what to take with you, especially in the early days when you’re still learning what sells. Bring a range of products and experiment with different styles, colours, and materials.

Equally important is offering a range of price points. Larger, higher-value items—such as original paintings or intricate handmade pieces—can act as showstoppers that draw people in. But pairing these with smaller, more affordable options like prints or mini versions allows customers to make impulse purchases. Not everyone can spend £100 or more, but many are happy to spend £10–£30 on something special.

Understanding your audience is another crucial step. Who are you selling to? What are they looking for? Many visitors are drawn to practical, high-quality items they can use in everyday life, while others are searching for meaningful gifts or locally inspired keepsakes. Whatever your niche, make sure the quality of your work is immediately evident—this builds trust and justifies your pricing.

Finally, don’t overlook the practicalities. Having the right cover in place, such as one-off craft fair insurance, ensures you’re protected for unexpected situations. It’s a small but essential part of preparing for a professional selling environment.

How to stand out from the crowd

Once you’re at the fair, presentation can make all the difference. A well-thought-out display doesn’t just showcase your products—it invites people in. Use height and vertical space to create visual interest. Eye-level displays, raised platforms, and layered arrangements help your stall stand out in a busy room.

Avoid simply laying items flat on a table. Instead, create a display that tells a story about your work. Clear pricing is also essential. Many potential customers won’t ask for a price if it’s not visible, so make it easy for them by labelling everything clearly and indicating accepted payment methods.

Demonstrating your craft can be a powerful selling tool. Whether you’re painting, weaving, carving, or assembling jewellery, showing your process adds value in the eyes of the customer. It transforms your stall from a shop into an experience—and that experience often leads to sales.

Pricing and other important things to consider…

One of the biggest challenges for crafters is pricing. It can be tempting to lower prices to attract more buyers, but this often has the opposite effect. Low prices can signal lower quality and undervalue your time. Have the confidence to price your work to reflect the skill, effort and materials involved.

At the same time, offering a selection of lower-priced items does help attract a broader audience. These smaller purchases can add up quickly and often introduce new customers to your work.

Customer interaction is another area where confidence matters. Being friendly, approachable, and positive can significantly enhance the buying experience. Even if a fair is slow, maintaining an upbeat attitude encourages people to engage with you and your products.

It’s also worth remembering that not everything will sell immediately. Use each event as a learning experience. Over time, you’ll start to see patterns in what customers respond to, allowing you to refine your product range. And if certain items consistently don’t sell, it may be time to replace them with something new.

Throughout all of this, protecting your business remains essential. Investing in one-off craft fair insurance gives you peace of mind, allowing you to focus on what you do best, i.e. creating and selling your work.

Taking the next step

Craft fairs offer far more than just a selling opportunity. They’re a space to connect, learn and grow as a maker. From chatting with neighbouring sellers to discovering new techniques and trends, every event contributes to your journey.

If you’re considering taking part in a craft fair, now is the perfect time to start. Focus on creating products you’re proud of, presenting them with care, and engaging warmly with your customers. Don’t forget the practical essentials, including one-off craft fair insurance, to ensure you’re fully prepared. It’s easier to set up than you might think, so please give us a ring, and either Sam or Naomi will be happy to take your call.

Ultimately, crafting isn’t just about making things—it’s about sharing a piece of yourself with others. And there’s nothing more rewarding than seeing that connection come to life across a busy craft fair stall.

Creativity often begins quietly. A new idea arrives while you’re walking outside, sketching at the kitchen table, or experimenting with a material you’ve never used before. For many makers, the shift from winter to spring brings that feeling of renewed inspiration. As the days grow longer and colour returns to the landscape, creativity seems to wake up again. 

Interestingly, March has long been associated with creative brilliance. Several remarkable artists and musicians were born during this month, including Michelangelo and Vincent van Gogh. Looking back at their lives reminds us that creativity rarely follows a straightforward path. Inspiration comes from unexpected places, and the journey behind great work often involves both opportunity and challenge. 

Michelangelo was born on 6 March 1475 in Caprese, Italy. During his early childhood his mother was unwell, and he spent time living with a family of stone cutters. Some historians believe this early exposure to stone may have sparked his lifelong fascination with sculpture. Whatever the cause, by the age of thirteen he had already begun an apprenticeship with a master artist, learning the skills of fresco painting and figure drawing. 

His talent quickly became evident. Not long afterwards, Michelangelo was invited to live and study within the palace of the powerful Medici family in Florence. There he was surrounded by gardens filled with classical sculptures, scholars discussing philosophy, and artists exchanging ideas. It was an environment that nurtured creativity and helped shape his extraordinary artistic vision. 

Despite periods of political upheaval and personal uncertainty, Michelangelo continued to produce works that are still admired centuries later. Among his most famous sculptures are the Pietà and the towering statue of David. Later, he was commissioned by the Pope to paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. What began as a daunting challenge became one of the most celebrated artistic achievements in history, with more than three hundred figures illustrating dramatic scenes from the Bible. 

Michelangelo lived a long and productive life, continuing his work through the reign of several Popes and during times of significant political change. His dedication to his craft never faded, and he remained active well into old age, eventually passing away at the age of eighty-eight. 

The life of Vincent van Gogh tells a very different story. Born on 30 March 1853 in a small village in the Netherlands, he grew up in a household where creativity and observation of nature were encouraged. His father was a minister, while his mother enjoyed watercolour painting and had a deep interest in plants and the natural world. 

As a young man, van Gogh worked as an art dealer and travelled widely across Europe. He spoke several languages and spent time studying great Dutch masters. Eventually he moved to Paris, where he encountered the vibrant colours and experimental styles of the Impressionist painters. The experience opened his eyes to new artistic possibilities and influenced the distinctive style for which he is known today. 

Yet despite the creative excitement of Paris, van Gogh struggled with fragile mental health. Seeking a quieter life, he moved to the countryside of Provence in southern France. The bright sunlight, fields of wheat, olive groves and star-filled skies inspired some of his most iconic works. 

Although he experienced moments of happiness and artistic energy, his internal struggles continued. He spent time in a sanatorium where, even while receiving treatment, he painted intensely. Later he moved closer to his brother Theo, who had always supported him. Tragically, van Gogh died at the age of just thirty-seven. 

These two stories are strikingly different, yet they share an important truth. Creativity is shaped by circumstances, places and the people around us. Support, opportunity and environment all play a role in helping creative ideas flourish. 

For modern craft makers, the same principles apply. Inspiration often grows from the world around us — the colours of blossom in spring, the textures of bark and stone, or the simple pleasure of seeing nature come back to life after winter. After months of grey skies and shorter days, many people feel ready to refresh their creative energy. 

Taking time to pause and recharge can make a real difference. A walk in the countryside, a quiet afternoon experimenting with materials, or even a day away from routine responsibilities can help refill the creative tank. Our bodies and minds were never designed to run continuously without rest, and creativity thrives when we allow space for new ideas to emerge. 

Once inspiration returns, many makers find themselves full of new plans. You may be thinking about launching a product range, booking craft fairs, attending workshops, or expanding your small creative business. At that stage, creativity begins to intersect with something else: responsibility. 

Selling handmade products, demonstrating techniques or teaching others can all involve unexpected risks. A stall at a craft market, attending a workshop in a village hall, or even selling items online may require protection in case something goes wrong. That’s when many craft businesses begin to consider craft cover. 

Having the right craft cover in place helps protect both you and your business. A typical craft cover policy includes public liability insurance and product liability insurance, which provide protection if an accident occurs while you are selling or demonstrating your work. These are often essential if you plan to attend markets, fairs or exhibitions. 

Depending on how your business operates, your craft cover can also include additional protection such as employer’s liability insurance, selected business items cover for equipment, and professional indemnity insurance if you teach or provide advice. With comprehensive craft cover, you can confidently run your craft business knowing that unexpected events won’t derail your hard work. 

Of course, many makers initially feel uncertain about arranging insurance. Craft businesses often begin as small ventures — sometimes at the kitchen table or in a spare room — so it can be difficult to know what type of cover is necessary. 

The good news is that craft cover is designed specifically for creative businesses. Policies are flexible and can be tailored to suit the way you work, whether you sell online, attend markets or demonstrate your craft. Having the right craft cover means you can focus on creativity rather than worrying about potential risks. 

At Craft Insurance, we understand the world of creative businesses because we work closely with makers every day. As a family-run company, we believe in personal service and clear communication. When you get in touch, you’ll speak directly with someone who understands craft businesses and can help you find the right craft cover for your specific needs. 

So as spring unfolds and creativity begins to bloom again, take a moment to look after your business as well as your inspiration. Visit our website to explore your craft cover options, or get in touch for a friendly conversation about the protection that’s right for you. 

With the right support in place, you can concentrate on what truly matters — creating, sharing and growing your craft business with confidence. 

Why now is the perfect time to review your workshop insurance 

If you live in the countryside – or even if you’ve simply stepped outside lately – you’ll probably have noticed something wonderful happening. After what felt like an endless stretch of grey skies and rain throughout January and February, spring has finally arrived. Daffodils are popping up, the days feel brighter, and people everywhere seem to be emerging from winter hibernation with a smile. 

March has a way of doing that. It feels like a fresh start – a moment to stretch your legs, shake off the winter chill, and get moving again. In fact, that feeling isn’t just in our imaginations. Historically speaking, March really was the start of the year. 

A fresh start in the Roman style 

Back in 758 BCE, the Roman calendar actually began in March. Known then as Martius, it was the first month of a ten-month calendar created under the leadership of Romulus. The year started around the spring equinox, symbolising renewal and action after winter. 

Their calendar only counted 304 days, with the cold winter period simply… uncounted. When the days were dark and dreary, the Romans didn’t bother marking time at all. It was only later that January and February were added by Numa Pompilius to fill the gap. 

Perhaps Romulus had the right idea. When winter drags on and the days all seem the same, it can feel as though time is standing still. Then March arrives – and suddenly everything springs back to life. 

Marching forth – in nature and beyond 

The Romans didn’t just mark March as the start of the year; they also saw it as the time to get moving again. The month was named after Mars, the god of war, and it traditionally signalled the resumption of military campaigns. Once spring arrived, the Romans quite literally marched forth to conquer new lands. 

Nature follows a similar pattern. Think of the famous “Mad March Hares”. As spring begins, hares can often be seen leaping, chasing, and even boxing one another in open fields. This behaviour is all part of their mating season, when energetic males pursue females and the females sometimes stand on their hind legs to fend off unwanted attention with quick boxing jabs. 

It’s nature’s way of saying the quiet months are over. Time to get moving. 

Even time itself seems to join the charge in March. On the last Sunday of the month, the UK switches from Greenwich Mean Time to British Summer Time. The clocks go forward an hour, giving us those long, bright evenings we all look forward to. Suddenly there’s more daylight after work, more time outdoors, and more energy to get things done. 

A busy season for crafters 

For many crafters, March brings the same sense of renewal. Workshops that may have sat quiet through the cold winter months begin to buzz with activity again. 

Garden studios reopen. Garage workshops warm up. Tools and equipment come back into regular use as new projects begin to take shape. 

It’s an exciting time – but it’s also the perfect moment to think about protection for the space where all that creativity happens. 

Why workshop insurance matters 

When you’re getting back into the swing of things, it’s worth taking a moment to make sure your workspace is properly protected. That’s where workshop insurance comes in. 

Good workshop insurance helps safeguard the tools, equipment and materials you rely on every day. Business equipment cover will protect the specialist items that are essential to your craft. Whatever the machinery, whether it’s hand tools, kilns, sewing machines or woodworking gear, these items represent a significant investment in your business. 

Accidents can happen – equipment can be damaged, stolen, or affected by unexpected events. Having the right workshop insurance in place means you can carry on creating without the constant worry of “what if?”. 

Peace of mind while you create 

For many craftspeople, a workshop is more than just a place to work. It’s a rather special space where ideas become reality, where skills are honed, and where handmade products begin their journey to customers who truly appreciate them. Knowing that your workspace and tools are protected gives you one very important thing: peace of mind. 

Instead of worrying about unexpected setbacks, you can focus on what you do best – designing, making, experimenting, and sharing your creativity with others. 

Ready to “March” forth? 

Spring is a season of new beginnings, fresh ideas and renewed energy. As your workshop comes back to life this March, it’s the perfect time to make sure it’s protected too. 

Take a look at the Craft Insurance website to learn more about our workshop insurance options and how they can support your craft business. If you’d prefer a friendly chat, simply pick up the phone or drop us a message. Sam or Naomi will be more than happy to talk through the cover that suits your unique setup. 

Life can throw the occasional curveball, but the right protection makes all the difference. With the right cover in place, you can march forth into spring with confidence – and get back to creating the beautiful handmade work people love. 

We hope you’ve enjoyed our previous two articles as we’ve taken a look at fine art, some of its history and its important role within a thriving society. We now come to the nuts and bolts of insuring artwork. Looking for fine arts insurance near me? Here’s a little about what artists and galleries should know.

In the financial climate in which we are living, no one wants to pay for something they don’t need, and we all want to make sure that when we do make a purchase, we are getting value for money. Although we are focusing especially on fine arts, much of this will also be relevant to any crafter, whether they are searching “fine arts insurance near me” or any other kind of insurance.

Let’s start with public and product liability insurance, products that many individual crafters and business owners decide to invest in. The reason for doing so is that when you have invested hours of your time, a significant amount of money and a huge chunk of your talent into a project, you don’t want to risk losing all that through a claim made against you. It is virtually impossible to predict what could go wrong and hence what claim might be made against you.

This is the whole point of insurance: cushioning yourself against the unforeseen. If we could have a pound for every perplexed call we’ve had regarding a curveball incident which requires compensation, we’d be able to plan our retirement! However thorough your risk assessment is, and however closely you adhere to professional guidelines, you simply cannot rule out those unforeseeable accidents.

You can probably think of a few incidents that have happened in your own life, hopefully whose consequences haven’t been too serious, but which have come completely out of the blue. While you couldn’t predict them, you will have kicked yourself afterwards, with lots of “if onlys”. A series of events and circumstances, of people and timings all worked together towards an unexpected occurrence. If it can happen in general life, it can happen in business and this is why so many artists choose to take out insurance to cover their work, their exhibitions and their gallery events.

Fine art insurance will include public liability insurance. This covers you against any complaints that injury or damage has been caused on your property, by your equipment or at an event. Even if it’s not your fault, it will cover legal costs and any compensation owed. For example, events could conspire together for a particularly vulnerable visitor to collide with a slip or trip hazard with a resulting injury. Our public liability insurance would cover you financially. We often call it our sleep easy insurance, in that it allows you to have peace of mind over the unforeseen and thus pour your energy, time and talent into what is most important; producing, exhibiting and selling beautiful artwork.

If you run a gallery, it might be that you employ staff or have volunteers helping out during exhibitions. In this case, you will need to get Employer’s liability insurance. This is a legal requirement for anyone who employs staff or hosts volunteers, even if they are family members. It too covers you for any accidents or harm caused to your employees or volunteers while working for you, with compensation or legal fees.

Professional indemnity Insurance covers you in the unlikely event that a commissioned piece of work is not considered satisfactory. Art, obviously, is subjective and while you would do your best to ensure that you are fulfilling your client’s instructions there is, as is said, ‘always one’ who may put a spanner in the works and not like your completed work. A dispute would take up a chunk of time which could be used for better purposes, as well as potentially cause damage to your reputation. Professional indemnity insurance would cover you for such a circumstance, again saving you money and stress. Professional indemnity insurance also covers you if you unknowingly make a mistake. For example, if you use an image protected by copyright without permission, or even if you breech the restrictions of a royalty free

image. With the extensive use of social media, however careful you are, a copyright breech is not impossible.

Another arm of insurance which you might consider, is Business items insurance. This is also one which is not legally required but which many artists and crafters choose to take out. It insures you against loss, damage or theft and can include raw materials, tools, saleable finished products and items related to your business eg laptops, card readers or cameras. We quote individually, around your unique requirements, so you don’t need to pay for something you don’t want.

If you google fine art insurance near to me, you will find a variety of options and insurance companies. We have been providing art and craft insurance for over three decades, so our service comes with generational experience. We know we are nothing without our clients, so we communicate directly with each one of you. When you contact us, it will either be Sam or Naomi who answer your query, so no long call queues. We have zero excess on public and product liability insurance, and our professional liability insurance covers you for teaching and demonstrating as well as selling your work.

So, take a look at our website and then drop us a line or give us a call. We look forward to hearing about your fine art business, be it large or small, and tailoring an insurance quote around your specific needs and requirements.

Historically, fine art has been distinguished from other forms of creative expression and traditional crafting skills by the fact that it is created for its own sake; it serves no functional purpose and carries an expression of the artist’s emotional, intellectual or sometimes political perspective. It is designed for display, to be enjoyed and studied. As such, in times past fine art was generally the prerogative of the wealthier classes who had the financial resources to visit studios or exhibitions, and for a few this even included a tour around Europe to compare and learn from artists in different countries.

“Fine” does not refer to the superiority of the art but to the purity of it. Traditionally, fine art consisted of five art disciplines: painting, sculpture, architecture, music and poetry.

Today, the boundaries between fine and applied arts and crafts have become much more blurred, and thankfully, with many galleries free to the public, the opportunity to study art forms and appreciate the skill of the artists is open to many more.

However, one distinction does still remain between ‘pure’ art and applied crafts, and that is its lack of any practical functionality. It is beauty for beauty’s sake, and this is arguably not only delightful, but also an essential part of the development of a culture and the cohesive sustainability of it.

The cave paintings that were etched by tribal bushmen are not only incredibly detailed but will have no doubt provided much enjoyment to both the artists and those living within the cave dwellings, as well as providing a narrative of their daily lives to be handed down through the generations. The carved reliefs of the ancient Babylon, Assyrian and Persian Empires reflect much of their culture and history and in the case of Assyria, were also used as a sort of early propaganda, pointing to the victories and strength of the king.

Moving on to the last millennia, we see the influences of the Church in the art and architecture of the Medieval era. Contemplatives painstakingly copied out portions of the Bible and exquisitely illuminated them, sometimes with real gold plate. The soaring buttresses and jewelled rose windows of many a cathedral, beautifully worked icons and The Book of Kells all reflected and contributed to an era of high art, music and literature in which the Church not only funded the creatives of the time but also provided much of the inspiration for much of their work.

The Renaissance brought with it fresh ideas and a whole new era of fine art, funded now by the wealthy families of the time, initially the Medicis in Florence. This was a period of magnificent art in which talented artists sought a patron and, if successful, were free to work solely on their art. Michelangelo’s Sistine chapel ceiling and David sculpture and Leonardo Da Vinci’s many masterpieces are amongst numerous examples of the fine art of this time.

As both paper and then paints became more affordable and easier to use, artists had the freedom to go outdoors ‘en plein air’ and experiment with further techniques and ideas. The Impressionists, whose work is appreciated around the globe today for its light and its colour, emerged from this time.

Moving into more recent history, the disciplines of the fine arts have still reflected and shaped cultures and societies, and sometimes it’s art that demonstrates the direction of a society more than anything else. Thing about the starkly utilitarian architecture of Soviet communism where, in some Eastern European cities, dull concrete buildings stand cheek to jowl with exquisitely decorative edifices dating from previous centuries.

It could be argued that a nation’s fine art is a barometer for their culture. If we lose the ability to create and enjoy beauty for beauty’s sake, to create artwork which lifts the mind of the beholder to something higher than ourselves, we could all become dull and directionless.

Thus, fine art maybe does have a purpose in addition to display:  an immensely valuable one. So, be encouraged if you spend your available time creating works of beauty for others to enjoy, keep at it. Your country needs you!

How then are you going to exhibit and sell your art? You may be part of an Arts Quarter or work in a shared studio which enables you to welcome the public in to view your work. Or, you could look out for local open studio events, where lots of different arts and crafts people open their workspaces for a co-ordinated trail. These can get good footfall and a lovely variety of visitors. However you display and sell, you will need to ensure your paintings – the products of your talent, time and money – are well protected.

If you type fine art insurance uk into your search engine you will have a considerable range of policies from which to choose. Which is the best? Should you just go for the cheapest, or should you look too at the specifics of the cover that is provided? Fine art insurance uk could become quite complex! However, let us reassure you that it need not be. Of course you will be looking for value for money; you have to know that you are buying a product you need and not paying for something unnecessary.

As a family run business who have specialised in craft cover and fine art insurance uk from one generation to the next, we have time-tested knowledge and experience of providing excellent value for money insurance for artists and crafters. We value each of our clients … without you we have no business… and as such we make sure we communicate with each of you directly. No call queues; either Sam or Naomi will be here to pick up your call or answer your email. So, whether you need to safeguard your collection within a studio, a gallery, an exhibition or elsewhere, get in touch and we’ll make sure you get the best fine art insurance for your unique requirement.

How are you all feeling as you settle down to read this week’s missive from us here at Craft Insurance? Although February is in fact the shortest month of the year, for many of us it feels like the longest. However cold and wet November and December are, the expectation, even if it is somewhat hyped, and the twinkly lights of Christmas carry us through. Then in January a mix of left over Christmas cheer and the sense of a new year with fresh beginnings spur us onward. However, this has usually well and truly run dry by February and the wet, grey days can be reflected in our mood, in our patience with our loved ones and in our outlook. We make it through each day, but often with a sense of guilt that we’re not flying or achieving enough and head wearily to bed each night possibly feeling drained and dejected.

However, we want to offer a few suggestions to help you not only limp through to spring and the warmer, lighter days ahead, but to make the most of this often-dreary month. We can’t change the weather, but we can work with it and even find beauty within it. Not everyone is an artist but we can all paint a different scene in our minds! 

If you close your eyes for a minute and reflect, February might not seem so bad after all! Allow some images of this month of February to come to mind. Try and remember somewhere you’ve been in the past couple of weeks. Even if it’s just been walking down the street, have you noticed the days are stretching out and collecting children from some after school activities can be done in the daylight? Or have you seen any snowdrops bravely peeking their heads up above the cold, damp earth? And the freshness of blue sky when it does appear? If you’ve been out in the countryside, you may have noticed some aspects of your surroundings which, shrouded within the stillness, you would not have observed in the bustle and brightness of Christmas or the sunshine and colour of summer. Maybe you will have noticed anew the delicate silhouette of a bare tree, the tiny buds appearing at the end of sturdy twigs or the exquisite marking and colouring of our native birds.

Despite the grey days, or maybe because of them, we are able to observe some of the perfection of nature, to stop for a moment and realise that the world is gently waking up, in its time honoured and well-ordered rhythm. It is still waiting, with energy levels yet building, ready to burst forth with abundant life in a month or so. Maybe we can learn a little from this. Maybe we can acknowledge our own energy levels might be low at the moment and February might not be the month to make pivoting decisions; maybe we don’t need a magic fix, maybe we just need to keep plodding slowly until our heads peep above ground and we can feel the sunshine seeping into our weary souls again. Maybe what we need is to carve out time, however small, to be generous to ourselves, to observe the slowly awakening world around us, to sink into a cosy chair with a warm mug of tea and a good book, to bake a cake, to pick an interlude in the rain to go and splash in some puddles, to watch a good movie or share a good meal with friends.

Grey days such as these aren’t so bad and can be kept as mental images of hope over the next few weeks. For those amongst us who are artists, maybe you are creating your next range of pictures, ready for sale over the coming year and the grey February days are full of activity, finishing pieces. Although painting outside is most likely not an option, you will no doubt be planning to attend exhibitions or events in which to display and sell your artwork. If so, you will need to consider public liability insurance for art exhibitions. If you are new to the world of selling your artwork, insurance can sound a little overwhelming, but we can assure you that it need not be. In fact, it can be something straightforward enough that it can be done even when energy levels are low in February!

So, what is public liability insurance for art exhibitions? Public liability covers you for any claim made against you, a member of your staff or even a volunteer in relation to your business. It covers you for any mishaps or accidents which, with all the risk assessments in the world, you could not have foreseen. Even if it is not your fault, it will cover any compensation you owe and your legal fees. It is not address specific, so the only address we need is your correspondence address; you will then be covered for any exhibition you attend throughout the year.

Public liability insurance for art exhibitions will also cover you if you are teaching or demonstrating your art.  We often think of it as a sleep easy policy in that once in place, it is there as a back stop allowing you to concentrate on what is important, creating beautiful images and building up your sales.

As a family run business ourselves, we know the importance of ensuring you get value for money, that you don’t pay for something you don’t need. Our policies will probably not be the cheapest when you compare them with others, but they are comprehensive and we make sure you know exactly what is covered so you don’t have to second guess. Our policies also have a zero excess. And finally, as a family run business we like to communicate with each for our customers directly; no long call queues to speak to an anonymous advisor. So, if you’d like to know more, either drop us a line via the website or give us a call and either Sam or Naomi will be here to answer your queries.

As we head into another week, let’s be kind to ourselves and those around us as we gently move towards the end of February.

Taking the step to monetise your crafting hobby can seem daunting; more of a leap into the unknown than an orderly walk in the park. However, although there are obviously unknown factors, there is much you can do to minimise the risk and establish yourself on good footing from which your business can flourish. 

Once your vision has grown into a viable business plan, via some market research, costings and financial forecasts, you will need to register with HMRC for self-assessment as either a sole trader or a limited company. As a sole trader, you will need to fill in a tax return each year. You have two options for how you do this; on paper or digitally. Paper returns must be in by the end of October and digital ones by the end of January. You will need to keep a record of all your outgoings (with tax receipts) and the income you receive from sales. 

As a sole trader, you also need to look at what insurance you need. Working out what sole trader cover consists of and what you need for your unique business can also seem somewhat daunting, but it really doesn’t need to be so. If it’s all new to you, finish reading this blog, then check out our website including the FAQ’s, and then simply give us a call. We are a family run business ourselves and this means that we communicate individually with each of our customers. You won’t have to wait for a long time in a queue and will speak to either Sam or Naomi in our office. 

Sole trader cover includes four main areas of insurance: public liability insurance, product liability insurance, employers’ liability insurance and business items cover. 

Public liability insurance covers you for any claims made against you by a member of the public for damage or harm they believe has been caused by you or one of your employees or volunteers, while you are out teaching, demonstrating or selling your crafts. Even if you are not at fault, this insurance will still cover you for compensation or legal fees. 

Product liability insurance provides cover for any claim made that one of your products has caused harm or injury to a member of the public. Again, even if this is not the case, you will still be covered. Neither public nor product liability insurance are a legal requirement, but they are well worth having. Despite all the risk assessments of your work and selling space and the rigorous testing through which you put your products, you cannot prepare completely for the unexpected. This is the reasoning behind taking out public and product liability insurance. We sometimes call it ‘sleep easy’ insurance as, once it is in place, you can forget about any potential mishaps and focus on what you do best; creating beautiful products for your customers to enjoy. 

The third part of sole trader cover is employers’ liability insurance. Unlike public and product liability, this is a legal requirement if you employ staff or have volunteers or work placement students working for you. It covers legal costs and compensation for any claim made for injury or illness that is a result of the work they do for you. The price will be based on the number of employees and volunteers that you have, and the package includes zero excess. 

The final segment of sole trader cover is business items cover. This allows you to insure any specialist equipment used for your craft, as well as completed stock products and raw materials. You might also consider covering electronic items used at your base and when you are out and about selling, demonstrating or teaching. These could include laptops, electronic card readersand cameras. Like public and product liability, single items business cover is not a legal requirement. However, it makes sense to purchase it if you have equipment in which you have made a significant financial investment, which would be difficult to replace and without which your business could not function. This could be specialist equipment such as a potters’ wheel or kiln, or a general laptop from which you run your website, receive orders and communicate with customers and business contacts. Business items insurance will cover you for breakages, damage and theft. 

In an increasingly difficult and uncertain financial climate, we all need to make tighter decisions about how we spend our limited financial resources. Employers’ liability insurance is a legal requirement, but it is for you to weigh up the pros and cons of the other three. To do this, it is good to have as much information as possible and to ensure you are only paying for a product you need. It could be helpful to think through the impact on your business if a complaint wasmade against you, or if a piece of equipment was damaged or stolen. Would you have enough of a buffer to replace or cover liabilities? 

To keep costs to a minimum, you will need a quote based around your particular business and requirements. This is where we at Craft Insurance can help in that before we give you a quote, we will ensure we have a good understanding of your business situation and needs. We are a business of generations, learning from those who have worked in this arena before us. Our speciality is insuring those who sell, teach or demonstrate their craft, and we have many years of experience doing this. Family is important to us, and we love hearing about each of our customers’ businesses, which have often been built around their own families and have included family members as they have grown. 

So, if you are a crafter who is considering setting up as a sole trader, or if you have been running your own business for a good while but would like to take a fresh look at sole trader cover, give us a ring or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be here to talk with you.