BUSINESS PREMISES: Several options are available when selecting the best site to run a business. You might choose to:

• Buy or rent business premises or co-working spaces.
• Run a business from home, a pop up shop, or business incubator.
• Work from a market stall or from a mobile van.

In most cases, financial circumstances will determine the type of business premises. But, the location, site, or office can also depend on:

• The kind of products or services provided.
• The customer demographics by local area or by country.

Note: This section is a basic guide to business premises rules and regulations. It is wise to get legal advice before selecting a commercial property and location.

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Running a Business from Home

Often, operating a small business at home is the most cost effective way of starting a business venture. Even so, as a rule you must also:

• Get approval from your local council and meet their requirements for a home-based business.
• Obtain adequate insurance that covers the business activities.
• Fulfill your responsibilities for business rates and the tax implications of running a business.
• Provide a safe working environment for staff members once you start employing people.

Note: You must get the right approvals when running a business from home. Failing to do so can result in severe financial penalties. It can also mean you need to find alternative business premises as well.

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Required Permissions

If you want to start running a business from home premises, you are likely to need extra permission from:

• The landlord (if renting the property) or the mortgage provider (where applicable).
• The local planning office (you would need planning permission to make any major property alterations).
• The local council authority (e.g. if you need a licence or the home-based business gets a lot of customers or deliveries).

Note: You also need permission to advertise a business on the outside of a home property. But, you can appeal against planning consent decision to display an advertisement if the application gets refused.

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Business Insurance

As a rule, you would need an appropriate business insurance policy for a home-based venture. You may already have home insurance cover. But, it may not cover customer liability or the stock used in the business (e.g. your computer).

Note: Different insurance companies offer varying levels of insurance cover for business premises. BIBA, is the British Insurance brokers’ Association and they can help you search for an insurance broker. Their ‘Find-A-Broker’ tool returns results based on the distance set by your location or postcode.

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Tax Allowances

You would most likely be operating as a sole trader or as part of a business partnership. In this case, your Self Assessment tax return can include the business costs.

You would be able to claim a proportion of the cost of most things used in the business. They include the council tax bill, the cost of lighting, heating, broadband, and for phone calls. Using the flat rate system means you can calculate simplified allowable expenses. It would apply after the 2013 to 2014 tax year.

There may be liabilities for Capital Gains Tax. The part of the property used for the business may be liable for tax when you sell your home.

Note: You must manage health and safety rules and regulations when using a residential property for business.

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Guide to Business Premises Rules

Appeal Lawful Development Certificate

How to appeal a decision about a lawful development certificate and grounds for doing so. Find out what documents you need to supply and what happens after appealing.

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Asbestos Regulations

The information in this section explains asbestos regulations for a commercial property and the penalties. Review your responsibilities on asbestos health and safety and keeping records.

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CCTV Installation at Business Premises

The law allows you to protect your property with cameras and surveillance. The ICO CCTV Code of Practice explains how to follow the Data Protection Act.

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Ending a Commercial Lease Early

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Energy Performance Requirements

Commercial EPC

Check if your business property needs a commercial Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). Find out how to apply, commercial EPC exemptions, and the penalties involved.

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Non-Domestic

The non-domestic Renewable Heat Incentive scheme (RHIS) helps businesses, public sector and non-profit organisations meet the cost of installing renewable heat technologies.

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Air Conditioning

You need to get your air conditioning system inspected every five (5) years. An energy assessor will make sure it is energy efficient.

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Right to Contest

The right to contest means you can ask the government to sell property that is vacant or underused. Learn how to find and contact government agencies, councils, and public bodies.

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Tenant Responsibilities

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