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Where do I run my business from?

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Choosing where to run your business from is an essential part of planning any start-up idea. Your choice will be determined by a number of factors both financial and practical. Here we’ll look at some of the considerations and pose a series of questions that you may wish to ask yourself.

Where could I locate?

We’ve all heard the expression location, location, location but how big a consideration is this for a start-up business?

Essentially, you have two choices – home or elsewhere.  The location of your business premises really depends on what your business idea is. 

If you’re a painter and decorator, or providing a web based service, you can probably base yourself at home. If you’re repairing commercial vehicles it’s probably a different matter! 

Checklist: What should I consider?

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Can I work from home?

You could consider running your business from home; it will certainly help cut down on expenses at first. We’d suggest that you consider the following:

  1. Local authority. Will you need to ask for planning, particularly if you need to make alterations to the home in some way?
  2. Local council. Will you be advertising outside your home or do you need a licence to run your business? Will deliveries be made or customers be visiting?
  3. Insurance. Will your home insurance cover your business tools and property as well?
  4. Mortgage company of landlord. Do you need to ask their permission?

I’m thinking about business premises

Your choice of premises will be determined by your business idea and the available finances. 

There are lots of options available from a short term rental to purchasing premises outright. Signing any rental agreement brings a number of considerations as does the decision to commit to a commercial mortgage. You’d need to be sure before taking this step and also have a plan in place should you need to get out – we’d suggest that you take professional advice before making any major decisions here.

Are there other options?

This very much depends on where you live. Some areas have business incubation units where you can rent coworking space and access shared facilities such as meeting rooms, a reception and an office. Facilities and prices will vary widely so we’d suggest that you undertake some local research. Your local council may be a great place to start. There’s a lot to be said for being around other start-up businesses so consider this option.

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