Home-based boutique modelling agency

Local and online brands, photographers, hair and beauty businesses, shops and small marketing agencies that need models for shoots, events and campaigns.

You take an agreed commission from the model's fee on each booking, and sometimes add a booking fee charged to the client. Income depends on how many bookings you win.

• Spotting and presenting talent
• Negotiating fees and contracts
• Organised, with good follow-up
• Building relationships with clients

• Employment agency rules: check the government guidance on rules for agencies, including what you can and cannot charge models
• Never promise work to models you cannot deliver, as scam claims badly damage a reputation
• Booking children usually needs parental consent and may need a local authority licence and chaperone, so check with the council
• Register with the ICO if you hold models' personal data, and keep data secure
• Chasing late client payments and keeping models safe on shoots, so vet clients and set clear terms
• Check with your landlord or mortgage lender before running a business from home

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £300 to £1,500, depending on what you spend on portfolios, a website and basic business set-up. Running from home keeps premises costs out of the picture.

Check government guidance on employment agency rules, including what you can and cannot charge models. Booking children usually needs parental consent and may need a local authority licence and chaperone, so check with your council. Register with the ICO if you hold models' personal data.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £300 to £1,500, depending on the size of your roster, the clients you win and the fees you negotiate. You could start with at least around 10 hours a week.