These pages aim to help you understand some of the many things you need to think about when you're going to run a business. The main issues include Business Rates (NNDR), planning permissions and trading licences. We also point to some other important areas that aren't the remit of St Albans Council [VAT, Income Tax, National Insurance, etc.] but we feel you should be aware of - and we suggest where to go for further, more detailed information.
Thinking of starting a business
The Council is committed to providing a wide range of services to local businesses and the community at large. The Council's Economic Development Unit plays a key role in encouraging investment in the District. The Unit is also working to increase the quality and variety of work skills offered to St Albans residents, helping them to make the most of new employment and training opportunities as they are created.
Much of the business advice available for businesses is delivered through partnerships.
St Albans Libraries Information Service
Looking for somewhere to research the business you are thinking of starting, find tips on writing your business plan or access a PC with an office package. Then why not visit the St Albans Libraries Information Service, Central Library, The Maltings, St Albans, Hertfordshire, AL1 3JQ.
More information about Libraries in St Albans.
Check out the Competition
When thinking of starting a business you should find out about competition in your area. To look for businesses in your area take a look at the St Albans Business Database.
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Where can I find business opportunities within the District?
There are around 600 businesses in the UK that are franchised but what is franchising and would it be suitable for you?
It's a way of setting up in business for yourself but not on your own. With a franchise you run the business, but using methods that have been already tried and tested by another company, called the franchisor.
It is a way of being your own boss without many of the risk factors. However, you are ultimately answerable to the franchisor and this approach may not be for some people.
There are a large number of websites that deal with selling franchises a small number are listed below:
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Can I get any financial support, grants or loans?
The Council is able to offer grants when funding allows, however, these schemes are discretionary and may have restricted eligibility. For information on current schemes within Hertfordshire please see Grants and Funding information on the Herts. County Council website.
Jobcentre Plus
Jobcentre Plus can give you general advice about how your benefits will be affected if you start to do any work for yourself, and the in work support available. For more information visit the website www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
Business Plan
Wherever you are going for financial help writing a Business Plan is essential but it is not as difficult as it may sound - it is simply a way of putting your ideas on paper.
Writing a Business Plan is essential but it is not as difficult as it may sound - it is simply a way of putting your ideas on paper.
Areas that are usually covered:-
Description of the business - brief overview of purpose of business and location.
Evidence of demand for product/service - size and location of market, buying patterns, type of research carried out.
Sales and Marketing - how you will promote your product/service, sales targets you've set, competition and how you will overcome it.
Product/Service - description and its advantages (and disadvantages).
Management - CV's, training needed, what are these people bringing into business?
Financial forecasts - cash flow forecast, profit and loss, initial financial outlay
Your plan should contain the essential information required - not waffle. Try and tailor it to the needs of whoever is going to be looking at it. And remember, with financial predictions - best to be prudent - don't be over-optimistic!
You can obtain examples of business plans from:
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Are there any courses that I may find useful?
You may find these websites useful
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Do I need planning permission?
Planning holds a balance between the need for new development and the need to protect the environment and tries to ensure all development is environmentally sustainable. Construction methods also need to comply with the Building Regulations for which there is a separate set of approvals.
There are also separate approvals governing the display of outdoor advertisements, developments affecting Listed Buildings and the demolition of unlisted buildings in Conservation areas.
Working from home
You do not usually need planning permission just to work from home but sometimes you do. However there may be other implications concerning your mortgage or tenancy requirements, and concerning National Insurance or taxation. The best option is to seek advice intially from the Economic Development Team.
Generally, the key test is whether the residence has changed because of the business. If the answer to any of the following questions is "yes", then you will probably need planning permission:
Is your house no longer chiefly a private residence?
Will your business result in a marked rise in traffic, people calling or working around the house or in out buildings?
Will your business involve obvious activities not usual in a residential street?
Will your business disturb your neighbours because of noise or smells?
Basically you need to ask yourself if the house is still mainly a home or has it become business premises? This is whatever the business, including using a room as an office, hairdressing, repairing cars, storing goods, using part of the house as a bedsit, running a "bed and breakfast", providing childminding or music teaching.
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Where can I get property advice?
For details of privately owned business properties (including industrial, office retail, land and development opportunities) currently available in the St Albans area, please contact the Economic Development Unit on 01727 819451 or Send Us a Message or search the details directly at:
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What standards do I need to abide by?
Trading Standards and Consumer Services Section is a strategic Local Authority service contributing to the well-being of the local and business community through its enforcement activities and advisory services. More information about the work of Hertfordshire trading standards, access to fact sheets that may be relevant to your business and advice on weights and measures, please see the Herts. Trading Standards website.
The Trading Standards division will give talks to any business, consumer group, school or any other organisation on the work carried out by the Trading Standards service in the following areas:
Weights and measures
Food labelling
Product and toy safety
Home safety
Your rights when shopping
Credit, borrowing and lending
General work of the Trading Standards division
Other subject areas that are not listed can be arranged on request.
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Will I need to pay business rates?
The value of all property in respect of which rates are payable to the Council are shown in the local ratings list. This list is available from the Valuation Office Agency.
More information on St Albans business rates
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Where can I get rid of trade waste?
Trade Waste Service is available to all commercial and industrial premises in the District.
The Council also carries out commercial pest control work for local businesses.
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How do I recruit staff?
The Council is committed to attracting new jobs to the area and works in partnership with the County Council and other agencies to ensure residents benefit from employment opportunities created within the District.
Your local job centre will advise you on recruiting staff and will advertise positions in the local centres free of charge. For more information, advice and to find your local job centre look at the website www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
You can also contact the local employment agencies to help recruit permanent or temporary staff although there will be a charge for this.
You can also advertise in the local press.
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