Working from Home has never been Easier
March 16, 2010
For many of us, the thought of foregoing the daily commute and working from home is no longer the stuff of dreams. According to recent statistics, nearly 6% of the UK's population works from home. Other than choice, the credit crunch has been partly responsible with many looking at ways to work more efficiently and cost-effectively. One question we are constantly asked at Orchard Planning Solutions is: "How easy is it to set up your own business at home?"
Subject to you having the space and broadband internet connection, it cannot be any easier. Our business began at home and there were several reasons for choosing this option. First of all, it offered the potential of greatly reduced overheads as you do not have to take on the cost of premises. As equally attractive is the fact that on average, you gain as much as an extra day of work by removing the daily commute which is time hungry and sole destroying. In planning terms, you should not have an issue providing your activity does not disturb your neighbours by creating excessive noise, smells and traffic generation. I remember a case where a company was running a beer importation business from a domestic garage. All very well until the Belgian lorry arrived at the home at 6am on a Saturday morning. Common sense should prevail and the question you should ask yourself is can I carry out my line of business without disturbing the neighbours? If the answer is yes, then planning permission may not be required.
Orchard Planning Solutions does recommend that you inform your mortgage lender of your intention to work from home. It won't lead to an increase in your payments. Furthermore, if you intend to invest in enhanced computer equipment, it will prove beneficial to let your home contents insurer know.
If your line of business involves members of the public visiting your property, you will need to comply with the checklist provided by the Health and Safety Executive so you are covered when clients call. No matter what the business, please make sure that you adhere to the checklist which can be found at www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg226.pdf
The last benefit to remind you of is the potential savings that running a business from home can also offer. As a tax benefit, you can claim back a percentage of your heating, electricity, and utility bills as business expenses and thereby reduce your end of year tax bill. This is a matter you should take up with your accountant (who may well be yourself in the first instance).
If you have had any experiences (both good and bad) of working from home, please share them with us in the comments below.
To find a company who may assist you further, simply click on the free links located on the right hand side of the page.
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