Just imagine: A phone call out of the blue. The caller has a voice you don’t recognise. He’s telling you he is hurt – badly – and you’re responsible. You hang up.

Running a small or medium-sized business in Australia comes with exciting opportunities as well as certain risks. From customers slipping on your premises to accidental errors in professional advice, unexpected events can happen at any time.

Starting a business in Melbourne, or anywhere else in Victoria, is exciting, but it requires plenty of planning. You need to be certain that there is a market for your products or services before you launch. You also need to become familiar with the tax and regulatory requirements of operating a business in Victoria, while also having the financial means to invest in growing your business.

Australian builders can get insurance to protect just about any part of their business—from tools and materials, tool and equipment cover, contract works, and protection against worksite hazards like property damage and workplace accidents. But there might be one part of your business that’s not yet covered—your professional services and advice.

Business insurance. It’s probably not top of mind for most busy tradies. You may be required to have certain policies to work, but beyond that, you might not think about it much.

Whether you’re an electrician, plumber, carpenter or builder, working as a tradie means facing risks every day. That’s where tradie insurance comes in. Business insurance can help safeguard you from financial loss, legal claims and downtime so you can focus on what you do best: getting the job done.

Melbourne – the capital of Victoria – is a vibrant, multicultural city. It’s laneways host an array of bustling small businesses, from bars and cafes to boutiques, galleries and theatres. Indeed, Melbourne is a fantastic city in which to start a small business.

As authorities crack down on industry practices amid a chronic labour shortage, the necessity for real estate agents to protect themselves with business insurance is becoming even more important.

Australia’s housing boom has increased demand for painters and decorators in many states. Working as a painting contractor can be financially lucrative and personally rewarding. But before you buy new brushes, you should check the painter licensing requirements in your area.

As a plumber you seek out new customers to grow your business. It’s a competitive industry and that’s why reducing your business risk and staying ahead of the game with smart, targeted marketing strategies is vital.