Here at the NHBF, we’re here to support you in running your self-employed business. Whether you’re in the process of setting up or already running your own business within a salon, barbershop, or clinic, we’ve put this guide together as a checklist to help you understand what’s involved and to give you confidence that your working practices reflect genuine self-employment.

While it is your responsibility to ensure you're operating as a self-employed professional, this checklist is here to guide you through the setup process and provide a useful review tool to ensure you're still on the right track.

Did you know? The tax status risk that could impact your business

As an established hair or beauty professional with your own business, you might be surprised to learn that HMRC could view your chair rental, space or studio arrangement differently than you do. Despite years of operating as self-employed, your working relationship with the premises owner might actually meet HMRC's criteria for "disguised employment."

This classification discrepancy isn't just paperwork—it could result in significant tax adjustments, penalties, and legal complications for both you and the business owner. Even experienced hair and beauty professionals who've been operating for years can unknowingly fall into this compliance gap.

You can use this checklist to verify your business arrangement remains properly classified and legally sound.

We're here to help you get things right. For further advice and support, please contact 01234 831965.