Kettering · North Northamptonshire
How to Start a Cleaning Business in Kettering
What you need to know about licensing, insurance and getting started -- specific to Kettering and the wider North Northamptonshire area.
Open the Cleaning Business Launch Kit to see everything included — £22Starting a cleaning business in Kettering? Good news: there's very little standing in your way legally. This guide walks through what you genuinely need in place before your first job across Kettering and the wider North Northamptonshire area.
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 Kettering?
Most people starting out in Kettering 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 Kettering?
Yes -- many cleaners in Kettering 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 Kettering?
Many cleaners bring their own supplies and equipment as standard, though some clients prefer to provide their own. Confirming this with each client in Kettering before the first visit avoids any confusion.
Do I need a licence to start a cleaning business in Kettering?
No general licence is required for ordinary domestic cleaning in Kettering 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.