First indications of how much business licensing will cost revealed by SIA

December 17, 2013

The Security Industry Authority (SIA) has revealed the latest estimates of business licensing costs under the new business licensing regime.

The figures are indicative and subject to change, but the SIA hopes they will help businesses in the UK prepare for the changes which come into force in April 2015. Businesses will need to apply by October 2014 to guarantee they have a license in place by the deadline.

The cost for licenses will be divided into two parts: an application fee and an annual subscription fee, with the annual fee based on the average headcount in your business during the previous 12 months.

License fees fall into four categories based on size of business:

Micro and small businesses – £300-500 application fee followed by flat subscription fee of £500-1000.
Medium – £650-1000 application fee followed by annual subscription fee of £500-1000 plus a per head cost of £17-25.
Large – £1000-1400 application fee followed by annual subscription fee of £500-1000 plus a per head cost of £17-25.

The exact fees will be set by the Home Office and HM Treasury.

The SIA says the Scottish Government and the Department of Justice for Northern Ireland have indicated that they are supportive of a consistent UK wide regulatory regime. Business licensing is subject to ministerial approval and the approval of the Scottish Government and the Department of Justice for Northern Ireland.

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