9 – Practicalities for new businesses

Last Updated on 6 April 2022

Support from family and friends is essential, especially if you are setting up. You will be working hard – even when you are not earning anything.

Things to think about, and discuss with those around you:

working hours – Decide when you will be
- a) working & earning
- b) working & NOT earning
- c) not working at all
If hours are erratic how do friends and family know you are working? (and not just browsing through Facebook)
Do you have children / pets who need help to understand your routine?
Who will answer the phone? (Kids? Dog? Voicemail?) What will they say?

Watch this video description with some office set-up suggestions.
(Best in full-screen view.)

Getting organised

Split your life into two parts – work vs pleasure/private life. Focus on one at a time.
Use separate email addresses / piles of paper / computer user accounts / phones /Filing – paper / emails / post / bills / accounts.
Get system(s) up and running BEFORE you get really busy.
Put files for invoices, receipts and contracts in a handy place. (See help sheet 4.)
Try using a small whiteboard to keep track of payments due.
A big shredder can be useful, even if you’re not doing much confidential work.
If you’re collecting personal data for marketing, make sure you’re GDPR compliant.
You might need to be registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office. This page on the ICO website is very useful >
OpenOffice & LibreOffice are very cheap, open source office suites (compatible with MS Office)…and OpenOffice is called NeoOffice when used on a Mac.

Phone options

A dedicated phone number just for work might make life easier. You can ignore it more easily out of office hours.
Voice over Internet (VoIP), many deals on the market, e.g. Vonage. Uses broadband to route calls. Allows you to choose your area code and have overseas numbers.
Skype – the free version can also do audio conference calls, but Zoom is also free for meetings up to 40mins

Insurance

If you do one thing only – check that the contents of your home office are insured, and that your home contents insurer knows if your work is ‘based’ at home.

‘Home office’ insurance might suit you – might include public liability and equipment cover
Public liability – important ‘third party’ insurance in case you cause harm to someone else
Professional Indemnity Insurance – covers your cock-ups
Employer’s Liability Insurance is required by law if you employ others
Car – Using it for business? Is it insured for business use?

Posted on 20 January 2020

9 – Practicalities for new businesses

Getting organised

Phone options

Insurance

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