Setting up your work space

Think carefully about the type of business you wish to run, and make sure that your home is the most suitable place to run it from. Check with the planning authority at your local council to make sure that you are able to use your home as your base. It may depend on the type of business you are thinking of running. Questions they will ask are likely to include:

If your local planning authority consider that you are changing the use of your home from a residence to a business premises, then they may ask you to apply for a Change of Use. There is a cost associated with this, and other charges such as business rates may become payable.

Whether it's your own property, or a rental property, you will also need to make sure that there is nothing in any written agreements that will prevent your work at home venture. Check your:

Once you are happy that you are able to use your home as your work base, you need to find a suitable work space. Try and have a space that is away from noise/ distractions/ family. If you have small children, or other Caring responsibilities, this may be impossible. The answer here may be to set up in a room where you can watch your children at play, or keep on eye on the person your caring for.

You may want to consider a separate room just for your business, or perhaps a part of your bedroom. If space is limited in the house, look outside - a garden room, such as a waterproof (and empty!) shed, a cleared out garage may be ideal.

You will need varying amounts of space, depending upon your at home business. Whatever your business, you will probably need these basics:
Computer: if you are buying a new one choose the best you can afford. Think about how much memory you need- will you be storing large graphic files, or just using it for letters and invoices? Whatever you use it for you will want it to be fast, and to be able to access the web.

Chair: choose the best you can afford- you will no doubt be spending a lot of time sitting on it! It should be adjustable in height, have adjustable arm rests, and an adjustable back rest. For specific guidelines on choosing and positioning your chair, your computer monitor, keyboard and mouse positions, we recommend a look at the hse site.

Desk: there are lots of different types of desks. Choose one that fits in your available space, and will give you room to work comfortably. If cost is an issue, look in your local paper for used office furniture- or check out the sales at office and business suppliers. Remember to check if VAT needs to be added to any costs you are quoted.

Printer: Choose a printer that meets your needs. If you are setting up a creative business that involves selling your printed wares, then you will need to invest in a top quality printer- perhaps a colour laser printer. However, if you need your printer for invoices, the odd letter then a reasonably priced ink jet will no doubt be fine. Check on the cost of replacement ink cartridges when considering your purchase options.

Broadband: we feel is a must for any business. There are cheap broadband packages available and it makes working at home so much easier. Just make sure you don’t get distracted by endless searching, and forget that you’re in business to make money!

Software: think about what you need to successfully work from home before choosing your software. It’s not cheap, and there is nothing worse than paying for expensive computer packages, and never using them. The choice of software depends on your at home business. You could go for the Microsoft Office package and get your word processing, spreadsheets, presentation and database software in one bundle. However, you may decide you need specialist accountancy software, or specific creative software for web design, or your art-based business. Remember that security is important, and choose a quality virus tracker, and firewall that can be updated regularly.

Telephone: if it’s important that your customers can reach you by phone, then make sure that you are contactable during your business hours. If you have to go out, then put on an answer-phone, or have your calls diverted to your mobile. Think carefully about giving your mobile number out, however. Do you want to be contactable 24 hours a day- even on holiday? If this is not a concern, then fine. However, if it’s important to have time away from your work, then either have a separate mobile number for your business, or simply don’t give your mobile number out.

AND REMEMBER:
Be strict with yourself and set your goals
Manage your time well. Don’t spend time surfing the web when you should be putting together a newsletter, or sorting out today’s orders. Remember that time spent directed on your business goals should reap real rewards.

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