Pop-Up Shops, How to Insure Your Temporary Business Set-Up This Summer

Pop-up shops are booming. From summer markets to local festivals and community events, they offer small businesses the chance to boost visibility, test new products, and generate seasonal sales.

But just because your set-up is temporary doesn’t mean the risks are. If you’re planning to trade off-site this summer, it’s important to make sure your insurance still holds up.

Summer Trading Is a Big Opportunity, and a Big Risk

Pop-ups can be a smart way to grow your business, but they need careful planning. As the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) puts it:

“Plan ahead for the summer season with practical tips on managing trading, staffing, promotions and cash flow for small businesses.”

Many events will ask for proof of public liability insurance before allowing you to trade. And if you’re hiring someone to help out, even just for the weekend, you may need employers’ liability cover too.

What Insurance Might You Need?

FSB Insurance Service outlines key insurance considerations for pop-up traders:

“Lots of event organisers have a minimum required public liability limit in their contracts… Even if it isn’t, public liability cover is important as it protects your business.”

Here’s a quick checklist:

• Public Liability Insurance
  Protects you if someone is injured or property is damaged around your stall.
• Employers’ Liability Insurance
  A legal requirement if you hire anyone, even part-time, even for a single day.
• Product Liability Insurance
  Covers claims related to goods you sell, such as food, cosmetics or handmade items.
• Stock and Equipment Insurance
  Protects goods in transit or on-site against theft, fire, or accidental damage.
• Vehicle Use
  Standard motor insurance may not cover business use, always check with your provider.

🖨️ Want to print this out? Download our free checklist PDF here.

Other Things to Consider

Whether you’re at a local market or a national exhibition, you may also need to:

Extend your business insurance to include ‘working away’ from your usual premises

Document health and safety measures, covering trip hazards, manual handling, heat, and hydration

Take precautions for any cash or card terminals in use

Ask if your event requires a specific indemnity limit

As FSB Insurance Service notes:

“It can be easy to get caught out… your insurance may not cover all your activity away from the physical shop.”

Need Help Finding the Right Cover?

At FSB Insurance Service, we understand the needs of seasonal traders. We support FSB members with insurance solutions designed for the way they work, even off-site.

📞 Call us on 020 3883 7976 to speak to our friendly UK-based team. We’re here to help you understand your options.

Final Thought

Pop-up trading should be a boost, not a burden. With the right cover in place, you can trade confidently and make the most of the summer season.

Make sure your insurance works wherever your business takes you.