How to Start a Business From Home

Starting your own business is a scary yet very exciting thing to do. In many ways, it’s now easier than ever, because modern technology means that so much more can be done from home than before. 

That means that if you have the discipline and peace and quiet that are needed to work in the same space as you live (and which members of your family may also be living), you can immediately avoid many of the costs traditionally associated with starting your own business, the main one being the rent for office space. 

Not that that means it’s an easy thing to do – there are many pitfalls and many things you need to consider that are unique to working from home.

• Coming up with a good idea for your business
• Thinking of a catchy and/or memorable name for the business
• Doing in-depth research into the market you’ll be entering, both in terms of your potential customers and your likely competitors
• Compiling a realistic business plan that sets out your initial costs and your projected outgoings and income for at least the first year – this will be particularly important if you’ll be seeking a loan to help get set up
• Making sure that your business is registered both for tax and with Companies House

• If you’re a homeowner, the terms of your mortgage may not actually let you run a business from home
• If you’re renting, you may need to get permission from your landlord
• If you’re thinking about making alterations to your home to facilitate running a business there, make sure you check whether you need planning permission
• If you’re setting a room aside exclusively to use for your business, you may need to pay business rates

• No commute – unless you count the walk upstairs
• No need to rent an office
• Cheaper bills at home – you may well be able to claim some of your domestic bills, such as your broadband, heating, electricity and even council tax, as business expenses
• As we’ve found during COVID-related lockdowns, working from home gives you the flexibility to better manage deliveries and family chores around your work schedule

• If you’re on your own all day, you could easily end up feeling isolated without having the chat and support that comes from working in a team
• You might find it hard to separate your work and home lives when they’re happening in the same space 
• By creating space in your home to work in, you might find the rest of your life feeling more claustrophobic
• If your business is a success and you start to grow, do you have the space to accommodate it?

If you are thinking about starting your own business from home, it’s important that you take all the above into account before committing yourself. After all, you don’t want to be wasting time and money on a project that may not be feasible. 

It’s also worth talking to a local small business advisor, who should be able to help with practical support. They might also be able to put you in touch with others who have taken the same step and can recount their own experiences so you’re even better prepared for what would be involved.

Starting your own business can be challenging and stressful, but it can also be one of the most rewarding things you can do. To stand the best chance of succeeding, you’ll need to plan well, be organised and work hard.

Here at Morplan, we’re experienced at helping new retail businesses by supplying a wide range of shopfitting and display items, all at unbeatable prices, delivered fast and with free delivery on all orders of £95 or more.

Get in touch with us today to find out more. Or, check out our shop fittings, display items and packaging.