Beginner’s Guide on Starting a Livery Stable Business in the United Kingdom
Have you always been fond of horses ever since you were a kid, and then you realize that starting a livery stable business is a fitting career for you? If yes, then let us guide you through the process!
What Is a Livery Stable Business?
A livery stable is a boarding place for horses. Horse owners pay for a livery stable so they could keep their horses in there. There are different types of livery, and here is a list so you can familiarize yourself with each.
Competition Livery
In a competition livery, the stable owner is in charge of all the aspects of horse keeping. These aspects include grooming, feeding, regular exercise, and keeping an eye on the horses’ health. Such things are also the reason why this type of livery is the most expensive of all.
Aside from those things, a competition livery is also where a horse is prepared for local events and competitions. There are also some cases where they also have to transport the horse to the area where the event will occur. Livery owners usually transport them in a horsebox, and all the owner has to do is mount them, make the most out of the ride, and have them returned to the stables after the event.
Full Livery
On the other hand, a full livery suits horse owners who have a lot of time to ride their horse but do not prefer or cannot attend to the maintenance and everyday needs of the animal. The livery stable is the one responsible for the primary total care of the horse. However, the fees here do not include shoeing and vet care.
If you are planning about starting a livery stable business of this type, we can help you with your United Kingdom company incorporation.
DIY Livery
The third type of livery is the DIY livery. Only accommodations are provided in this livery classification, and all the other aspects are taken care of by the owner. This means that the horse owner is the one responsible for feeding, grooming, exercising, and keeping an eye on the horse’s health. Furthermore, owners of DIY livery usually sell the feed and bedding to the owners.
Grass Livery
On the other hand, a grass livery caters to horses who are in need of supervised grazing. The horses are also provided with some sort of shelter and access to a clean water supply. The owners of the horse can just leave any supplementary feed in a secured place.
Part Livery
A part livery relies on the horse owner’s requirements. Usually, in this classification, the livery stable provides the accommodation, feeding, grazing, and mucking out, and the owner will be the one to take care of the exercise and grooming aspects. If you plan to start a part livery business, you can ask 3E Accounting to help you with your company registration in the United Kingdom.
Working Livery
This classification is usually found in riding schools. This has a lesser livery fee because the school can use the horse for a number of hours weekly for the riding lessons that they offer. However, the owner of the horse is still the one responsible for shoeing, worming, and having a vet check-up on the horse’s health.
Other Arrangements
The livery business is pretty flexible. You can offer other terms aside from providing the basic needs of the horses. Some liveries look after horses that are for sale. Their goal is to keep the horse healthy and presentable before they are shown to potential buyers. Aside from that, there are also livery stables that offer both long-term and short-term stays. You can be flexible as much as you want with your livery stable’s term as long as it generates enough income.
How to Start a Livery Stable Business?
Starting a livery stable business is not an easy thing to do. There are many factors that you should consider, such as estimating if you have enough demand, finding the right location for your store, knowing all the provisions of animal welfare, and many more. So, to make your life easier, we made a step-by-step process on how to start a livery business.
Step 1: Research
Every business starts with research. This is the most important step because this will determine if you are ready about all the possible aspects that must be considered and if your business would become a successful one.
In this step, you must be able to estimate the demand for livery stables. This will determine if you will have enough customers who will avail of your services so your business can make a profit. Once you have determined the demand, the next step is for you to choose your target market and know their needs, preferences, and other information about them.
Next, you must also research your competition. Is there another livery stable business near your area? If yes, what services do they offer? How much do they offer their services? Do they provide other perks?
Step 2: Business Conceptualization and Planning
Once you are done with your research, you must consider your findings to formulate your business strategy. In this second step, you will have to determine how you will do things your way and if your ideas are realistic and feasible. You can use these questions to help you with conceptualizing and planning your business:
- What type of livery stable business will you open?
- Given the space of your area, how many horses can you cater to, and what activities can you offer?
- How much will you price your services?
- Do you need a workforce? If yes, how many, and what are their job descriptions?
- How much will you pay your workers?
When you are done thinking about these things, you can also draft your contract in this part. Remember that contracts are essential in this business because you will be entrusted with a living possession of somebody else. So, to avoid misunderstandings in the future, draft a contract.
Step 3: Consider the Legalities
You have to need your basic business permits to operationalize. Aside from that, there are also many other legal matters that you should handle when starting a livery stable business. These legalities may include ensuring animal welfare, getting additional licenses if you will operate a running school, proper disposal of manure and other wastes, fire safety, health and safety, and employment legislation. If you need help with these legalities, don’t hesitate to contact a corporate service provider in the UK.
Step 4: Promote Your Business
How will you have customers if you won’t promote your business? A successful marketing strategy can make a business thrive. You can offer discounts and other unique perks so you can stand out among your competitors. Aside from that, you should also establish the right image. Specifically, you must let people know how the horses are well-valued in your establishment, how you keep them in excellent condition, and many more.
Live Your Dream Livery Stable With Us!
If you dream of starting a livery stable business ever since then, now is the perfect time for you to work that dream! Don’t mind all the paperwork; we can be the trusty companion who will do all the hard work for you! If you are interested, contact 3E Accounting now! We are the one-stop solution for your dream business, and we offer several services such as Accounting, Secretarial, and Business Registration!