The short answer is yes. If you employ anyone, even one person, you have a legal duty to provide adequate first aid arrangements in your workplace. But we understand why the question comes up, especially in a place like Alderley Edge where many businesses are small, independent operations that might not feel like the kind of workplace where first aid emergencies happen.
A boutique with two members of staff. A hair salon with three stylists. A cafe with a handful of people behind the counter. An estate agency with a small team. A beauty clinic. A wine bar. A dog groomer. These are the kinds of businesses that make up Alderley Edge's high street, and it is easy to think that first aid training is something only bigger companies need to worry about.
It is not. And here is why.
We are PCT Services, and we deliver accredited first aid training from our training centre at First Floor, 2 Queen Street in Northwich, about a 25 minute drive from Alderley Edge. We work with small businesses exactly like the ones on Alderley Edge's high street, and we know that getting first aid sorted is often simpler and more affordable than people expect.
The legal position
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 apply to every employer, regardless of the size of the business. You must carry out a first aid needs assessment, provide appropriate first aid equipment, and ensure that an appointed person or trained first aider is available during working hours.
For a small, lower risk business in Alderley Edge, meeting this requirement is usually straightforward. You need at least one person trained in Emergency First Aid at Work, a properly stocked first aid kit, and a clear process for calling the emergency services if needed. That is the baseline, and for most small businesses, it is sufficient.
The risk of not having it in place is real. If the HSE inspects your premises and finds you do not have adequate first aid arrangements, you could face enforcement action. And if someone is injured on your premises and you cannot show that you had proper first aid provision, the consequences could be much more serious.
But my business is low risk
You might think that because your business is a boutique or a salon or an office, the risk of a first aid emergency is very low. And compared to a construction site or a factory, you are right. But low risk does not mean no risk.
Customers and clients visit your premises every day. Any one of them could have a heart attack, a stroke, a seizure, a severe allergic reaction, or simply faint. Staff can cut themselves, burn themselves, slip and fall, or choke on their lunch. These things happen in every kind of workplace, and they happen without warning.
In a small business, there is no first aid team to call. There is no nurse's office down the corridor. If something happens, the people in the room are the ones who have to deal with it. If they have been trained, they can respond calmly and effectively. If they have not, those first few minutes before the ambulance arrives are chaotic and frightening, and the outcome for the person in trouble could be worse because of it.
What does training actually involve?
The Emergency First Aid at Work course is a one day, seven hour course. It covers CPR, how to use a defibrillator, managing an unconscious person, choking, wound care, and recognising the signs of serious conditions like heart attacks and strokes. It is practical and hands on, not a boring lecture, and you do not need any previous experience.
It costs £75 plus VAT per person, the certificate is valid for three years, and groups can be up to 12. For a small business owner in Alderley Edge, that is a genuinely manageable investment for something that could save a life.
Our instructors are experienced healthcare professionals who make the training interesting and relevant. They understand that you are running a boutique or a salon, not a hospital ward, and they tailor their examples and scenarios accordingly.
Emergency First Aid at Work
This 1 day Qualsafe accredited course provides comprehensive training designed to equip employees with essential first aid skills tailored for low risk working environments, ensuring employer compliance with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. Your trainer is a Registered Nurse with many years of clinical experience within Emergency Departments who trains Advanced Life Support to medical and nursing staff in acute hospital environments.
Northwich Training Centre, Northwich
12 spots left · 8 dates available
What about sole traders?
If you are a sole trader working alone, you are not technically required to have a trained first aider. But you are still required to carry out a first aid needs assessment and have a first aid kit. And practically speaking, if you work with clients or customers face to face, having first aid skills is common sense.
If a client has a medical emergency while they are in your salon chair, your treatment room, or your consulting office, you are the only person there. Knowing what to do could be the difference between a frightening situation and a tragic one.
Many sole traders in Alderley Edge choose to do the training because it gives them confidence and it demonstrates professionalism to their clients. It is a small investment for significant peace of mind.
For higher risk small businesses
Some small businesses in Alderley Edge operate in slightly higher risk settings. Dental practices, beauty clinics that offer injectable treatments, cafes and restaurants with commercial kitchens, and garages or workshops all carry additional risks. For these businesses, you may need the full three day First Aid at Work course, which covers a wider range of emergencies including fractures, burns, spinal injuries, and anaphylaxis. It costs £195 plus VAT per person, with a three year certificate.
If you are not sure which course your business needs, give us a call and we will talk you through it. There is no pressure and no hard sell. We just want to make sure you get the right training for your situation.
First Aid at Work (FAW)
This 3 day Qualsafe accredited course provides comprehensive training designed to equip employees with essential first aid skills tailored for high risk working environments, ensuring employer compliance with the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981. Your trainer is a Registered Nurse with many years of clinical experience within Emergency Departments.
Northwich Training Centre, Northwich
6 spots left · 2 dates available
Easy to get to from Alderley Edge
Our training centre at First Floor, 2 Queen Street in Northwich is about a 25 minute drive from Alderley Edge. We run scheduled courses throughout the year with live dates on our Emergency First Aid at Work page and our First Aid at Work page.
If you have a small group and would rather we came to you, we can deliver on site too. We bring all the equipment and set up wherever works.
Book your training
If you run a small business in Alderley Edge and you have been putting off first aid training because you were not sure if you needed it, now you know. You do. Check the upcoming dates on our course pages and book your place, or give us a call on 07958 915146. One day of training, three years of cover, and the confidence to handle whatever happens.
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