Business Start Up 2
Discussion
I'm sick of working for party plan style companies where someone at the top of the chain sits and reaps the benefits of you out begging for sales and bookings, and trying to recruit people with the same tired lines that I fell for.
So, I am looking at taking the plunge and starting a venture of my own.
It basically involves running childrens classes on a weekly basis encouraging them to exercise but at the same time promoting fun, team-building, self-confidence etc
I am also looking at offering children's parties along a similar theme, and offering a fairly healthy food selection too.
I am still in the very early stages of looking at this, having got an idea of the equipment I want, where I can get it and for how much, and am currently doing some market research into whether it is even a viable proposition, which it seems to be. I am also still on maternity leave (claiming maternity allowance as I am self-employed, so no issue with having to return to an employer etc) so it wont be something I will be starting for a few months yet which gives me plenty of time to get everything done properly.
What I would like from you lovely people is a rough idea of what I need to think about in terms of ensuring I have adequate insurance, certificates etc.
Obviously I will need public liability insurance, and some sort of first aid certificate. What about food - some sort of hygiene or preparation certificate? Would the PL ins cover me for every eventuality you can think of, or is there anything else I would need?
As I will be working with children, I would have expected to need a CRB check, but it isn't possible to get one on yourself as an individual or as a self-employed person - this seems silly to me, but the only option I can see to get one is to register myself as a company, then register with the CRB people at a cost of £300 then pay for the CRB check.
It isn't going to be a massive venture initially, though I hope to grow it to the point I will need to take on staff etc, but that is way down the line yet.
So, I am looking at taking the plunge and starting a venture of my own.
It basically involves running childrens classes on a weekly basis encouraging them to exercise but at the same time promoting fun, team-building, self-confidence etc
I am also looking at offering children's parties along a similar theme, and offering a fairly healthy food selection too.
I am still in the very early stages of looking at this, having got an idea of the equipment I want, where I can get it and for how much, and am currently doing some market research into whether it is even a viable proposition, which it seems to be. I am also still on maternity leave (claiming maternity allowance as I am self-employed, so no issue with having to return to an employer etc) so it wont be something I will be starting for a few months yet which gives me plenty of time to get everything done properly.
What I would like from you lovely people is a rough idea of what I need to think about in terms of ensuring I have adequate insurance, certificates etc.
Obviously I will need public liability insurance, and some sort of first aid certificate. What about food - some sort of hygiene or preparation certificate? Would the PL ins cover me for every eventuality you can think of, or is there anything else I would need?
As I will be working with children, I would have expected to need a CRB check, but it isn't possible to get one on yourself as an individual or as a self-employed person - this seems silly to me, but the only option I can see to get one is to register myself as a company, then register with the CRB people at a cost of £300 then pay for the CRB check.
It isn't going to be a massive venture initially, though I hope to grow it to the point I will need to take on staff etc, but that is way down the line yet.
[quote="http://www.crb.gov.uk/Default.aspx?page=289&qid=447"]
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Plotloss, that would be lovely if she was able - I won't need it for a while yet though.
I do actually have one, I think it is an enhanced one; however it is from when I worked as a care assistant about 3 years ago. It does say on the website that an employer may accept one from a previous job, but obviously this is a bit different.
- I am self-employed; can I apply for a CRB check on myself?
[/quote]
Plotloss, that would be lovely if she was able - I won't need it for a while yet though.
I do actually have one, I think it is an enhanced one; however it is from when I worked as a care assistant about 3 years ago. It does say on the website that an employer may accept one from a previous job, but obviously this is a bit different.
What if you are not an employee then?
I wasn't and was able to obtain one (ywo actually).
My operatic society will shortly be obtaining CRB checks on a whole bunch of individuals who will be acting as "matrons" for some upcoming shows which involve children. Not one of these "matrons" will be employed by the society.
Surely you can obtain a CRB check as an individual, irrespective as to the capacity in which you are dealing with the children.
I wasn't and was able to obtain one (ywo actually).
My operatic society will shortly be obtaining CRB checks on a whole bunch of individuals who will be acting as "matrons" for some upcoming shows which involve children. Not one of these "matrons" will be employed by the society.
Surely you can obtain a CRB check as an individual, irrespective as to the capacity in which you are dealing with the children.
From what I understand, either your operatic society will be registered with the CRB or will use an umbrella company to go through to get them. The operatic society can get them on the 'matrons', but the matrons couldn't get them on themselves.
Seems very strange, though, hindering the genuine people!
Seems very strange, though, hindering the genuine people!
That actually sounds sensible, in a government "bureaucratic" type of way.
It is a pain if you have to set up a limited company just so that you can "employ" yourself and then apply for a CRB check as an "employee" of your own company.
On the other hand, running the business as a limited company may offer other advantages - as long as you are ready for all the additional paperwork and costs involved in operating as a company.
It is a pain if you have to set up a limited company just so that you can "employ" yourself and then apply for a CRB check as an "employee" of your own company.
On the other hand, running the business as a limited company may offer other advantages - as long as you are ready for all the additional paperwork and costs involved in operating as a company.
Edited by Eric Mc on Monday 3rd September 23:04
They will sell you a ready made company - what us in the accounting world used to call an "off the shelf" company. They will ensure that the names of the individuals listed as directors and shareholders of the company are properly transferred to the new owners (i.e. you).
That's the easy bit.
What you have to do is, of course, maintain the day to day business records (book-keeping etc). Compile the book-keeping details into a set of accounts that comply with accounting standards and Companies Act requirements.
Submit the annual accounts to Companies House.
Prepare, complete and submit the accounts together with the Corporation tax return, computations and notes to HM Revenue and Customs.
You will also need to register the company for PAYE so you can process the directors' (and employees' salaries. Even if no salaries are paid, it makes sense to register for PAYE anyway as there are reporting requirements under PAYE regulations in respect of directors' expense claims and/or Benefits in Kind.
Of course, the vast bulk of people who operate through a limited company usually realise that all this stuff is much better handled by their accountant - leaving them to concentrate on running and growing their business.
That's the easy bit.
What you have to do is, of course, maintain the day to day business records (book-keeping etc). Compile the book-keeping details into a set of accounts that comply with accounting standards and Companies Act requirements.
Submit the annual accounts to Companies House.
Prepare, complete and submit the accounts together with the Corporation tax return, computations and notes to HM Revenue and Customs.
You will also need to register the company for PAYE so you can process the directors' (and employees' salaries. Even if no salaries are paid, it makes sense to register for PAYE anyway as there are reporting requirements under PAYE regulations in respect of directors' expense claims and/or Benefits in Kind.
Of course, the vast bulk of people who operate through a limited company usually realise that all this stuff is much better handled by their accountant - leaving them to concentrate on running and growing their business.
Eric Mc said:
They will sell you a ready made company - what us in the accounting world used to call an "off the shelf" company. They will ensure that the names of the individuals listed as directors and shareholders of the company are properly transferred to the new owners (i.e. you).
That's the easy bit.
What you have to do is, of course, maintain the day to day business records (book-keeping etc). Compile the book-keeping details into a set of accounts that comply with accounting standards and Companies Act requirements.
Submit the annual accounts to Companies House.
Prepare, complete and submit the accounts together with the Corporation tax return, computations and notes to HM Revenue and Customs.
You will also need to register the company for PAYE so you can process the directors' (and employees' salaries. Even if no salaries are paid, it makes sense to register for PAYE anyway as there are reporting requirements under PAYE regulations in respect of directors' expense claims and/or Benefits in Kind.
Of course, the vast bulk of people who operate through a limited company usually realise that all this stuff is much better handled by their accountant - leaving them to concentrate on running and growing their business.
...or indeed realise that it really isnt worth the hassle for a lot of 'one-man-band' start-ups unless they really have to!That's the easy bit.
What you have to do is, of course, maintain the day to day business records (book-keeping etc). Compile the book-keeping details into a set of accounts that comply with accounting standards and Companies Act requirements.
Submit the annual accounts to Companies House.
Prepare, complete and submit the accounts together with the Corporation tax return, computations and notes to HM Revenue and Customs.
You will also need to register the company for PAYE so you can process the directors' (and employees' salaries. Even if no salaries are paid, it makes sense to register for PAYE anyway as there are reporting requirements under PAYE regulations in respect of directors' expense claims and/or Benefits in Kind.
Of course, the vast bulk of people who operate through a limited company usually realise that all this stuff is much better handled by their accountant - leaving them to concentrate on running and growing their business.
Sounds an interesting venture.
Regarding the food, it isnt a requirement but I would recommend a basic food hygiene course. You dont want to end up poisoning a bunch of kids. I would make hygiene a prority in all of your prep work! It is fairly straight forward but you might need to buy some kit (coloured knives/boards/labels/hats) maybe even a new fridge. Depends if you are handeling any raw meats or not. COSHH will also be a consideration but it isn't a big deal. Oh, and don't forget to kick out the pets from the kitchen!
Speak to your local environmental health department, they may even run a few courses and I am sure they would be happy to come around to your proposed prep area and give you advice.
One final thing, have you considered franchising?
Good luck.
Regarding the food, it isnt a requirement but I would recommend a basic food hygiene course. You dont want to end up poisoning a bunch of kids. I would make hygiene a prority in all of your prep work! It is fairly straight forward but you might need to buy some kit (coloured knives/boards/labels/hats) maybe even a new fridge. Depends if you are handeling any raw meats or not. COSHH will also be a consideration but it isn't a big deal. Oh, and don't forget to kick out the pets from the kitchen!
Speak to your local environmental health department, they may even run a few courses and I am sure they would be happy to come around to your proposed prep area and give you advice.
One final thing, have you considered franchising?
Good luck.
Edited by V8 EOL - Rich on Tuesday 4th September 22:57
I'm pretty shocked about the CRB thing, I asked the guy who does some for me and he mentioned these guys - http://www.ukcrb.com/selfemployed.html
Don't quite understand it myself mind.
Another option might be to do a bit of charity work and ask the charity to do the check on your behalf. Even with a donation it'd be cheaper then going down the ltd route unnecessarily.
The whole CRB thing is a bit of a joke really. I have no idea why it's the way it is. Surely it should be a case of turn up at police station with ID, check on computer and a certificate in the post.
Don't quite understand it myself mind.
Another option might be to do a bit of charity work and ask the charity to do the check on your behalf. Even with a donation it'd be cheaper then going down the ltd route unnecessarily.
The whole CRB thing is a bit of a joke really. I have no idea why it's the way it is. Surely it should be a case of turn up at police station with ID, check on computer and a certificate in the post.
RP thanks, I will have a look at that. It seems madness that they make it more difficult than it needs to be - surely if you are willingly trying to get one then you have nothing to hide and if you have something to hide then you wouldn't be trying to get one, so why make it hard?!
V8 EOL - Rich said:
One final thing, have you considered franchising?
It has crossed my mind actually, that if I find it works then franchising will be an option for the future. I'm quite irritated as on another forum I suggested how someone could expand their business through franchising - she has done so and made thousands out of it, and I didn't even get a thank you!I'd make an appt with your local Business Link and have a free natter with an advisor. Whilst I don't normally have a great deal of respect for them ('if they were any good they'd be running their own businesses' etc) they can fill in the blanks on legislation and throw up some areas that might need more thought. And it's free, so you might as well have one
Try to start from the lowest base/overheads as posisble. The last thing you want is to have to find £xxx a month just to stand still. Don't borrow money if you can possibly help it. Use your wits. If something sounds like bollox, it probably is. Good luck!
Try to start from the lowest base/overheads as posisble. The last thing you want is to have to find £xxx a month just to stand still. Don't borrow money if you can possibly help it. Use your wits. If something sounds like bollox, it probably is. Good luck!
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