Home address as business address

Hi Ro,
I to run a Ltd Company from my home address and yes theres many issues you need to consider, first I would have a good read on the startups site because you will find some very helpful information on there.

One of the issues is you are required by law to have your Company name on the premises; it doesn’t have to be a big sign just a small brass plaque will do.

Also dependant on your business your local council could ask for business rates, but if you can say your business is mobile then you should escape this but I’m not certain on that.

Your house insurance will also change because insurers see you as a higher risk, but don’t be down hearted; if you’re looking at running a small office within the house with no major machinery then you should get away with all of the above apart from the sign. Most suppliers will not deliver to your home address unless you show them you’re trading as a business.

As for the bank account, the bank will not have a problem with you trading from home, its becoming more and more popular so no problems there.

Good luck,

Justin

I wouldn't worry at all. Unless you need the space/separation there's little reason to take on the additional overhead of having a seperate office. The legal requirements have to be adhered too (as mentioned in one of the other posts) but other than that you should do whatever suits you and your business.

I run a small business from home. My stock is handled by a fulfilment company - stock goes from the manufacturer to them and then on to the customers. Most times I don't see it (apart from quality checks). My IT is a bought service - all I need is a Mac and an ADSL modem. The rest is in a lovely air-conditioned data centre (and you know what - I haven't the faintest idea where, I don't need to). Almost everything can be outsourced, and in a lot of cases (for a small business) it's cost effective and offers real benefits.

The only time location is an issue for me is customer meetings. Most times they want me on site, and when they don't - there's a great hotel near me that does meeting rooms, business suppport and lunch.

There are no financial issues to concern yourslef regarding banks, etc.  There maybe something in the house deeds that state you cannot operate from home, best to check.

As for business rates, a lot depends on how involved the business actually is and the amount of space you will take up.  For example, when I first set up, I operated out of the small "box room" upstairs which didn't take up much room, especially as accountants do not require stock! But if you were storing a lot of items on the premises you may have an insurance risk as well as business rates problem.

With regards to the plate outside, this is something Companies House have never enforced, especially for small businesses. Approx 40% of my clients operate from home and I've never seen a brass plate on the premises.  Realisitically, they are not that bothered!

Darren J Upton, Director, 1st Accountancy Services Ltd

www.1staccountancy.biz