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    1. Enterprise Nation

      When you sign up for Bluehost you choose between 'I need a domain and 'I have a domain', choose the latter to transfer your existing .co.uk domain.

      Bluehost is a hosting service. It just happens to offer a free domain with its hosting plans! So, you'll have to register your .com through a domain name registrar, like http://www.123-reg.co.uk, and then transfer your domain again from within your Bluehost control panel.

      Bluehost support is notoriously good. You can talk this through with a representative via live chat on the Bluehost home page.

    2. Enterprise Nation

      Hi,
      I cover this topic in 'Working 5 to 9' - if you have the book, all you need is on pages 74 - 77 but in summary ...

      Your kitchen should be registered as health and safety checked by your local council. Contact them to arrange a visit - you can find details at www.direct.gov.uk

      And it's also advisable to take a health and safety/food hygiene course.

      If you're displaying at Farmers Markets and the like, you will need insurance - and that's covered at www.farmersmarkets.net

      Best wishes
      Emma

    3. Enterprise Nation

      Hi
      Can you offer more detail on the kind of company you want to form? What kind of services will you be offering?

      For an example, though of something you might like to read, I wrote this feature on how to make a profit in a week, whether setting up a products company, or business services company
      http://www.enterprisenation.com/detail/How_to_make_a_profit_in_a_week/3213/1.aspx

      Hope this helps.
      Emma

    4. Enterprise Nation

      Hello
      Thanks for the question. We are on to this and you will be able to order the book using PayPal within a matter of days. Would you mind trying again early in w/c 7th June at the bookshop which is here http://books.global-investor.com/books/432310.htm?ginPtrCode=10461

      Happy reading!
      Emma

    5. Enterprise Nation
    6. Enterprise Nation

      Hello
      There are lots of business ideas on Enterprise Nation as we profile so many interesting home businesses!

      But a few thoughts on how to come up with an idea for your business. Ask yourself 3 questions:

      - Is there a gap in the market? Have you tried to buy something, can't locate it, and think others might be looking for it too? If so, this could be a gap in the market. Fill it!
      - what is your passion/hobby/skill and can it be turned in to a way of making a living? Probably, yes.
      - Look at what someone else is doing and do it better yourself.

      You could also check out my book 'Working 5 to 9' which offers 50 ideas for businesses you can start, plus 15 franchise opportunities.

      Good luck!
      Emma

    7. Enterprise Nation

      Hello
      There are lots of business ideas on Enterprise Nation as we profile so many interesting home businesses!

      But a few thoughts on how to come up with an idea for your business. Ask yourself 3 questions:

      - Is there a gap in the market? Have you tried to buy something, can't locate it, and think others might be looking for it too? If so, this could be a gap in the market. Fill it!
      - what is your passion/hobby/skill and can it be turned in to a way of making a living? Probably, yes.
      - Look at what someone else is doing and do it better yourself.

      You could also check out my book 'Working 5 to 9' which offers 50 ideas for businesses you can start, plus 15 franchise opportunities.

      Good luck!
      Emma

    8. Enterprise Nation

      You can get insurance from Direct Line for Business that covers 'home business' and this applies whether your office is in the house or in the garden.

      In terms of an address, you can still use your residential address if the business is operating from the shed.

      Be careful of planning permission. If you're operating quietly within the shed, you'll be fine but excess traffic to the house/loud noises etc may mean the nature of the shed changes from a 'shed' to a 'business premises' and your Local Authority may start asking questions.

      But in terms of address/insurance, you're fine for the shed to be considered your home office location.

      Emma

    9. Enterprise Nation

      Hello

      By the authorities, do you mean the tax authorities? We all have to register with HMRC www.hmrc.gov.uk within 3 months of trading so maybe that's who you need to tell?

      Best wishes
      Emma

    10. Enterprise Nation

      Hello,
      The only reason someone is likely to complain is if you're making lots of noise or creating a disturbance to neighbours. Try to keep that to a minimum and you should then be okay.

      The only implication of someone complaining is that the Local Authority will suggest you have to apply for planning permission to work from home and pay business rates on the part of the house you use as work premises.

      Avoid this by keeping quiet in your work!
      Emma

    11. Enterprise Nation

      Hello,

      In terms of looking for a mentor, you might like to check out www.horsesmouth.co.uk which is an online directory of mentors or, depending on which region in which you live, there may be mentor programmes on offer from your local Business Link or Enterprise Agency. Visit www.nfea.com to locate the Agency that's closest to you.
      A point I would make on mentors (and I say this based on personal experience) - look for a combination of mentors, as opposed to an individual. This has worked for me in the past as I have approached people with skills in certain areas or whose advice I respected at a particular time in business journey. Saying that, you may find all you need in one single person. Good luck in your hunting!
      Emma Jones

Enterprise Nation

Shrewsbury, UK

www.enterprisenation.com

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Enterprise Nation, the home business website, is a free resource to help you start and grow your business at home.

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