Discover what legislation applies to shoe repairing businesses.
What licences does a shoe repairer need?
There are no licensing requirements relating specifically to the activities carried on in a typical shoe repair outlet.
You should, however, be aware that if background music is provided in the shop you will usually need a Music Licence from PPL PRS Ltd. There is an annual fee for this which you can pay online on the PPL PRS website.
Code of practice
If you become a member of the Society of Master Shoe Repairers (SOMSR) then you will have to comply with their code of practice. This covers various aspects of the trade and was produced in consultation with the Office of Fair Trading (since replaced by the Competition and Markets Authority).
Consumer protection
There's a great deal of legislation that protects the rights of the consumer that covers areas like the sale and supply of goods and services, pricing, consumer contracts and so on. There's detailed guidance available on the Trading Standards Business Companion website.
Carrier bag charge
A minimum 10p charge applies for single-use carrier bags in England (other rules apply in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland). You can get detailed guidance from the GOV.UK website.
Health & Safety, fire
You must comply with workplace health and safety and fire safety legislation.
Employment legislation
Anyone employing staff must comply with employment legislation. Important areas of legislation include recruitment, employment contracts, pay, working hours, holidays, employment policies, sickness, maternity, paternity, discrimination, discipline, grievances, dismissals, redundancies and employment tribunals.
Insurance for a shoe repairer
Contact an insurer or insurance broker and explain exactly how your business will operate - they will then explain what insurance cover you must have by law, and other cover you should consider. This might include:
- premises, premises contents and stock
- goods in transit (for example on the way back from a supplier)
- cash
- business interruption
- employers liability
- public liability
- motor insurance (for delivery vehicles)
The Society of Master Shoe Repairers (SOMSR) offers members bespoke insurance packages. Visit the SOMSR website for more information.
