Existing Customers: 0330 134 4600 | Quote Line Mon - Fri 8:00 - 7:00
13/11/2024
The Christmas party is a chance for fun, but inappropriate behaviour can cause issues. Learn how to prevent incidents that could harm your company’s reputation.
Unlock the secrets to outstanding customer service. Explore benefits, examples, and strategies to enhance customer loyalty and satisfaction in your business.
07/10/2024
Essential steps to build a successful takeaway business. Business plans, food safety requirements, delivery services, promoting and protecting your business.
26/09/2024
Discover the challenges faced by UK nightclubs and strategies for survival in a changing landscape. Explore the future of the nightlife industry.
25/09/2024
Discover the essential steps to make your salon successful. From business plans to navigating regulations, pricing, insurance, and marketing. Read our useful guide.
24/09/2024
Why is salon insurance important? Learn how salon insurance can protect your business and in particular, the key types of salon liability insurance you may need.
22/09/2024
Considering running a pub for a brewery? Learn about the top five issues to consider, from training and insurance to hiring staff and building your business.
11/09/2024
Protect your tattoo business with the right insurance coverage. Learn about tattoo liability insurance and it's importance for artists and shop owners.
08/09/2024
Discover essential makeup artist insurance covers. Public liability to treatment risk coverage, learn more about the covers you need to protect your business.
04/09/2024
Do I need insurance to do eyelash extensions? Discover the importance of eyelash technician insurance. Protect your beauty business with liability coverage.
12/08/2024
We provide guidance on claims, policy response, and tips on keeping your people safe.
15/07/2024
Ready to take your small business online, or need help to make the most of online marketing? Read our digital marketing tips for small businesses.
07/07/2024
Starting a retail business? Learn how to succeed with our comprehensive guide. Choose your product, plan your finances, and create a winning brand identity.
03/07/2024
No business is immune to disasters. Discover the importance of business continuity planning for SMEs. Learn how to prepare for disruptions and mitigate risks..
29/06/2024
Backed by the AA and VisitEngland and in partnership with key hospitality leaders and associations, Visitor Ready is a new mark of compliance that offers a straightforward way to enhance visitor confidence — at no cost.
26/06/2024
Discover everything you need to know about setting up a successful bed and breakfast business. From property options to regulations and insurance.
If you’re considering setting up a home baking business or you’re already running one, make sure you have the right home baking insurance in place.
17/06/2024
A broker can help you find the right cover at the right price, with expert, unbiased advice. Find out why you should use an insurance broker.
12/06/2024
Get started on your business journey with our free small business plan template and guide. Create a roadmap for success, align your goals, and forecast your finances.
05/06/2024
Boost your business on Google with these key steps: optimise your website, create a Google Business Profile, build a business website, and monitor your performance.
02/05/2024
Want to work for yourself? From business structure to managing finances, taxes, and insurance, this guide will help you navigate the self-employment journey.
26/03/2024
Our free guide and employee turnover calculator can help you work out the financial impact on your business when an employee leaves by looking at the costs incurred
25/03/2024
Business rates are taxes charged on most non-domestic properties. They provide essential revenue to local authorities to fund vital services. If you operate business premises - even working from home in some cases - you need to be aware of these rates.
20/03/2024
Maximise self-employed finances: Know your allowable expenses, claim tax relief, and utilise capital allowances for optimal tax benefits.
19/03/2024
How to employ someone for a small business. Advantages and disadvantages of hiring staff, hiring employees for the first time and legal requirements.
We're exploring few strategic measures you can implement to ensure your business is prepared and protected as much as possible over the holiday season.
05/03/2024
Learn everything you need to know about pub licences in our comprehensive guide. We cover training, applications, costs, additional certificates and insurance.
Learn how to run a pub successfully with our comprehensive guide. From location, business model and marketing, to licenses and insurance. Read our running a pub guide now.
23/01/2024
This year, we’re delighted to have won the Platinum Trusted Service Award, having achieved the Gold standard for three consecutive years.
18/12/2023
When it comes to preparing your pub for the festive season, prioritizing risk management is crucial. Theft and damage are common occurrences in pubs over the festive period. We're exploring the potential challenges you may face this season.
20/11/2023
Starting a phone repair business can be a lucrative commercial opportunity, but it requires careful planning and execution. Here are some steps to take and things to consider to help you set up a successful phone repair business."
05/11/2023
Starting a clothing boutique can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you have an eye for fashion. We've made a step by step guide to help you turn your dream into a reality.
09/10/2023
In the pursuit of a greener and more sustainable world, the UK government has entrusted small businesses with a crucial role in the journey towards achieving net zero. As part of this initiative, small businesses are being offered growth opportunities in return for their active participation. Find out how you can play your part.
Explore our innovative Beauty and Aesthetics Insurance Scheme - providing comprehensive cover designed to help protect your business and support growth within your ever changing world.
08/10/2023
Public liability insurance explained. What does public liability cover, when do you need it and how much does it cost?
04/10/2023
Product liability insurance explained. What does product liability cover, when do you need it and how much it can cost.
20/08/2023
Despite the rise of online shopping and the challenges faced by high-street retail, small shops are still the beating heart that supports their local communities. If you're considering starting your own small shop, we’ve put together some valuable tips to guide you along the way. Click to read more.
05/07/2023
E-commerce has become a dominant force in the retail market as rising numbers of consumers prefer the convenience and ease of shopping online. As a result, traditional high-street retail businesses have faced increasing competition from online retailers. There’s no denying the strengths of online retail over brick-and-mortar stores. However, traditional high-street retailers still have advantages. So what are the strengths of brick-and-mortar shops, and how can they be maximised to compete with digital competition?
26/04/2023
Learn three smart ways to reduce health and safety costs in your business, common health and safety claims and how to build robust claims defensibility, and what to look out for with health and safety enforcements.
02/04/2023
Decided to set up on your own, but not sure which route to choose? Read our considerations for sole trader vs limited company.
28/03/2023
Small business funding options: if you are taking the plunge and need extra finance, there are three main routes to consider.
Why use social media for business marketing? Read our short guide on social media for small business owners to find out how to sell on social media.
22/03/2023
Find out how to set up an online shop for your business and considerations including the different platforms, marketing and payments.
27/02/2023
We've created a step by step guide to show you how you can set up a thriving limited company.
22/02/2023
In this article, we talk through the information you need to become self-employed. From registering with HMRC, setting up a business bank account, and obtaining insurance, we’re covering all the important steps you need.
06/02/2023
By accessing the tool, you will be able to download helpful guides, hear from other business owners like you, calculate how much staff turnover is costing you, take advantage of our free business insurance check, and use the renewal date reminder form if they would like a quote at some point in the future.
We take a look at how Hairworks owner, Ellen Cortes, pulled out all the stops to turn her salon into a thriving business.
We explore what’s involved in becoming an aesthetic practitioner and the risks you need to be aware of to be successful.
05/02/2023
Smei celebrates winning a Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award for delivering exceptional customer service…. again!
25/01/2023
We caught up with Richard Silkstone, landlord of The White Swan in Kippax, West Yorkshire, to find out how he transformed a failing pub into the thriving heart of village life.
07/12/2022
A guide to statutory sick pay for employers.
22/11/2022
The Role of HMRC for Small Businesses
Employees with Second Jobs what Employers Need to Know
Charity Coffee Morning
Setting your business apart from your competitors can be challenging. Here are our five top tips to help your business stand out from the crowd.
20/11/2022
Building a leading high street barbers
28/03/2022
The UK vegan industry is booming and this is reflected in vegan food businesses. We explore key considerations when setting up a vegan food business.
15/03/2022
Fish and chip insurance policies include specific conditions. Failure to comply may affect the validity of your insurance cover or result in a prosecution.
26/01/2022
Use a broker with industry knowledge to get the right protection for your salon. Take advantage of a free salons insurance check from smei.
29/11/2021
Employers are broadly free to offer the pay they feel appropriate to attract and retain employees. However, regardless of the business size, the law states they should pay the minimum wage, at least. But what is the correct minimum wage? How does it differ from the national living wage, and can pay have an impact when it comes to staff retention?
13/09/2021
Do I need insurance to sell cakes from home? When starting any home food business, you will need to have the right food liability insurance.
19/08/2021
Whether you specialise in specific treatments, run your own studio or clinic, or work as a freelance practitioner, we’ll make sure you're fully covered.
28/07/2021
We explain the need for insurance in a salon. Whether it’s hair, beauty, nail or anything else; salon insurance is a vital part of your business plan.
15/06/2021
Beer garden and bar improvement ideas and revenue generating ideas for bars and pubs. Help bring in more customers and increase your profits.
10/05/2021
Starting a successful business can be a nerve-wracking process for small business owners. You need to navigate the financial responsibilities and considerations unique to your role.
