Managing the real world ‘realities’ of Freelance Grooming
Bookkeeping for Freelance Grooms
Administration and bookkeeping might not be something that springs to mind when setting up as a Freelance Groom, yet it is the foundation of your business. You will need to keep a diary for logging past and future bookings, a system for invoicing, you will need to maintain bookkeeping, and you will need to submit tax returns. Knowing what and how to maintain your bookkeeping is paramount to your businesses ongoing success.
Continue readingHow to maximise your earning potential as a Freelance Groom
Many Freelance Grooms don’t earn the money they potentially could, for a variety of reasons. The responsibilities of working on a freelance basis are varied, and not just centered on turning up on time and doing a decent job; there are many layers of responsibility that are the foundation of a successful freelance business. We give inspiration on broadening your skill set and the services you can offer to increase your earning potential as a Freelance Groom.
Continue readingInsurance cover for Freelance Grooms
Adequate and appropriate insurance is essential to those both employed and self-employed, it isn’t a “nice to have”. Accidents happen around horses and sometimes they have repercussions that we don’t think of or are simply unprepared for. Insurance cover for Freelance Grooms is an allowable business expense and can be offset against your taxable income.
Continue readingFreelance Grooming – The highs and the lows
All jobs have their ups and downs of course, and working as a Freelance Groom is no different. We talk with Freelance Grooms all the time who wouldn’t choose to work any other way. We also talk with those who have got themselves into a real old pickle. For those considering freelancing as a career pathway, you should consider the following…
Continue readingEquipment/Business Tools for Freelance Grooms
On the whole, Freelance Grooms use the same equipment as any other groom, but Freelance Grooms often have to provide and maintain much of this themselves! The equipment a Freelance Groom has can impact their earning capacity, and their appeal to potential clients. Things to consider…
Continue readingAbout Freelance Grooms and Freelance Groom Jobs
The appeal of a working life flitting from yard to yard, meeting many, many new horses (and people of course!) is understandable but is this perception realistic? This article attempts to give you an overview of freelance grooming – the ins and outs and pros and cons in a nutshell…
Continue readingA step by step guide to becoming an Apprentice Groom
Everyone likes to keep things simple, and sometimes gathering all the information needed before making decisions and acting on them can be time-consuming. With this in mind, The Grooms List team have put together a simple step-by-step guide to becoming an Apprentice Groom, from finding your Apprentice Groom vacancy to your options once you’ve gained your qualification.
Continue readingWhy The Grooms List is THE GO-TO place for Equine Apprenticeships
It’s National Apprenticeship Week – a perfect time for grooms to explore the possibilities of gaining nationally recognised qualifications without having to take time out from work, and employers to consider expanding their team by taking on an apprentice groom! Whether you’re an employer or a learner/would be apprentice The Grooms List by Caroline Carter Recruitment is THE GO-TO place to go for Equine Apprenticeships! Everything both employers and learners need is here, in one place, from choosing a Training Provider to finding your next groom or job and everything in between!
Continue readingChoosing the RIGHT apprenticeship training provider
All apprenticeships are supported by a specialist training organisation and choosing the right apprenticeship training provider is hugely important to a success outcome for both the learner and the employer. Here we offer employers some tips and advice on finding and selecting the right apprenticeship training provider for your yard.
Continue readingHow Coronavirus Affects Equine Recruitment
Yesterday evening the UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced new, tighter restrictions on the movement and activities of individuals in Britain. As the no.1 equestrian recruitment agency, we’re keen that everyone understands how coronavirus affects equine recruitment, in order that disruption may be kept to a minimum while keeping everyone safe. This morning we have taken advice directly from the Government on how yards can cope with their staffing needs throughout this surreal and unprecedented time.
Continue readingCoronavirus – useful information
Given the huge coverage of Coronavirus (COVID-19)  in the UK news, unless you have been on a completely different planet, it’s highly unlikely that you’ve never heard of it or have no idea what it is. 🙂
At this point we really don’t know is how it might affect the equine industry, and in particular, those working in the equine industry. Here, we gather together some basic information on Coronavirus, along with links to further useful information.
Equestrian Employers Association Employer Conference 2020
Caroline Carter Recruitment is delighted to support the Equestrian Employers Association Employer Conference, on 25th February 2020.
Caroline Carter is a guest speaker at the conference, answering your questions on the staffing challenges with the equine workplace in the session, How to attract, recruit and retain excellent staff.
Caroline says, “I am really looking forward to this conference. It represents a groundbreaking opportunity to eyeball the ‘issues of the day’ surrounding attracting, recruiting and retaining staff. With a recruitment industry ‘in crisis,’ we must all grasp these opportunities to look at strategies which could positively impact change.”
Read on to find out more about this interesting event and its aims…
Continue readingAvoiding Discrimination in the Recruitment Process
Never before has society been more aware of discrimination and the negative impact it has on all aspects of life. Quite rightly, the law takes acts of discrimination very seriously and, as with all matters pertaining to employment law, ignorance is no defence when it comes to the crunch! If upheld, a claim can result in a hefty fine! This blog is aimed to raise awareness and avoid not uncommon pitfalls.
Continue readingTips for Employers on Managing Job Applications
There is more to managing job applications than you might think. The whole point in advertising a job vacancy is to receive applications from job seekers yet, once they start to come in, many employers lose out on their ideal candidate by making simple, easy to make errors when managing them. As seasoned recruiters, we regularly see or receive feedback from employers on the way they approach their job applications and, in turn, we see what works for them and what doesn’t. Here, we put together the do’s and don’ts of managing job applications.
Continue readingEmployment contracts in the equine industry
There is often much confusion about employment contracts in the equine industry, and it’s very easy for both employers and grooms to make mistakes that, in the worst case scenario, can be devastating further on in time. Read our simple guide and make sure you’re in the know and on the right side of the law when it comes to employment contracts.
Continue readingMaking and accepting a job offer – the do’s and don’ts!
Sometimes, making and accepting a job offer can be somewhat rushed and not treated with the formality it really does require. Whilst it’s a huge relief to have reached this stage, it is by no means the end of the process! There is still time for things to unravel and go wrong, and sometimes badly wrong, which it’s why it’s so important for both employers and job seekers to approach this stage with care and to put aside a little quality time to get it spot-on! Read our guidance on making and accepting a formal job offer…
Continue readingWhat happens when a job offer is withdrawn?
Offering and accepting a job offer can be a time of mixed emotions – happiness, relief, anxiety, and even confusion in some circumstances. But occasionally things go wrong when they’ve barely begun and the job offer is withdrawn. Where do employers and job seekers stand when a job offer/acceptance is withdrawn?
Continue readingThe “Written Statement of Employment Particulars” explained
A “Written Statement of Employment Particulars” is the part of an employment contract that has to be given in writing within two months of an employee starting work, and both employers and employees need to know what it must contain and what it can contain. Make sure you know where you stand!
Continue reading5 reasons why the equine industry needs Apprentice Grooms!
It’s National Apprenticeship Week 10th February – 16th February 2025 – a perfect time for grooms to explore the possibilities of gaining nationally recognised qualifications without having to take time out from work, and employers to consider expanding their team by taking on an apprentice groom! Why is this so important to the equine industry? Because the equine industry NEEDS you to! Before dismissing the idea of becoming or employing an apprentice, read our 5 reasons why the equine industry needs Apprentice Grooms…
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