When you first go self-employed, one of the questions that comes up is whether you need to be registered with anyone before you can start trading. The answer depends on the type of work you do.
Some trades and professions are subject to legal regulation. You must be registered on the official register before taking on your first customer.
Other areas are unregulated, but clients may expect you to hold membership, provide checks, or hold certifications. If you skip this step, you may end up trading illegally, face fines, or have an insurance claim refused.
It is worth sorting this out before you begin, because fixing it later is never straightforward.
Jobs where you must be registered
The UK has a patchwork of regulated activities. These are areas where the law requires you to be authorised, licensed, or listed before you can trade legally.
Gas work
Anyone working on boilers, cookers or other gas appliances must be on the Gas Safe Register. It replaced CORGI in 2009. Registration involves an inspection and proof of qualifications. Fees start from around £320 per year.
Example: a self-employed plumber cannot install a gas hob until they have Gas Safe approval.
Electrical work in homes
Domestic electrical work is covered by Part P of the Building Regulations in England and Wales. Most electricians join a Competent Person Scheme such as NICEIC or NAPIT to self-certify. Without it, work must be signed off by building control.
Example: replacing a fuse board requires Part P compliance. Minor jobs, like changing sockets, usually don’t.
Financial services
Giving investment, mortgage or insurance advice is regulated. You need authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority. Applications can take several months, and fees often run into thousands of pounds.
Example: a self-employed mortgage adviser must be FCA authorised before offering services.
Childminding and childcare
In England, most childminders are required to register with Ofsted before caring for any children under eight.
Checks include DBS clearance, first aid training, and safeguarding. Registration is free but can take several weeks. In Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, different regulators apply.
Example: looking after one neighbour’s child for pay counts as childminding and requires registration.
Food businesses
Any business that handles or sells food must register with its local council’s environmental health department at least 28 days before opening. Guidance is on GOV.UK. Registration is free, but an inspection may be conducted afterwards.
Example: a home baker selling cakes via Instagram still needs to register as a food business.
Health and social care
Professionals such as paramedics, occupational therapists and radiographers must be registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC).
Providers of health and social care services may also need approval from the Care Quality Commission (CQC). Fees vary depending on the role.
Example: a physiotherapist setting up a private clinic must hold HCPC registration.
Security work
Private security jobs, such as door supervision, close protection, or CCTV monitoring, require a licence from the Security Industry Authority (SIA). Courses and exams are mandatory, and the licence costs £184 for three years.
Example: a sole trader offering event security cannot operate without an SIA licence.
Waste and transport
If you carry waste, even as a small business, you may need to register as a carrier with the Environment Agency.
Transport businesses often need an operator’s licence from the DVSA. Costs vary, with standard waste registration starting at £154.
Example: a gardener removing clients’ waste must be registered as a waste carrier.
Examples of regulated professions
| Profession / Activity | Regulator or Register | Typical cost | Official link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gas engineers | Gas Safe Register | From ~£320 per year | Gas Safe |
| Electricians (domestic) | Part P Competent Person Schemes (NICEIC, NAPIT) | ~£500–£600 per year | NICEIC, NAPIT |
| Financial advisers | Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) | £1,500+ application, annual levies | FCA Register |
| Childminders | Ofsted (England) | Free to register, DBS checks ~£38 | Ofsted |
| Food businesses | Local authority environmental health | Free | Food registration |
| Health & care professionals | HCPC, CQC (depending on role) | HCPC ~£100 per year, CQC fees vary | HCPC, CQC |
| Security roles | Security Industry Authority (SIA) | £184 for 3 years | SIA |
| Waste carriers | Environment Agency | From £154 for 3 years | EA |
| Goods vehicle operators | Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) | £257 application + £401 continuation fee | DVSA |
Electricians (domestic)
Regulator: Part P schemes (NICEIC, NAPIT)
Typical cost: ~£500–£600 per year
Food businesses
Regulator: Local authority environmental health
Typical cost: Free
Roles where membership is optional but valuable
In other areas, you are free to start trading without membership. However, clients often seek additional reassurance. Being part of a professional body or holding checks, such as a DBS, can make a difference.
- Builders and tradespeople: schemes such as TrustMark or the Federation of Master Builders.
- Marketers, PR consultants and advertisers: bodies like the Chartered Institute of Marketing or CIPR.
- IT contractors: membership of the British Computer Society or IET, plus vendor qualifications.
- Tutors and coaches: parents expect an enhanced DBS check even if not legally required.
Why insurance and registration go together
Insurance policies often assume you hold the proper approvals. If you don’t, claims may be rejected. This is common with professional indemnity and public liability cover.
How to check what you need
- Use the GOV.UK licence finder tool.
- Contact your local authority for planning, signage, food or noise issues.
- Search the regulator registers directly.
- Ask a trade association.
Costs and timescales
- Gas Safe: around £500+ per year.
- FCA: application fees often exceed £1,500, plus ongoing levies.
- SIA: £184 for three years.
- Food business registration is free, but environmental health officials may conduct inspections.
- Ofsted: registration is free, and DBS checks cost around £38 each.
- Waste carrier licence: from £154 for three years.
Some are fast to arrange. Others, such as FCA authorisation, can take months.
If you trade without approval
Trading without the correct authorisation puts you at risk. You could face enforcement action, fines, and loss of insurance cover. In some industries, it is a criminal offence.
Key points before you launch
- Confirm if your trade is regulated.
- Apply to the correct body or scheme.
- Arrange suitable insurance.
- Keep proof of membership and renew on time.
- Add your licence number or badge to your website and invoices.
Related ByteStart guides
- Steps to become self-employed
- How to register as self-employed
- Do I need a licence to run my business from home?
- Sole trader insurance
FAQs
Do I need to be on the Gas Safe Register to install a gas hob?
Yes. Any gas work in the UK must be carried out by a person registered with the Gas Safe Register. It is a legal requirement, and trading without it is an offence.
Can I give financial advice without FCA authorisation?
No. Most financial advice, including mortgages, pensions and investments, is regulated. The Financial Conduct Authority must authorise you before you start.
Do all electricians need Part P certification?
Not every electrical job is notifiable, but major domestic work is. Joining a Competent Person Scheme, such as NICEIC or NAPIT, allows you to self-certify and is the most practical route for sole traders.
Do I have to register my home baking business?
Yes. If you prepare or sell food, even from home, you must register with your local authority’s environmental health team. It is free but needs to be done before you trade.
Is joining a trade body compulsory?
Usually not. Membership of bodies such as the Federation of Master Builders, CIM or BCS is voluntary, but it can give you credibility and sometimes cheaper insurance.
Note: Always check the official regulator or your local authority for current rules. Requirements can vary by UK nation.
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