Starting a Landscaping Business
njstewart started this topic @ 00:20 on 06/10/2012
Hi everyone, im new to this site and hoping for some information.
I am currently employed at a hotel and work night shift. I work 4 nights then get 4 off. I am hoping to register as self employed whilst staying employed at the hotel. This part seems straight forward.
I have previous experience in the landscaping industry and its good to produce work to be proud of. If things go well then I would leave the hotel and work purely in landscaping. At the moment I would only be doing this on my 4 days off.
The main information I need is regards tax and national insurance etc. Ive been through the hmrc website and found some information but they make it sound overly complicated. I know i would be doing a self assessment tax return and will be paying 20% tax on anything I earn since im already over the personal allowance with the hotel job. National Insurance im not so sure about. Ive read about class 2 contributions etc. I dont expect to be making alot of money for the first year or two.
Any help regarding this would be great.
Thanks in advance.
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RE: Starting a Landscaping Business
Hi nj
Try the www.businesslink.gov.uk website. It has lots of good advice and they also offer free seminars for people starting up. Or the HMRC helpline 0845 900 0444. They are normally very helpful.
Have you read 'Start and Run a Gardening Business' by Paul Power published by How To Books Ltd? It's full of helpful advice and I think you'll find it very useful.
The hotel work would be useful over the winter months to cover your living expenses when the landscaping work tails off. Try to stretch your landscaping year as far as possible, perhaps by offering timbercare services such as cleaning and maintaining decking, fencing, sheds, summerhouses, etc.
Good luck
Gordon
www.astonaccounting.co.uk