Going self employed very soon... any advice most welcome

[Curiousmama]

I'm going self-employed p/t soon as a hairstylist (mobile) I have my business cards sorted and think I know which public liability insurance I'm going to get? Apart from that haven't done much else but I know I have to tell the inland rev? I'm pricing stock tomorrow as I'll be cutting and colouring...they were my speciality when I worked in a salon.

It's quite scary to be honest but am nervous and excited at the same time.

Good luck, keep your prices as competitive as possible.

Thanks, yes I am. Luckily people seem keen to pay for a good colourist...and some pay for bad ones!

YOu do need to declare to the inland revenue that you will be self employed, and sign up for regular national insurance payments....

Thanks yes looked into that orangina, the form looks simple enough.

I just bought a load of stock today...and kept the receipt Can't wait for my business cards to come.

Hi Curiousmama! I'm going self-employed too very soon as a translator/interpreter/language trainer. The inland revenue have some free information weorkshops that are very useful when you start up. If you go on their website, I think they can be found under the education team, but will check. Best of luck to you!!

Congrats on the new business! A few thoughts..

• Car insurance. You'll need to add business use on if you haven't already.

• Online marketing. Try popping some free listings on the local boards of that other parenting website (take mumsnet, reverse the words...), gumtree and any other local boards you can find.

• Overhead expenses. Since your business will be based from (even though not operating from) home you will be able to claim a percentage of your household bills against your taxable income - so decide which area(s) you will be using and start keeping records of your expenditure. I think Business Link has some useful info on this - let me know if you need any links.