smallbusiness.co.uk: Helping your business think big

in association with Abbey

Deciding where to physically carry out your work is something which needs careful consideration. The nature of your business may dictate your location or premises choice.

You should weigh up the pros and cons of working from home before taking the plunge.

Some advantages of working from home:

• Cheaper, as no premises and travel costs
• Can work around family and domestic commitments, especially helpful if you have a young family
• Save time, both looking for business premises and travelling to them each day
• Potentially a better working environment, avoiding noise and distractions of an office environment.

Disadvantages can include:

• Can be hard to separate home and work life and to ‘switch off’ at the end of the day
• Distraction of family (especially if you have young children)
• Possible loneliness, especially if used to people contact
• Lack of space.

If you’re going to be running a business from home where you need regular deliveries, don’t forget to consider your neighbours. The local council or neighbours could get an injunction out against you if they feel it causes too much noise or inconvenience.

Tips:
Speak to your local council to see if you have to pay business rates on the part of your home you use for business
Call your insurance company and check if you need additional insurance
Check your mortgage or tenancy agreement to make sure there are no restrictions on business.

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