Journey

Set up a personal services business

A step-by-step path through the regulations that apply to personal services businesses — hairdressers, beauty salons, tattooists, dry cleaners, spas, funeral directors and pet groomers. Start by identifying which rules apply, work through the universal workplace duties, then cover any sector-specific registrations, permits or licences, and finish with the compliance checklist.

Starting Updated 22 October 2026

This learning path takes you through the regulatory framework for personal services businesses in order. Each step links to a guide that covers one part of your obligations. Follow them in sequence to build a complete picture.

Step 1 — Find out which rules apply

Identify whether your business falls under the universal workplace duties alone or also triggers activity-specific registrations, permits or licences.

Step 2 — Set up your workplace safely

Work through the six universal duties every personal services business must meet: health and safety, COSHH, fire safety, employers' liability insurance, equality and data protection.

Step 3 — Meet your sector-specific duties

If you dry-clean with solvents, pierce skin, offer special treatments or operate a spa pool, follow this guide for the registration, permit or licensing duties that apply on top of the universal foundation.

Step 4 — Confirm you are compliant

Work through the compliance checklist to confirm every obligation is in place before you open or continue trading.