Going into business for yourself is one of the most rewarding things that you can do. You are taking something that is a passion and turning it into a profession. You are also showing the world that you have the skills, the commitment, and the ability to create something from nothing. However, anyone who has ever launched their own business before will tell you that it is never going to be an easy ride. There are a million and one different steps that you need to take, and you will be entering the market at an incredibly turbulent time.
This is especially true if you are thinking of launching your own home improvement, renovation, or conversion business. On the one hand, the UK property market is at an incredibly high rate of inflation right now. That means that a lot of people out there will be looking to do work on their properties instead of buying something new. On the other hand, we know that the cost-of-living crisis is already starting to hit. People are going to have a lot less disposable income to throw around, and you will need to work twice as hard to convince people that you are worth taking a chance on. If you are thinking of launching a business in this area, then here are a few of the most important things that you will need to know.
Find Your Angle
If you are launching any new business, you are going to be working hard to make a name for yourself. It does not matter what sector your new company is in; it is always going to be more crowded than you would like. With that in mind, you will need to find your niche. You can always offer a range of different services. But if you know that there is one area in particular that you are especially good at or interested in, then you should put that front and centre in your business plan and in any messaging that you are putting out there. Remember that if you make bold claims about being able to handle all jobs regardless of size and regardless of length, then you are putting yourself in a very difficult position if you can’t follow through.
Consider Your Environmental Impact
We have all seen the news stories over the last few years about climate change, and we are all aware that we need to be doing more to have a positive impact. If you are going to be working on planning or redeveloping homes and other building structures, then you have the opportunity to be a part of a positive change. The clearest way that we are seeing this right now is with the Environmental Act, which means that every developer needs to consider the biodiversity net gain of any project that they are undertaking. That means that you need to be thinking about how your project can create an enhancement in habitat quality or quantity, whether that is on or off-site. This may sound like a lot to get your head around, which is why it is so important to work with a team that can deliver quality and rapid biodiversityassessments and net gain plans. Biodiversity Net Gain Plan has an expert team with 15 years of experience, and they are Britain’s leading provider of biodiversity assessments for both developers and landowners.
Find A Good Survey Team
When you start work on any major property renovation or conversion project, there are always going to be surveys that you will need to undertake. One of the most important things for you to do early on in the process is to find the right people to conduct these surveys for you. You should be looking for surveyors that have extensive experience in their specific field, and who can talk you through exactly what they need from you and how long it will take. Remember that you will need to be covered when it comes to surveys on everything from trees to bats, so find a team that you know that you can rely on.
Start Building Your Website Now
A lot of business owners will put off working on their webpage until the last moment, but the fact is that it should be near the top of your to do list. The marketplace is incredibly competitive right now and a good website is one of the best ways to make sure that you stand out from the crowd. Create a web page that is clean, easy to use, and which demonstrates exactly what it is that you do and why you are the best choice for the job. Think about incorporating video content and put together some content that is SEO-friendly. Remember that Google updates its algorithm regularly so do your research to ensure that you stay on the right side of the spam filters. It is also worth thinking about getting your social media channels set up now, too. These days, people are much more likely to look for a good service online instead of relying on the fliers that come through the front door. Social media is also going to be very important as a way to connect with customers and clients and to address any concerns that they might have.
Cover Yourself Financially
We do not need to tell you that things are a little precarious out there right now. With the skyrocketing cost of living and the continuing impact of Brexit, we all need to make sure that we are taking the proper steps to protect ourselves. That means taking out comprehensive insurance to cover you in the event that anything goes wrong, but it also means talking to an accountant about the best ways to protect your business in the months ahead. They will be able to advise on you on the best ways to save, and help you to apply for any government grants, loans or financial incentives. Try to find a financial advisor with experience in handling businesses in this area.
