Sussexboy Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 Hi All, looking for some advice for my daughter. Long story cut short, she has been out of work since leaving college 18 months ago and is bored, disillusioned and general hacked off. Nothing much happening in the labour market round here so she is thinking of going self employed as a house/pet/horse sitter as she has done it for some friends and enjoys it. Where will she get the information she needs? She keeps asking me and I don't have a clue. I guess she will need some sort of insurance, need to keep accounts, pay her stamp etc. Any help much appreciated, thanks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
super sharp shooter Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 She would have to set up as a sole trader and I think public liability insurance would cover here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paddy Galore! Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 local job centre can point her in the right direction, so can the hmrc with her tax etc, after i had my heart op i had an advisor from shaw trust offer to help, i don't know if they're still going but for someone new to s/e like your daughter i reckon they could help a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artschool Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 Local job centre? for self employed? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paddy Galore! Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 Local job centre? for self employed? yes, they know people that can help, it was the job centre that gave me info for shaw trust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
artschool Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 yes, they know people that can help, it was the job centre that gave me info for shaw trust. I didn't know that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pheasant Feeder Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 Try your local chamber of commerce, business link (not sure if they're still about) used to do short introductory courses in starting up a business. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HDAV Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 (edited) HMRC are helpful you have to inform them within 3 months just keep a record excel sheet and box file of receipts for income and expenditure, income is what you get paid expenditure is.....mileage 45p a mile, stationary, advertising, postage, fees etc etc vat diesnt kick in till 65k turnover ish, tax return online is simple enough. Princes trust etc are good source of info also http://search2.hmrc....forms.page#2020 http://www.princes-t..._programme.aspx http://business.wale...CFUfJtAodOD0Asg https://www.gov.uk/browse/business Edited November 28, 2012 by HDAV Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beerdeor Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 Simple jusst do as i did for my wife,file with HMRC for self assesment..then fill in your tax return once a year It really is that simple!!!!!!!!! I can do it and it dont come much simplier than me hth Jim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vampire Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 I know someone who wanted to do a similar business,just google your question about setting up a dog sitting business and you will find out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
-oXo- Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 (edited) *Cough* Cash in hand *Cough* Go see the job center or maybe the Citizens Advice people one of them should be able to help her with getting the right forms and any questions. I am self employed and I just keep all my recipients and statements from my payroll companies etc then dump it all in my accountants hands every so often. Much easier to pay someone a small fee to deal with it. Edited November 28, 2012 by -oXo- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sussexboy Posted November 28, 2012 Author Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 Thanks all. The job centre have been as much use as breasts on a kipper. I shall follow up some of the suggestions with her. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night blaster Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 https://online.hmrc.gov.uk/registration/newbusiness/business-not-allowed This is the link to register, fair self explanatory. Set up online ID then register for self assessment, this will also probably register her for NI contributions (class 2) If she is likely to earn less than £5595 PROFIT after expenses she can apply for a small earnings class 2 exemption which means she won't have to pay a class 2 stamp which works out at £2.65 per week. However this NI counts towards a basic state pension, maternity allowance and some other low rate benefits. She is young so it might not matter so much, especially if cash is initially tight. I'm an accountant so PM me if you need further advice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
100milesaway Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 If you get the Daily Mail ,They have a section on franchising and i think one of the areas they cover are Home sitting Dog sitting etc, They do most of the paper work side for you., including police checks, insurance etc. Might be worth a shuffty. from Auntie. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fern01 Posted November 28, 2012 Report Share Posted November 28, 2012 Might be worth including dog walking, pet visits, pet taxi etc as people out at work all day often require these sort of services. Good public liability would be essential. A small van might be required and a good website and local advertising. Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jasper3 Posted November 29, 2012 Report Share Posted November 29, 2012 1st.... decide on the new company name.... 2nd register with the Tax office... https://online.hmrc....ess-not-allowed they should also advise about stamp duty... i think it starts at £2.60 a week 3rd public liability insurance...I personally use the NFU but there are other companies.. 4th it wouldn't hurt to ring a good accountant.... 5th Advertising..... might be worth getting some flyers made up... whilst she is not doing anything she could be posting these.... 6th Website... get a website made..but make sure she can up date her self..as this will need doing ..put pictures up weekly..keep the site refreshed..add every town village she works in....its amazing how a google search works a good sign written van looks professional .... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
elegia Posted November 29, 2012 Report Share Posted November 29, 2012 Also, get her to contact - Prince's Youth Business Trust --- They'll set her up with an Advisor who can give her lots of sage advice and no doubt some introductory courses on book keeping, management etc. I started my first business with help from them when I was in my early 20s, it was very helpful Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil3728 Posted November 29, 2012 Report Share Posted November 29, 2012 Just ring a local accountant and leave it all up to them. Thats what my clients do with us. Saves the hassle and potential fines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bruxie hill Posted November 30, 2012 Report Share Posted November 30, 2012 my mate started up a dog sitting-holiday stay kind of thing and got a lot of help from the local dog warden of all people Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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