Full-time modelling agency with an office

Fashion and lifestyle brands, ecommerce retailers, advertising and marketing agencies, event organisers and photographers.

Commission on each model's fee, plus agency or booking fees charged to clients. A bigger roster and repeat clients make income steadier.

• Talent scouting and development
• Contract negotiation
• Sales and client relationships
• Managing people and schedules

• Employment agency rules: check government guidance on what you can charge models and what contract terms are required
• Public liability insurance, and employer's liability insurance if you hire staff
• Child models may need parental consent, a local authority licence and chaperones, so check with your council
• Rent and other fixed costs while bookings are slow, so keep a cash buffer
• VAT registration once turnover passes the threshold, and how it applies to commission
• Protecting models' safety and personal data, and keeping a good name in a field with known scams

Startup costs are typically estimated at around £5,000 to £20,000, depending on the office or studio you rent, the fit-out and your marketing and insurance. Keep a cash buffer for slow booking periods.

Check government guidance on what you can charge models and what contract terms are required. Check public liability insurance, and employer's liability if you hire. Child models may need parental consent, a local authority licence and chaperones. Check how VAT applies once turnover passes the threshold.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £2,000 to £10,000, depending on your roster size, the clients you win and the work you handle. Expect to work at least around 35 hours a week.