Running my business from home

[boots]

I am wanting to use my spair room for my office to my new cleaning company but i don't no if the councl will let me even though i own my home. If i did run it from home i would have less over head's but if i had to find an office and rent it this would eat in to the small proffit. If any one can help or give advice i would be greatful
thanks Boots

[Indizine]

If you are just using your room as an office paperwork, make calls, etc, then you should be fine.

[accountantpete]

If it's just for admin and doesn't annoy the neighbours then it should be ok. Most self-employed people have an "office" for paperwork etc and don't bother getting council approval. What councils and neighbours don't like is disturbance and unsightly vans parked outside etc.

[cjd]

That's not a problem - we have several thousand customers doing just that; and we do it ourselves :-)

[AboveParr]

Check with your mortgage company and insurers too...

[Lime One]

Have a look at our free article here http://www.limeone.com/forumimages/m...20business.pdf

Many businesses are run from home and as long as you sort out the small print you stay lawful and keep your overheads down!

[Frauke]

I have a "Working from Home" Insurance policy which covers everything in my office, as well as Public, Products, Employers liability, it even includes goods in transit - even though I don't need it. I don't pay much for it, so I can't complain. My mortgage co wasn't interested, and as the room will be reverted back to a bedroom one day, the council aren't interested either. Oh and the business name etc is in a A4 picture frame on the office wall, (next to my practice certificate, professional memberships etc) so clients can see it if they come to my "office". I've been working from Home for more than 15 years, and even claimed the cost of rebuilding the rest of the wall, in my front garden after DHL paid for the bit they knocked over delivering the Tax Manuals the HMRC send me every year. (I'm an Accountant!) a couple of years ago.

[accounting solutions]

Alot of people work from home these days and have a bedroom as an office, just make sure your mortgage company are ok with it and look at HMRC website on working from home what you can and cant claim for.

[Steve Sherlock]

Hi Boots,

If you’re planning on working from home, I’d suggest that there are a couple of things you should bear in mind from an insurance perspective. To start with, most home and contents insurance policies will not cover home businesses; it would be a good idea for you to check your T&Cs as you may want to make additions to your current policy.

If your work involves any interaction with the public or if they are likely to visit your home you should certainly consider Public Liability insurance. This type of policy covers your legal liability to pay damages to members of the public for death, bodily injury or damage to their property which occurs as a result of your business activities. In an age where litigation is on the rise, you should also know that this type of policy can cover legal fees, costs and expenses in the unfortunate event a claim is brought against you.

Something that many home businesses forget is car insurance. A standard personal car insurance policy covers commuting but no other business activity, so to be fully protected you may require a specialist policy. Like Frauke says, there are different packages or suites of business insurance products that are available for home businesses. These can be tailored to factor everything dependant on your appetite for risk and/or budget. Be sure to shop around for the best deal if you decide to go with one though!

Most importantly though, as Sarasays, it’s a good idea to tell everyone with whom you have financial dealings about the use of your house for business. It will make it a lot easier in the long run should you need to make a claim.

Best of luck!
Steve

[helen2263]

I am wanting to use my spair room for my office to my new cleaning company but i don't no if the councl will let me even though i own my home. If i did run it from home i would have less over head's but if i had to find an office and rent it this would eat in to the small proffit. If any one can help or give advice i would be greatful
thanks Boots

I ran a success cleaning company for 5 years and use the corner of my front room as my office, well that's where my telephone and computer stationed I don't own my own home it's a council property I never had any problem, all you are doing is making a few calls and just get your paperwork done, I think if you are actually selling goods from your property then it might be a problem and seek advice, but cleaning you are working outside your property.

hope this helps