Setting up a small private business, how? e.g. Gardner
Discussion
I’m doing a bit of research for a friend who is going to do private gardening and maintenances after quitting their job.
Can you please point me in the right direction on where I can read up, from how to setting up a company name, insurance, invoicing, recording what and when, other considerations, what tax returns required, how etc.?
Thanks
Can you please point me in the right direction on where I can read up, from how to setting up a company name, insurance, invoicing, recording what and when, other considerations, what tax returns required, how etc.?
Thanks
Ouroboros said:
just keep ot simple,
Keep receipts pay an accountant. Focus on getting work, and a business plan. People think it is an easy gig yo get into but takes time, lot of competition.
What receipts, all expenses which can include what? Keep receipts pay an accountant. Focus on getting work, and a business plan. People think it is an easy gig yo get into but takes time, lot of competition.
Friend has work lined up
Pricing will be a learning curve and quotations
Has history of it doing it on the side but not full time, so I’m looking at the basics requirements
Probably a sensible idea. Hiscox are one of the biggest business insurers. But you can find basic liability cover for about ten quid a month on compare the market or similar.
Other than that, there is no reason why you can’t get your hands dirty right away, , in tandem with colour coding your calendar, testing business names in focus groups and printing fancy business cards.
Just keep every receipt in a box.
Other than that, there is no reason why you can’t get your hands dirty right away, , in tandem with colour coding your calendar, testing business names in focus groups and printing fancy business cards.
Just keep every receipt in a box.
Some useful advice and templates here, including marketing, employment status options, business plans etc.
https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/help-for-young-pe...
Sorry if I was a bit flippant. But it’s deliberately set up so tax returns and company formation is not required up front, to reduce friction as much as possible. But it’s certainly a good idea to be organised and have a strategy.
https://www.princes-trust.org.uk/help-for-young-pe...
Sorry if I was a bit flippant. But it’s deliberately set up so tax returns and company formation is not required up front, to reduce friction as much as possible. But it’s certainly a good idea to be organised and have a strategy.
Edited by lizardbrain on Tuesday 29th March 00:03
This will help from the tax POV https://www.gov.uk/set-up-sole-trader.
Sounds petty but they should also have a waste carrier licence if they are taking anything (clippings etc.) away from the client.
Sounds petty but they should also have a waste carrier licence if they are taking anything (clippings etc.) away from the client.
I did just this 3 years ago, gave up my desk bound job and set up my tree surgery and garden maintenance business. Insurance wise public liability is what people want to see, I have cover for £5 million but this may be overkill for garden work. I have used Trust but again they are geared up for the tree side of things. Accounts wise I use Xero which is a good package which my accountant accesses to tweak things at the year end. The app is good as it means I can invoice there and then as it were. Keeping it simple is the key, not to worry about the quieter periods and also possibly to think about expanding into something such as fencing for the winter months as the garden work does tail off in the winter, which is why with tree surgery a lot of us do tree work in the winter and garden stuff in the summer months. If your friend wants to get in touch for some pointers, PM me.
As per the links above, is incredibly easy & simple to start as self employed in UK.
For the paperwork side, it's far too easy to let it all build up & it's just a mess & a nightmare. I'd suggest visit to WH Smiths, buy 12 card A4 folders & a duplicate invoice book.
Each month gets a folder, every expense put the invoice in there, there are lots of invoice & accounts packages & you can invoice from your phone etc, but to me it's best to have the old school manual book too.
I use an accountant as I think you really have to, as its just to easy to really mess up, but I do a v basic profit & loss account each month, nothing complicated just what when in & what went out, helps you keep an eye on it.
Financial year usually starts April so perfect time to start now.
For the paperwork side, it's far too easy to let it all build up & it's just a mess & a nightmare. I'd suggest visit to WH Smiths, buy 12 card A4 folders & a duplicate invoice book.
Each month gets a folder, every expense put the invoice in there, there are lots of invoice & accounts packages & you can invoice from your phone etc, but to me it's best to have the old school manual book too.
I use an accountant as I think you really have to, as its just to easy to really mess up, but I do a v basic profit & loss account each month, nothing complicated just what when in & what went out, helps you keep an eye on it.
Financial year usually starts April so perfect time to start now.
Would also be worth you or your friend looking to see what support might be available from the Local Authority in the area in which the business will be based. Many have funding pots to help start-ups and if there's no money, often provide other support such as business training or other useful resources.
If it is just one person doing gardening for individuals I would not even consider setting up a company. Just declare to HMRC you are working as a self-employed sole trader.
Use an accountant for the tax work. Keep a simple record of the expenses incurred in the course of the business, copies of invoices etc.
You will need 3rd party liability insurance unless you have very deep pockets in the event of an accident.
Will there be a van or something for carrying the tools of the trade? If so, provided no personal use, the expenses of this van be offset against the income. This is why you need the accountant. They can also advise re pensions etc.
Use an accountant for the tax work. Keep a simple record of the expenses incurred in the course of the business, copies of invoices etc.
You will need 3rd party liability insurance unless you have very deep pockets in the event of an accident.
Will there be a van or something for carrying the tools of the trade? If so, provided no personal use, the expenses of this van be offset against the income. This is why you need the accountant. They can also advise re pensions etc.
Everything has been covered.
It is really quite fun to type a number onto a piece of A4 and somebody sends you money
Ah yes, the other thing is credit control - ie getting paid!
ETA You're an accountant, so you know how it works...
celica88 said:
from how to setting up a company name
I'd just point out that if he'll be self-employed (technical term Sole Trader) he will not have a 'company'. A company is a separate legal entity with 'Limited' on the end, and then it gets a load more complicated. So stick to 'business' It is really quite fun to type a number onto a piece of A4 and somebody sends you money
Ah yes, the other thing is credit control - ie getting paid!
ETA You're an accountant, so you know how it works...
Edited by Simpo Two on Tuesday 29th March 17:30
trickywoo said:
This will help from the tax POV https://www.gov.uk/set-up-sole-trader.
Sounds petty but they should also have a waste carrier licence if they are taking anything (clippings etc.) away from the client.
License for waste carrier is interesting and not thought about Sounds petty but they should also have a waste carrier licence if they are taking anything (clippings etc.) away from the client.
robinh73 said:
I did just this 3 years ago, gave up my desk bound job and set up my tree surgery and garden maintenance business. Insurance wise public liability is what people want to see, I have cover for £5 million but this may be overkill for garden work. I have used Trust but again they are geared up for the tree side of things. Accounts wise I use Xero which is a good package which my accountant accesses to tweak things at the year end. The app is good as it means I can invoice there and then as it were. Keeping it simple is the key, not to worry about the quieter periods and also possibly to think about expanding into something such as fencing for the winter months as the garden work does tail off in the winter, which is why with tree surgery a lot of us do tree work in the winter and garden stuff in the summer months. If your friend wants to get in touch for some pointers, PM me.
ThanksInteresting points and offer, will keep in mind to pass on info.
MustangGT said:
If it is just one person doing gardening for individuals I would not even consider setting up a company. Just declare to HMRC you are working as a self-employed sole trader.
Use an accountant for the tax work. Keep a simple record of the expenses incurred in the course of the business, copies of invoices etc.
You will need 3rd party liability insurance unless you have very deep pockets in the event of an accident.
Will there be a van or something for carrying the tools of the trade? If so, provided no personal use, the expenses of this van be offset against the income. This is why you need the accountant. They can also advise re pensions etc.
Thanks. Yes a one man band. Use an accountant for the tax work. Keep a simple record of the expenses incurred in the course of the business, copies of invoices etc.
You will need 3rd party liability insurance unless you have very deep pockets in the event of an accident.
Will there be a van or something for carrying the tools of the trade? If so, provided no personal use, the expenses of this van be offset against the income. This is why you need the accountant. They can also advise re pensions etc.
Has a personal van/ carrier so assume can’t expense that as it’s personal vehicle use too
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