Comiston · City of Edinburgh
Launch a Cleaning Business in Comiston
Licensing, insurance and your first bookings -- covering Comiston and the surrounding City of Edinburgh area.
Open the Cleaning Business Launch Kit to see everything included — £22Comiston is as good a place as any in the UK to start a cleaning business -- the trade has few legal barriers to entry. This guide sets out what to sort before your first client visit in City of Edinburgh.
What the rules say
No general licence is required to run an ordinary domestic cleaning business in the UK -- though specific sub-activities, such as carrying waste away from a client's property, have their own registration requirements. Public liability insurance isn't a legal requirement for a sole trader, but it's near-universal in practice and often expected by clients and letting agents. Employers' liability insurance becomes a legal requirement the moment you take on any non-family staff.
Quick answers
Should I register as a sole trader or a limited company in Comiston?
Most people starting out in Comiston begin as a sole trader -- it's simpler to set up and run. A limited company can make sense later as the business grows; the Cleaning Business Launch Kit covers the trade-offs in detail.
Can I subcontract for an agency instead of finding my own clients in Comiston?
Yes -- many cleaners in Comiston start by subcontracting through an agency or cleaning company before building a direct client base. Either route has different implications for how you're paid and taxed.
What should I bring to a cleaning job in Comiston?
Many cleaners bring their own supplies and equipment as standard, though some clients prefer to provide their own. Confirming this with each client in Comiston before the first visit avoids any confusion.
Do I need a licence to start a cleaning business in Comiston?
No general licence is required for ordinary domestic cleaning in Comiston or anywhere else in the UK. If you plan to carry waste away from a client's property yourself, check whether you need to register as a waste carrier.