Running a Business from Home
Running your business from home can be an effective way to keep operational costs down and give you flexibility in your work life.
In some cases you’ll need permission or separate insurance to run a home business, and you may need to pay business rates.
Running a Business from Home FAQ’s
What permissions do I need to run my business from home?
You may need permission from your mortgage provider or landlord, as well as your local planning office if you plan on making alterations to your home. If you intend on receiving a lot of deliveries or customers, or you want to advertise outside your premises you may also need permission from your local council.
Are there any tax allowances?
You might be able to claim for expenses including council tax, and your gas and electric, phone and broadband bills. If you’re a sole trader or part of a business partnership, be sure to include your business costs in your Self-Assessment tax return.
What insurance do I need?
Although you may have home insurance, you may need separate insurance for your business for assets such as stock, or for customers visiting your property. Check with the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) for authorised insurers.
What are the health and safety regulations for running a business from home?
Whatever business you run, you’ll need to comply with the standard health and safety regulations in the UK and for the industry you operate in.
Will there be business rates to pay?
Whether or not you need to pay business rates on the part of your home you’re using will depend on if you have a rateable value from the Valuation Office Agency (VOA). If you are liable to pay for business rates you won’t need to pay council tax on that part of the property. If your rateable value is £12,000 or less, you may be able to get small business rate relief.
Further information on running your business from home can be found on the Gov.uk website.
Start Your Home-Based Business Today
At Worcestershire Business Central we can help you take those first steps to getting started as a home-based business. Our friendly team can talk you through the number of different services to help businesses cut costs, become more resource efficient and understand the trading standards and business rates across Worcestershire. For more information, contact a member of our team today.
Call our team today on
01905 677 888