Category: Tips for Crafters

Summer is beckoning us from around the corner, with whispers of warm, sunny days, leisurely barbecues spent with with family and friends, gentle strolls through quietly slumbering countryside and balmy evenings when the sun barely sets. Maybe you will be heading off with tents and a carful of children in tow, maybe you prefer a comfortable bed and plug in kettle and will be enjoying the delights of our countryside from an Airbnb, or maybe you are dreaming of even sunnier climes and will be boarding a flight to destinations beyond our shores. 

Summer also brings with it a plethora of opportunities to sell your crafts, whether that be at local craft fairs, fetes and markets, regional festivals, county shows or annual crafting events. It all happens over the summer and, if you’ve not already done so, now is the time to book yourself into a few events. While some fairs or markets may be very local to you many will involve a journey to reach them, and this will require packing all your exquisitely made stock, plus sales equipment such as electronic card readers and laptops, into your vehicle. If your chosen event runs over several days, or is at a distance, you will be needing overnight accommodation, and this will require you to leave your products in the venue or back in your vehicle.  

So, will you be insured for these exciting times when you are out and about, and if so what type of small maker business cover do you need to have in place? The answer to the first half of this question is easy; yes, if you are travelling within the UK, including the Channel Islands, you can rest assured in the knowledge that insurance will cover your stock and all the equipment required for promotion and sales. There are a few options when it comes to insuring your products for a summer season of travel, which we’ll outline in this blog post. It may sound complicated but is in fact very easy to set up. We are a family business ourselves and as such place value on every one of our customers. Here at Craft Insurance, we communicate directly with each of you who contacts us with an enquiry, so you will not have to wait in a queue and speak with an anonymous call handler. So, when you’ve finished reading, give us a call or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will talk you through a package specific to your business’s needs. 

Public and product liability insurance are your first port of call. Public liability insurance covers you for any claim made that harm or injury caused by yourself or a member of your team. For example, a slip hazard or accident involving some specialist equipment. Product liability covers you for any claims made for harm or injury caused by a product. Even if it is not your fault, the policy covers you for compensation and/or legal fees. There is no excess and it covers you worldwide if you are taking your crafts on a global trip. There are some limitations if you are selling in the USA or Canada, but we can talk you through those. Our product liability will cover your craft products sold, distributed or supplied anywhere in the world, but the claim has to be made within the U.K. or Ireland. 

Another component of small market business cover which you might like to consider if you are travelling is business items cover. This enables you to protect not only tools, but also stock, raw materials and any technical equipment used in creating your products. It will also cover items necessary for sales and promotion as you tour eg electronic card readers, laptops and photography equipment. In addition to all this, it covers cash connected with your business which has been lost or stolen for up to £500 anywhere in the world.  

The summer is a busy time for craft fairs and markets, and we hope you will be making the most of this and booking yourself a spot at some of them. They are a great way to showcase and sell your stunning products but always require a good deal of planning, financial outlay and time as you produce stock, promote your presence there and, if you are travelling a distance, book accommodation. Most organisers will require you to have a level of public and product liability insurance as you book and while our package doesn’t cover you if you are organising an event yourself, it will cover you as a stall holder or exhibitor. In addition, business items cover will compensate you if a pre-booked fair or event is cancelled or rearranged; something which could be valuable as you invest your time and money in preparation. 

While most crafters will be based within the four solid brick walls of home and making forays out into the world of fairs and festivals, a few of our intrepid community have packed yourselves and your crafting equipment into a van and travel from show to show demonstrating and selling your crafts. Some may do this just during the summer months, spending the winter making stock, but others have dived in headfirst and are enjoying the wonderful freedom van life offers, making friends and business connections as they travel from show to show. 

Whatever exciting travel and crafting plans you have for this summer, you will need to take a look at small maker business cover. Once you have the best insurance for your business venture in place, you can have complete peace of mind and be free to enjoy all the fun of fairs and festivals you attend. So pick up the phone or drop us a line and we will talk you through the cover which best suits your unique business needs. We are looking forward to hearing your exciting travel plans! 

Many of us dream of being able to weave our passion, skills and knowledge into an income-generating enterprise. We spend so many hours at work each week; why would we not want to be doing something we enjoy? Unfortunately, life is not a fairytale, and for the majority of us, work pays the bills and enables us to enjoy life once we leave our workplace. For others, paid employment is arduous but does have a real sense of fulfilment alongside it. But what if you are in the position to be thinking of taking a leap out of your regular day job and dipping your toe into the adventure of starting your very own craft business? This could initially be alongside your regular employment, and you are dreaming of turning your crafting expertise from a hobby to a side hustle. Or you may be approaching retirement age and are pondering using your extra freedom to begin a whole new business venture. However, if you are planning to turn your hobby into your income-producing future, you’re in the right place.

We’ve written previous blogs looking at some of the things you need to consider when starting your own business, so have a read of them for some general suggestions. In this blog, we’re going to specifically home in on DIY business cover and give you an insurance 101 for new crafters.

Insurance for your new crafting business will be one of the foundations you will need in place, alongside ordered admin routines, well-thought-through storage space and a solid website or social media presence. Once established, your business will be able to run steadily on a daily basis. Another analogy is that of train tracks; the train driver doesn’t have to think of which way to turn when he pulls out of the station, as the rails take him in the direction in which he needs to travel. In the same way, once you have these basics in place, you don’t have to think about them every day; your business should run smoothly. This enables your time and energy to be poured into what you love doing best…creating stunning and unique hand-crafted products out of your own skill set.

Insurance can feel a little overwhelming, especially if this is your first exploration into the world of self-employment. However, we can reassure you that it is in fact very straightforward and remarkably easy to set in place. The main thing is that you need to decide what type of cover you need, from various different options. Craft Insurance is a family-run business and as such we value each one of our customers and make sure we communicate directly with you. In this way, we stand out from other companies, in that you will not have to wait in line for an unknown call handler. When you contact us, it will be either Naomi or Sam who will reply. So, what are the DIY business cover options for your new enterprise?

The first ones to consider are product and public liability insurance. Product liability covers any claim of damage or harm caused by one of your products. Even if it is not your fault, it will cover legal fees or any compensation required. It covers you whether you sell in person, online or in a shop. There is no excess. Public liability insurance covers you for any claim made against you, an employee or a volunteer for harm or damage done by an action or omission of yours. It covers you both on your own property or while you are out and about demonstrating or selling your crafts. Like product liability, there is no excess. Neither of these is are legal requirement, but are often required by craft fair organisers prior to you booking a place. They cover you for all those completely unforeseeable and thus unpreventable events which no amount of risk assessment could anticipate. An example might be a slip or trip hazard which arises out of nowhere, despite a thorough risk assessment on your part. They are a kind of sleep easy insurance; you know they are in place to protect you and your business and hence you are able to focus on creating your stock and growing your business.

The next component of DIY business cover which you might consider is business items insurance. This allows you to insure individual items which are essential for the running of your business. This could include tools, finished stock, raw materials, computer and photography equipment. It also covers you for items you take with you whilst out and about, selling or demonstrating your craft. You can insure electronic card readers, portable electronic equipment and all you need for your stall.

Finally, as your business grows and you take on staff, you will need to look at Employers’ Liability. Whether you are a sole trader or a limited company, you will probably have a legal requirement to have up-to-date Employers’ Liability. This is not only for full-time staff but also covers temporary staff and volunteers. It covers you for any claim made against you by an employee or volunteer for injury or illness as a result of the work they do for you. The price is based on the number of employees/volunteers you have and, similar to previous insurances, the excess is zero.

So, that is DIY business cover in a nutshell. We realise that all our budgets are being squeezed and that insurance could seem like an added extra that you could manage without. This could be the case, but equally if the unexpected does happen and you are not insured, the impact on your business could be crippling. It can be helpful to see craft insurance simply as a part of your set-up costs and budget for it as such. We offer good value and are here to talk it through with you, so that you only pay for what you need. So, get in touch and we look forward to hearing about your exciting new business venture!

Wedding season is here! It’s time to get prepped for custom orders.

The invitation is propped upon the mantelpiece, and the long-anticipated day approaches. A wedding! Maybe it will be an elegant garden party aesthetic, with a champagne reception on the sweeping lawns of an old Manor House and a music-filled reception inside its cool walls. It might have a family festival vibe, with hay bales and sunshine, a bouncy castle, a flower-festooned marquee and bounteous bunting. Or maybe it will be a small, intimate celebration, relaxed and serene, with plenty of time to catch up with old friends. However, the bridal couple choose to celebrate their special day, one thing can be guaranteed; it will be completely unique and memorable, reflecting their personalities and stories. With such an emphasis on individuality, weddings offer a perfect opportunity for crafters to get in on the fun, with a range of handmade, unique products which will add a distinctive stamp to any celebration.

Calligraphy plays a central role at many a wedding. Most couples will want the same font on all their wedding stationery, beginning with save-the-date cards and invitations. They may also choose a specific motif or decorative edging on each card and a colour theme which runs throughout the day. While this is an opportunity to offer a completely bespoke service, having a range of fonts, colours and motifs on your website from which a couple can choose can be a good starting point. For the actual day, table plans, place names and menus will be needed, and you could also offer welcome signs and a banner.

Couples are increasingly aware of both the value for money and of curating a celebration which treads lightly on our beautiful earth. Again, this is an ideal opening for crafters. Remember to flag up your environmental credentials on your website; locally or ethically sourced raw materials, local staff and any input you have in your local community. Emphasise the quality and longevity of your products too, as well as their complete uniqueness.

Each couple wants their day to be memorable and totally unique, and one way to ensure this is to give guests wedding favours which will bring back memories of the day. Candles, ceramics or a small bar of handmade soap can all make wonderful gifts. If your craft business could produce such a range of small gifts, it could be worth advertising them as wedding favours…and then be ready to produce a bulk order!

For producers of beautiful, distinctive textiles, you could consider branching out into wedding decor. Bunting, garlands and table runners all tie the wedding theme together with colour and style. A marquee or village hall is transformed from an empty space to a wedding wonderland of dreams when festooned with bunting and overflowing with floral adornment. Bare trestle tables are also transfigured by crisp, white linen tablecloths accompanied by table runners of the bridal colour theme stretching their length, sparkling glasses and gleaming cutlery. Handcrafted bunting and runners can be made not only to a specific colour theme, but also with any design, motif or even the couple’s initials. A stunning felt or cotton banner will add a distinct sense of style to any wedding and, in addition, would become a precious keepsake of the day. A banner will tell the couple’s story through its wording, colour and design and provide a visual memory of a special day to be treasured for years ahead. Why not advertise this as a wedding gift? Maybe a few close friends or family members could club together to have one made for the wedding couple; a truly unique gift.

Weddings, even the most modest of celebrations, will always involve dressing up as the bride, bridesmaids and wedding party all adorn themselves with jewellery and hair accessories. This is a wonderful opportunity to create pieces which will be the crowning glory of the bride’s outfit. Whether she’s going for elegant chic, bohemian, vintage or any other theme, you can craft tiaras, hair pins, brooches, earrings and necklaces to bring that final sparkle to her outfit. And don’t forget the bridesmaids and the mother of the bride.

We hope you are overflowing with ideas of how your particular business can come on board with the wedding season. The next thing you will need to ensure you have in place is the correct maker business liability. While not all insurance is a legal requirement, it is recommended, and if you are going to be active in the wedding market, where nerves may be slightly on edge and larger sums of money spent than would usually be the case, we especially recommend that you consider it carefully. Maker business liability will include both public and product liability insurance. Public liability insurance covers you for any harm or damage done to a member of the public on your premises or by an action of yours or your employees elsewhere. For example, an accident caused by a slip or trip hazard either on your own premises or if you are exhibiting at a wedding fair. Product liability insurance covers you for any claims made against your products; it covers legal defence and compensation, even if it is not your fault. If you are exhibiting at wedding fairs, you might also like to consider business item cover, which means you can ensure any valuable items you are taking off your premises are covered. Of course, this also gives cover for your own premises too; it includes such items as card payment machines, cameras for website photography, laptops, tools, stock and raw materials. We’re a family business ourselves and communicate directly with each of our customers, so pick up the phone or drop us a line, and either Sam or Naomi will be here to talk you through the best maker business liability for your distinct business.

We hope you are inspired by the happy relationship between weddings and crafters, and many meaningful and lasting connections are made as you further explore the possibilities!

“Here’s a tree in summer, here’s a tree in winter, here’s a bunch of flowers and here are the April showers!”

Many of us will remember this little ditty from our childhood. It has been chanted for decades by generations of children walking beside grassy verges in the town or quiet, meandering lanes in the country. As a child walked, he would pluck a long, wavering grass stem, quote the rhyme and then, with great satisfaction, strip the seeds from the head and throw them over his friend. This small ritual appears to have enduring appeal, though not so much for the hay fever sufferers amongst us. As with so many of our old country rhymes and sayings, there is wisdom embedded within it. April showers can fall upon us seemingly out of nowhere; a day of sunshine and blue skies can be unexpectedly interrupted by a short, sharp burst of rain, which clears as quickly as it came. However, for the unprepared, it can leave behind wet clothes on the washing line, soggy cushions on outdoor chairs and wet people with no umbrellas.

For craft business owners, having the correct small business protection for makers is similar to having an umbrella in April; the completely unexpected can happen, appearing out of nowhere and you need to be covered by insurance tailored to your business. The problem with the unexpected is that, however many risk assessments you do, or health and safety training sessions you attend, you simply can’t pre-empt every potential mishap. That’s why having some small business protection for makers offers you peace of mind as well as the financial backstop you would need if anything untoward did occur.

Our insurance covers you for when you are out and about demonstrating or selling your crafts as well as for selling online, or even opening your premises to others. Welcoming others into your workspace is both very rewarding for you as a crafter and also hugely beneficial to your visitors. Not only are you sharing your craft, but as you do so you will be creating community, offering space for like-minded people to connect and providing some time out of the ordinary for your visitors to relax.

Opening your workshop for a day involves some careful planning, and good preparation will ensure a great time is had by all. If this is something you are considering doing for the first time, here are a few suggestions which might help you. Think about the people who might be attracted to an open day at your workshop and maybe offer them a small activity to try for themselves. Consider, are they beginners, or would some previous experience be required to try your activities or will it be a mix of the two? Think of the age group too; if it is during the daytime, you will most likely get mainly retired people, but an evening might attract some younger working individuals. Once you have a rough idea of your clientele, you can plan a little project which will suit them. It is generally best to err on the side of an easy project, unless of course, you are catering for those who want to stretch their knowledge and increase their skills. You might consider offering a themed activity, for example, creating an item reflecting the season, or with a celebration eg Christmas, Easter, Mothers’ Day. Whatever you do, it’s always good to offer an initial instruction or demonstration.

You could advertise your open day using social media, posters at your local Craft Quarter/ Community notice board or handing out flyers at a specific event or a craft market you are attending. Include specifics of what is happening at the open day, eg materials, demonstrations, refreshments.

Once you have a good idea of what you will be offering, it’s time to think about your umbrella, ensuring you have tailored small business protection for makers which will protect your workshop from the unexpected. This would usually include both product and public liability. Public liability covers you for any claims made of harm or damage as a result of an action/inaction by yourself or one of your employees or volunteers and will cover you on your premises. Product liability protects you against any claims made of damage or harm done by one of your products. So for example, public liability would cover you for any slip or trip hazards, and product liability for a skin reaction to a bath product. Even if neither of these are your fault, small business protection for makers will cover any compensation required or legal costs. You will foresee and avert the vast majority or potential problems, but having insurance covers you for those instances you can’t foresee, despite all your best efforts.

The other type of insurance you might like to consider is business items insurance. This allows you to protect individual items used for your business. If you have specialist equipment which might be used by your attendees, it could be more susceptible to damage; thus, having the appropriate cover will enable you to relax, knowing that if there is any damage done, you will be covered.

Take a look at our website for more details and then pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be here to talk you through the protection you need for your unique business requirements. Life throws curveballs sometimes and having insurance in place allows you not to over worry and frees you up to get on with what you are best at doing; creating stunning handmade crafts and sharing your skills and gifting with others!

The season of summer festivals is nearly upon us, bringing with it long, lazy afternoons listening to outdoor music, sun-kissed mornings wandering around a multitude of stalls and warm, velvety evenings filled with food and more music. Of course, it can also bring rain and mud when flip flops are substituted for wellie boots, but as we book into our favourite festivals, or maybe try a new one, we fortunately don’t know what the weather will hold and thus can plan with anticipation and excitement.

Festivals can be a great opportunity to sell your handmade crafts; your face-to-face reach will be greater than at a local craft fair, footfall is heavier, and you can make some useful connections as well as great sales. However, table spaces often come at a price, so some careful planning is needed before you commit. As previously mentioned, our British weather is very unpredictable and has a huge impact on sales, as anyone who has sold at an outdoor Farmers’ or Craft market will know; a dry, sunny day will bring in the crowds for a good day out, ready to enjoy browsing and spending.

The first thing to do if you’re considering attending a festival with your business this year is to do some research as to the nature or “vibe” of festivals in your locality or further afield. From the Scottish Isles right down to the Channel Islands, there are a multitude of festivals, each with its own distinct flavour and thus audience it attracts. Some will offer world music, some big stage names, and some will headline local artists. Some will be family-friendly while others not so much. Many will have their own particular focus, whether that be on local crafts and food, activities based around the local landscape, eg wild swimming or forest skills or a particular arts leaning, eg poetry, theatre, circus skills.

The best way to get a feel for the type of festival, its clients and thus the products which might seek best, is to attend it yourself or speak to someone else who has done so. Also, take into consideration whether festival goers will be camping or just attending on day tickets; this can also influence what you sell. The price of tickets will offer some guidance as to the range of products to take with you; those on the lower side will probably attract attendees with a tighter budget than those at a higher price, who could be assumed will also have more to spend while at the festival.

Once you have decided upon a festival and booked yourself a place, you will need to begin to build up stock, advertise, and streamline your branding. Think about the focus of the festival; can you create some products which will dovetail in with this? For example, if it is by the sea and people attend because of the wild swimming this offers, could you add a sea motif to some of your products? Or, if it is showcasing the best of a region, could you create a range which also reflects something for which that region is known?

Consider your packaging; you will obviously need the necessary paper bags, tissue paper, bubble wrap, etc, but could you coordinate your packaging with your table cover and any other display items? Choose a colour or a palette of colours and run with them. The organiser should tell you what table size you will be allocated, and so you will know the size of table covering required as well as the amount of storage space underneath and display space above. Check how far you will need to walk between your vehicle and the stand. If it is a distance, you might consider investing in a trolley.

One of the greatest benefits of taking your craft to a festival is the number of customers you will meet and the geographical coverage they will have. Put on your best smile and engage with as many people as you can in conversation. It may be that they do not purchase at the festival, but will look you up later online. It is worth having an attractive business card…in keeping with your branding…to pop into bags with any purchase and also to give to potential future customers with whom you’ve been chatting.

You will likely be required to have artisan business liability by the festival organiser, and even if they do not ask for it, it’s well worth considering yourself. Artisan business liability includes both public and product liability insurance. Public liability insurance covers you for any claims of harm or damage made against you, your staff or volunteers. It’s a sleep easy insurance, in that it protects you from claims which are completely unforeseeable and thus not preventable. Product liability insurance covers you for any claims made of damage or harm done by one of your products. Even if you are not at fault, you will be covered for any legal costs or compensation required. You might also like to consider insuring certain business items; accidents, loss or even theft could be more likely at a busy festival than in your local Craft quarter or community market. Setting up the correct artisan business insurance is straightforward with us, and as a family business ourselves we communicate directly with each of our customers, which means there are no anonymous call centres and long queues. So, pick up the phone of drop us a line via our website and either Naomi or Sam will be here to answer your queries and talk you through the best artisan business insurance for your unique business needs.

Once you have everything in place, you can start to look forward to being a part of the festival buzz, to those long summer days filled with music, the aroma of delicious outdoor cooking, happy customers and soaring sales!

Spring cleaning! What images does this bring to mind? Is it something that has been relegated to history, conjuring up images of womenfolk of bygone years throwing open their cottage doors, thoroughly sweeping each room, washing all curtains and bedding and bashing the dust out of rugs hung over washing lines? Or it might be long-braided pioneer girls drying freshly laundered linen by running across the prairie grass and waving it in the gentle, warm air, rejoicing that the long months of bitter cold and snow are finally over. Maybe some of us are old enough to remember our own mothers or grandmothers giving their homes a good “doing over” when the warmer weather returned. Many will feel this whole concept is simply relegated to times past, while others might sense a pang of guilt as spring cleaning is not a part of our yearly routine.  

We are not the only culture to throw open doors and windows to give our homes a good scrub as soon as the temperature warms up and the lighter days return. Both Iran and China prepare for the New Year by giving their houses a thorough clean. In Iran, Nowruz, the New Year, is celebrated on March 21. Its rituals, based on regeneration and new life, are rooted in the country’s pre-Islamic culture. In preparation, the house is “shaken down”, with all bedding, clothes and other textiles washed and aired. In China, superstition plays a role in the thorough cleaning of the home prior to celebrating the New Year. It is believed that it is necessary to physically sweep all the bad luck out of the old year and then to enable good fortune to rest upon the home, cleaning is then prohibited for the first couple of weeks in the New Year.  

Competing for the oldest traditions around spring cleaning is the Jewish ritual of clearing the house of any remnants of bread, prior to the Passover, or Pesach, in April. Jews eat only unleavened bread during this festival to remind them of the time they had to leave Egypt and slavery in such a hurry that they only had time to make bread without yeast; hence the complete cleaning of the home, including cupboards, to ensure no crumbs are inadvertently left behind.  

Whatever the origins of spring cleaning, the return of longer, lighter and warmer days instills in most of us a desire for fresh beginnings, whether this is throwing our woollen jumpers in the wash and hanging them out in the spring-flower scented air to dry, garnering some charity shop finds to upcycle for a long anticipated project or simply buying a multi-coloured bunch of tulips to brighten our table.  

There is a biological reason as to why we feel more invigorated as we tentatively poke our noses out of winter hibernation and welcome in the spring. The limited daylight hours of winter trigger the release of melatonin, which makes us feel sleepy and lethargic. So, curling up on the sofa with a steaming mug of tea and a good book might not just be laziness, but our bodies being in tune with the season. However, there is no such excuse as the daylight hours get longer, and this can explain why we often feel a fresh burst of energy and a desire to declutter, clean or start a new project. 

This urge to refresh and renew can be harnessed through our craft businesses. Are there physical areas which would benefit from a good clean or sort through? This could be the time to do it, spurred on by newly lowered levels of melatonin. Maybe there are some new lines which you have planned, but the sluggishness of the dark, winter months has made it particularly difficult to find the energy to pour into a new project; now is the time to get going and release some renewed creativity. Or, have you been putting off some of the admin tasks needed to ensure you have a secure business footing? One of these could be researching a comprehensive handmade enterprise cover to ensure your craft business is properly protected. If so, now is a good time to spring into action and get it sorted. 

If you’re new to selling your beautiful handmade products, insurance could seem a little overwhelming. However, be assured that here at Craft Insurance, we do everything we can to ensure you have the right cover at a competitive price. As a small family business ourselves, we know the importance of valuing our customers, and as such we communicate directly with each one of you…no anonymous call centres.  

We sell a number of handmade enterprise cover insurance packages, the most popular being product and public liability insurance. Product liability covers you for any claims made that a product of yours has caused harm or damage. Public liability covers you against any claims made against you, an employee or a volunteer that you may have inadvertently caused injury to a member of the public. For instance, a trip hazard at a craft fair or a slip hazard on your premises. It covers you for legal defence costs and any compensation required; even if it is not your fault, you will still be covered. Many craft fair organisers ask that you have them in place before you book your table. We often call them our sleep easy insurance as they protect you from the unforeseeable and hence unavoidable, thus allowing you to focus on what is really important: creating stunning handmade products and growing your business around them.  

We also provide employers’ liability and business items cover, so whatever type of handmade enterprise cover you require, pick up the phone or drop us a line and either Sam or Naomi will be here to answer your questions and ensure you have the best package possible for your unique business requirements. 

As our days lengthen and lighten, harness some fresh surges of energy and creativity to give your business a spring boost. We look forward to hearing from you.  

When it comes to April in the UK, crafters asking, “What’s new?” might just be better off asking, “What has stood the test of time?” While April brings the fresh buds of spring, it also brings traditions – some centuries old – that still draw the crowds, create a buzz, and open up brilliant opportunities for crafters.

If you’re part of the growing community of UK crafters wondering where to showcase your handmade creations or find some new inspiration this month, April’s historic calendar is your best friend.

From Easter’s long-standing significance to the pageantry of St George’s Day and a birthday bash for the Bard himself, here’s what’s happening this month – and why it is worth packing your stock, double-checking your handmade enterprise cover and heading out to sell.

Easter marks Spring’s first and brightest stage

Easter is far more than just chocolate and egg hunts – it’s a deeply rooted celebration that has shaped springtime traditions in the UK for hundreds of years. Historically, Easter Sunday marked the culmination of a forty-day fast known as Lent and was often celebrated with feasting, fresh flowers, and a proper spring clean. The 14th-century writer John Mirk noted that Easter saw hearths swept, rushes laid, fires relit, and homes adorned with floral displays.

Fast forward to today, and it’s still a time of great celebration, family gatherings, and – crucially for crafters – a long weekend full of markets, fairs, and eager shoppers. With Good Friday and Easter Monday bookending the weekend, many people take the opportunity to relax, get out of the house, and support local businesses.

From handmade Easter decorations to spring-themed ceramics, baby gifts, floral accessories, and even traditional hot cross bun-scented candles, the appetite for artisan goods is strong at this time of year. If you missed the chance this time around, pencil it in for next year – and be sure to secure your handmade enterprise cover before your first booking. That way, you’re protected whether you’re trading outdoors, indoors, or somewhere in between.

St George’s Day means dragons, dancing, and demand for craft

April 23rd marks St George’s Day, a proudly English celebration that’s seen a revival in recent years. St George, once an early Christian martyr, became a popular figure across Europe, with Venice, Genoa, Portugal, and Catalonia also claiming him as patron saint. But here in England, it was the dragon-slaying version of his legend that really caught on.

From medieval myths to Morris dancers, St. George’s Day has grown into a celebration of heritage, folklore, and national pride. And in true English fashion, where there’s a celebration, there’s usually a market.

Think flags, Punch and Judy shows, puppet theatres, and feasting on traditional fare—and think footfall. Events across the country offer live entertainment, street parades, and yes, craft stalls. For those who sell, it’s a rich opportunity to tap into a nostalgic, themed market. Dragon-themed jewellery, embroidered St George’s flags, medieval-style leather goods, or even scouting-inspired keepsakes can make quite the splash.

Major celebrations are planned for 2025, including:

• Trafalgar Square, London – A large-scale festival hosted by the Mayor, complete with Pearly Kings and Queens, live music, family entertainment, and artisan stalls.
  
• Salisbury’s Historic Pageant – With roots stretching back to the 13th century.
  
• Derby’s George and the Dragon re-enactment – Great for children and families.
  
• Bedfordshire’s all-out festival – Reportedly the biggest in the UK.

Many of these events are open to crafters with a handmade focus. A quick online search for “St George’s Day celebrations near me 2025” should bring up local listings. Even if applications for this year are now closed, it’s a smart idea to reach out early and express interest for 2026. That gives you time to develop a themed product line, perfect your signage, and, of course, review your handmade enterprise cover to make sure you’re ready for whatever the weather—or crowd—throws at you.

Celebrating Shakespeare

As if April 23rd weren’t already busy enough, it’s also believed to be the birthday of none other than William Shakespeare. And if ever there were a time to get poetic with your product line, this is it.

In Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, the entire town transforms into a stage. The annual parade features banners, period dress, puppetry, and live performances, drawing Shakespeare lovers from around the globe. The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) gets involved, as do local businesses, craftspeople, and community organisations.

Whether you’re inspired by the drama of Macbeth, the romance of Romeo and Juliet, or the whimsy of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, there’s no shortage of ideas for bard-themed creations. Think calligraphy prints, Elizabethan-style accessories, theatre masks, or handbound journals worthy of Shakespeare himself.

Even if you can’t get to Stratford, a Shakespeare-themed craft collection could travel well and sell even better – especially if it combines nostalgia with a modern twist.

Making the most of April traditions that sell

Crafters often find themselves chasing the latest trend or theme, but in April, tradition is the trend. Whether it’s Easter’s spiritual symbolism, St. George’s heroic folklore, or Shakespeare’s enduring genius, there’s a common thread: community.

These aren’t just events. They’re gatherings. And gatherings are golden for crafters, particularly those with the right mix of passion, preparation, and protection.

So, before you load the car, pack the gazebo, and iron your bunting, take a few minutes to ensure your handmade enterprise cover is in place. It’s one of those things that’s easy to overlook—until something goes wrong. Whether it’s a damaged product, a toppled table, or an unexpected gust of wind, having the right insurance means your hard work is protected.

April’s not just for showers!

April in the UK is bursting with opportunity for crafters. From time-honoured traditions to thriving modern festivals, there are plenty of chances to share your work, connect with buyers, and build your brand.

So whether you’re selling Shakespearean love tokens or your best springtime collection, make sure April is circled on your calendar – and that your business is ready to bloom alongside it.

Spring is here, and that means the craft fair season is in full swing! As a crafter or artist, selling your handmade goods at fairs and markets is an exciting way to showcase your work, connect with customers, and grow your business. 

However, before sallying forth to set up your booth, it’s important to make sure you have the right insurance in place. From protecting your inventory to covering potential liability issues, having the right coverage can save you from unexpected financial losses. Here is a short breakdown of the essential types of craft insurance we offer to individuals, hobbyists, craft clubs, and registered businesses to stay protected and stress-free this season: 

If you go out and about to sell, teach or demonstrate your crafts, anyone can make a claim against you if they believe you or your employees/volunteers are responsible for them being injured or for damaging their property. They can also claim against you if they believe that your handmade product has injured them or damaged their property. 

Public and Product Liability Insurance for Crafters 

If, in the unlikely event that this happens, public and product liability insurance will cover the legal defence costs and compensation you owe.  

Public and Product liability insurance for crafters isn’t a legal requirement, although many event organisers will insist that you have cover.  Even if no one has asked you for cover, it may be something that you want to consider, as things could happen that you just can’t second-guess. Public and Product Liability Insurance for crafters includes the following: 

• Cover for either £1,000,000; £2,000,000; £5,000,000; £10,000,000 

• Cover for legal defence costs and compensation you owe. 

• Zero excess 

• Worldwide cover 

• Cover for USA/Canada included up to annual turnover of £25,000 incl. at no extra cost. 

Limit of Liability is capped at £500,000 in the aggregate 

• Cover applies to any events when you are selling, teaching, demonstrating your craft 

• Covers online sales, rent a shelf scenarios and having your crafts stocked by other retailers. 

How to go about setting up an insurance policy with Craft Insurance.  

Thankfully, the whole process is extremely straightforward and, for your peace of mind, Naomi and Sam at Craft Insurance are available at the end of the line, ready to guide you through it. There are a couple of points to bear in mind before you call:  

I) You must be a permanent resident of the UK, Isle of Man or the Channel Islands to be able to have a Craft Insurance policy. Having said this, the policy will cover you to sell worldwide, with some limitations if you wish to sell to USA/Canada*. 

ii) You will have to complete an online application.  Regrettably, we cannot receive applications by any other means or complete applications on your behalf. So you will need a valid email address and access to the internet to set up a policy. 

iii) If you want to organise a craft fair or market, our policies will not cover you, you will need to take a separate policy with a different insurer for that. 

iv) We will not be able to advise on the limit you will need.  Some event organisers will be specific if they want you to have a certain limit of cover.  Ultimately, it is your choice which limit to go for and what you feel comfortable with. 

Ways to pay 

Our policies can be purchased with credit/debit card, internet transfer or cheques. It is also possible to pay for the policy with an interest-free direct debit facility over 12 installments rather than paying for the whole year up front, however, you can’t set up direct debits on our website, so you will need to phone us to do this. 

Employers Liability Insurance 

Another important consideration to make is that if your craft business or club has any employees or volunteers, they could make a claim against you if they fall ill or are injured as a result of what they do for you. 

The cover doesn’t just apply to permanent employees – you could have a claim made against you by self-employed contractors, temporary staff or even volunteers. Having Employers’ Liability Insurance in place means you’re covered if anyone makes a claim against you. 

For sole traders, limited companies, or even craft clubs, if you have employees and you do not hold Employers’ Liability cover, you may be in breach of legal requirements. 

Limited companies that have employees and/or more than one director require compulsory Employers’ Liability cover, regardless of whether they are family businesses or the directors are husband and wife. 

Employees include volunteers, assistants, helpers, or work experience students, paid or unpaid, full time or part time, who are working under your supervision, direction or control. The policy includes the following: 

• £10 million protection as standard (The legal minimum is £5 million) 

• Covers legal costs and compensation for illness and injury claims made by employees. 

• The price will be based on the number of employees/volunteers that you have.  

• Zero excess  

If you need to make a claim, the claims team can be contacted Monday to Friday, 09.00 to 17.30, on +44 (0)1206 773 899 (please select option one or two as appropriate).  

For all new property claims, please use property.claims@hiscox.com and for all new liability claims, you should email liability.claims@hiscox.com.  

All that said, we wish you all the best as you head out to sell your unique, handcrafted wares on the craft fair circuit, and we look forward to hearing about your adventures.   

*Providing that your estimated annual turnover to USA/Canada does not exceed £25,000 cover is automatically included, however, the limit of Public and products liability is capped at £500,000 in the aggregate including defence costs. 

The policy covers goods sold, supplied or distributed anywhere in the world, but claims must be brought against you in the United Kingdom or Ireland. 

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!