Toy BusineAnd Start-Up
Discussion
Just wondering whether anyone could help me answer a few questions and give some suggestions on my bespoke toy business start-up.
For a quick background about the business model, I design and produce bespoke add-ons and customisation for some existing kids toys - the standard toys are made by a company in China. We use 3D printing technology and a type of polyurethane casting to manufacture the parts. We're also looking at hiring out our customised products in the future for kids birthday parties eye.
1) As the business is on such a small scale, I currently operate out of my rented home. The thing is, my rent contract actually says I'm now allowed to run a business from it. So I'm wondering, what other options do I have? Is it possible to just pay for one of those virtual office addresses and use that as my ltd business address? If not, where can I rent a very small and cheap workshop in London?
2) Business Insurance - Does anyone know what type of cover I definitely need, especially as it is kids toys I deal with?
3) This brings me onto the laws regarding toys. Do I need to do testing etc to ensure my customisation to the toys are allowed and are safe enough?
I'll probably have many more questions coming, so any help would be much appreciated.
For a quick background about the business model, I design and produce bespoke add-ons and customisation for some existing kids toys - the standard toys are made by a company in China. We use 3D printing technology and a type of polyurethane casting to manufacture the parts. We're also looking at hiring out our customised products in the future for kids birthday parties eye.
1) As the business is on such a small scale, I currently operate out of my rented home. The thing is, my rent contract actually says I'm now allowed to run a business from it. So I'm wondering, what other options do I have? Is it possible to just pay for one of those virtual office addresses and use that as my ltd business address? If not, where can I rent a very small and cheap workshop in London?
2) Business Insurance - Does anyone know what type of cover I definitely need, especially as it is kids toys I deal with?
3) This brings me onto the laws regarding toys. Do I need to do testing etc to ensure my customisation to the toys are allowed and are safe enough?
I'll probably have many more questions coming, so any help would be much appreciated.
I'm no expert but helped a mate who had a toy business.
1. Unless it's obvious you are running a business from home then I wouldn't worry about it. There are lots of providers who will let you register a company at their address.
2. Product liability insurance is what you should be looking into. There are plenty of providers & their requirements / qualification process neatly leads to your last question.
3. EN71 parts 1-3 are usually most relevant. I don't know too much about accessories but I was under the impression that they should be certified to the same level of the toy that they go with.
Good luck!
1. Unless it's obvious you are running a business from home then I wouldn't worry about it. There are lots of providers who will let you register a company at their address.
2. Product liability insurance is what you should be looking into. There are plenty of providers & their requirements / qualification process neatly leads to your last question.
3. EN71 parts 1-3 are usually most relevant. I don't know too much about accessories but I was under the impression that they should be certified to the same level of the toy that they go with.
Good luck!
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