Many folk run businesses these days – generallly they start off from home, turning that popular hobby or interest into something more worthwhile. Whilst doing that, some things can get overlooked. To run any business from a domestic home address requires the owner to tell their mortgage provider or landlord and gain their permission to run the business. If major alterations to the home are foreseen, then it would be advisable to contact the local planning authority and get that underway if it is deemed necessary. Any agent or building contractor is likely to advise on this procedure anyway but it is worth making those initial enquiries to know just what is involved before shelling out the first lot of money.
It wll be necessary to advise the local council If the planned enterprise is likely to get lots of customers needing access and parking; or if supplies will require lorries for delivery; or if advertising the business outside the property is anticipated, or even more critically, should a licence be required to run the business.
Insurance is another matter that often gets sidelined at the very start, when finances are being squeezed and newbie entrepreneurs think that’s an unecesary outgoing and “they’ll probably never need it”. That is such a dreadful mistake. So many things can and do go wrong in the initial setting up phase of a business enterprise, from damage to property; staff illness or injury; the products not working or performing as they should and costing someone else a fortune. Of course, accident, fire and theft are very big issues to be borne in mind. Making sure the absolute basic minimim cover is in place has to be on the list of must dos.