John Caird
Commercial and Intermediary Director, AXA Ireland
For Ireland’s self-employed, independence can also mean exposure. Financial instability, uneven income and limited safety nets are everyday realities for many.
Running your own business is attractive to many people in Ireland. The ability to work on your own schedule, choose clients and build something that’s yours is a major part of that appeal.
Yet for those who are self‑employed, greater flexibility and control often come with a price: exposure.
Research from AXA highlights that independence can also mean financial instability, unpredictable income and a lack of safety nets when something goes wrong. Financial instability is the single biggest concern, cited by nearly half of respondents, even as most say their business is stable, doing well or thriving.
That’s why inclusive, flexible protection is becoming even more important for today’s micro‑businesses and sole traders. Services Protect from AXA was developed in response to the realities that many businesses face. It’s designed specifically for micro‑businesses and self-employed people, from mobile hairdressers and tutors to dance and music teachers, caterers and nail technicians. With around 100 different service occupations eligible, it reflects the diversity of small service businesses operating across Ireland.
Why inclusive insurance matters
For many service-led businesses, the margin for error is slim. A single accident, damaged piece of equipment or a claim from a customer can disrupt cash flow or halt trading altogether. At the same time, the administrative side of running a business, from tax returns to contracts and compliance, leaves little room to plan for what would happen if the unexpected did occur.
Inclusive insurance is about recognising these realities and ensuring that protection isn’t reserved for larger businesses with dedicated resources.
“Inclusive insurance means closing the protection gap for people and businesses most exposed to shocks but least likely to be insured. For us, it’s about offering simple, affordable products in flexible ways, so protection is a realistic option for all, not a privilege,” says John Caird, Commercial and Intermediary Director at AXA.
For self‑employed people, the ability to choose only the cover they need, at a level they can afford, can be the difference between going uninsured and having meaningful protection in place.
Our commitment is to make insurance more inclusive for the self‑employed and micro businesses who are vital to Ireland’s economy
Everyday cover for real risks
Public liability insurance is a good example. Whether you’re a cake maker delivering to clients or a yoga teacher hiring community halls, you regularly interact with others. If someone trips over your equipment, reacts badly to a product or their property is damaged, a claim could follow. Public liability cover can help protect your business from these costs, giving you reassurance and your customers confidence.
For many service businesses, equipment is the backbone of their income. Laptops, styling tools, specialist machinery or treatment equipment are hard to replace quickly. Under Services Protect, business equipment cover can be added to help if those essentials are lost, stolen or damaged, supporting a faster return to work.
Because public liability is the only required cover and everything else is optional, smaller businesses can choose the extra protections that fit their risks and budgets.
Supporting growth and responsibility
As businesses grow, responsibilities increase. Hiring employees, even casually or temporarily, creates a duty of care. Employers’ liability insurance can protect if an employee becomes unwell or is injured in the course of their work. For those whose personal skills are the product, professional indemnity cover can help protect them if a client claims that the work carried out or advice provided has resulted in a financial loss.
Services Protect is available through brokers, by phone and through AXA’s branch network, making it accessible whether business owners prefer advice from an intermediary or to deal directly.
“Our commitment is to make insurance more inclusive for the self‑employed and micro businesses who are vital to Ireland’s economy,” says John Caird. “We want to support people who take the risk of working for themselves, so they’re not left without support when they need it most.”
