Thinking of running a business from your home? Whether you’re starting a small venture or expanding an existing one, it’s important to understand the permissions and responsibilities involved.

Do You Need Permission?

If you are an ateb customer and plan to run a business from your home, you must apply for permission. We need to ensure your business does not:

• Cause a nuisance to neighbours
• Lead to excessive noise, traffic, or disruption
• Require structural changes to your home
• Breach health and safety regulations

• When We’re Likely to Give Permission

  We will usually grant permission if:

  • Planning laws are not broken
  • Risks are controlled appropriately
  • The business is legal
  • It does not cause a nuisance to neighbours
  • You take responsibility for your customers’ actions
  • It does not breach tenancy or estate covenants

  Please note that permission may be withdrawn if issues arise or complaints are received.

• Environmental Impact

  We encourage businesses to adopt eco-friendly practices such as reducing waste, conserving energy, and sourcing sustainable materials. Applicants should also consider how they will manage any waste their business produces, ensuring disposal methods are appropriate and environmentally responsible. ateb supports sustainability efforts, and we encourage all home-based businesses to do the same.

• Examples of Businesses We May Approve

  If you’re unsure whether your business idea is suitable, here are some examples of businesses we will consider:

  • cosmetics
  • hairdressing
  • food takeaway/delivery (delivery-only options, not if people are visiting)
  • tattooing
  • childminding
  • gardening
  • dog walking
  • floristry
  • home baking
  • crafts

• Businesses We Will Not Approve

  We will not grant permission for businesses that:

  • Cause a nuisance, disturbance, or concern to neighbours (e.g., parking issues, frequent visitors)
  • Involve vehicle repairs, sales, or the operation of a taxi fleet
  • Are not registered with appropriate bodies or lack insurance
  • Involve any illegal activity
  • Are too large to be appropriately run from a home

• Insurance Requirements

  Different businesses may require specific types of insurance. Examples include:

  • Public Liability Insurance – If customers or clients visit your home, this protects against accidents or injuries.
  • Professional Indemnity Insurance – If you provide advice or services, this covers legal costs and compensation claims.
  • Product Liability Insurance – Essential for businesses selling physical products in case of defects or harm caused by your goods.
  • Employer’s Liability Insurance – Required if you employ staff, even if they work from your home.

  Make sure you check what insurance applies to your business before getting started.

• Legal Compliance for Food Businesses

  If you plan to run a food-related business, you must register with your local authority at least 28 days before opening. You may also need a food hygiene inspection and must comply with food safety regulations. Check with your local council for specific requirements.

• Risk Assessments

  You must carry out a health and safety risk assessment to identify and manage potential hazards for yourself, employees, or visitors:

  • Identify the risks
  • Evaluate the hazards
  • Take necessary steps to lower the risk
  • Inform us about how you manage and control these risks

• Planning for Emergencies

  While running a business from home is generally low-risk, fire safety is essential. Ensure you have:

  • A working smoke alarm that is regularly tested
  • A planned and clear escape route in case of fire

• Advertising

  We do not allow signs, trade plates, or adverts to be displayed at your home. However, we encourage you to promote your business online or within your community.

• Support for Start-Ups

  Starting a business can be challenging, but there are many resources available to help first-time business owners. Consider exploring:

  • Local Networking Events – Opportunities to connect with other business owners and potential customers.
  • Community Workshops & Training – Sessions covering key business skills, such as marketing, finance, and operations.
  • Support Groups – Forums or mentoring schemes that offer guidance from experienced entrepreneurs.
  • Business Wales – Government-backed advice and support for new businesses.

• Business Support and Grants

  There are various sources of support and funding available to help start or grow your business:

  • Business Wales – Welsh Government funded support and advice
  • uk – Various business grants available
  • Pembrokeshire County Council – Business Advice and Support
  • UK Shared Prosperity Funding – a UK government programme supporting local investment in businesses and communities
  • ateb Trust – Grants up to £1,500 for community-based economic, environmental, and wellbeing initiatives

Things to Consider

Before starting your business, consider:

• Your Occupation Contract – Some contracts may restrict business use.
• Planning Permission – If your business involves significant deliveries, signage, or customer visits, planning permission may be required.
• Insurance – Standard home insurance may not cover business activities, so check your policy.
• Business Rates & Tax – Running a business from home may affect your council tax or business rates. Visit GOV.UK for more details.

How to Apply

To apply for permission to run a business from your ateb home, complete our online application form:

Apply Here

Please ensure that the form is returned with all relevant supporting documents – such as business insurance quotes

Once submitted, our team will review your application and contact you if further information is needed.

Need more advice? Get in touch with us, email [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!