Anyone here got their own business?

Bryony84 · Post by **Bryony84** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 2:12 pm

I'm trying to find out what the rules are about running your business from home.

I am starting up my internet business and currently planning to run it from my spare room, which is also used for laundry and pets. I was under the impression that because the room is not solely used for business, this was ok but now I'm not so sure!

Customers would not be visiting the house as all meetings would take place either at their offices or a neutral location such as a coffee bar or restaurant.

Not sure where I stand as at this stage, it would be impossible to afford to rent an office space.

olop_chris · Post by **olop_chris** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 2:17 pm

I own half of a business, but we have our own office but get a nice cheap rent with my partner actually owning them after the buildings being passed down to him in his grandads will!

I should imagine that you would be fine with using the spare room, as long as you're not using it for meetings and such!

At the end of the day, you're only going to have a sole business/Private am i right? So shouldn't be a great deal to worry about with where you work.

I may be wrong? But then again, I don't run a business from home!

Bryony84 · Post by **Bryony84** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 2:22 pm

I would hope it is that simple but some things I have read make me less sure. For instance a room in a property is used solely for business, the property may be subject to business rates, which would discourage a landlord from agreeing to it. On the other hand, my spare room is used for the usual spare room things as well so it should not be subject to business rates.

Its just hard to know for sure!

david burton · Post by **david burton** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 2:38 pm

you have to be careful with insurance too, IIRC

Bryony84 · Post by **Bryony84** » Wed Apr 30, 2008 2:40 pm

Yeh, I know I need liability insurance, and that the business computer won't be covered by the home insurance policy. I think thats about it though.

Post by **alexperkins** » Fri May 02, 2008 10:09 am

I own a computer business, and its all onsite, so liability insurance is a bugger! All work is done in my shed if im doing it at home, which is covered under the business insurance.

Bryony84 · Post by **Bryony84** » Fri May 02, 2008 9:05 pm

I don't have a shed

Hopefully working from home is only temporary. I can get an office 10 mins walk from home for Â£300pm, but I need to be making some money before I can spend it!

JoeG07 · Post by **JoeG07** » Sat May 03, 2008 3:26 am

declare everything as a business epxense! new tv, new car, holiday, phone, phone bills, computer, put it all down as a business expense to reclaim off tax. so long as you can make up an exscuse as to why u need it youll be just fine