Anyone run a business from their garden here?

[JDX_John]

We have about 1/2 acre in the country and are (well my wife) seriously looking at setting up a business in our garden related to childcare.

I was just interested if anyone else here has/does run any kind of business from their garden/grounds (rather than just a home-office business) to hear any advice or anecdotes about the process, unexpected things, how it impacted your home and lifestyle, etc.

 

[ethical PR]

She would need to apply for planning permission to run a business.

She should contact your local council.

They will take into account the impact of such a business on your neighbours including parking.

She can also speak to the local council about requirements for running a childcare business in terms of staffing ratio's, DRB checks for staff /your family etc

 

[JDX_John]

All good stuff... we've already submitted a pre-planning application.

I think your last point is covered by OFSTED not local authority but that's one aspect she is expert in... it's all the business and planning parts that are new.

Thanks.

 

[Ashley_Price]

I guess the first question is, you say it is related to childcare, but in what way? Is she going to be looking after children in the "garden", or is it like a nanny agency, where she will be sending people out to other people's homes - so her own work would be admin, etc.?

 

[billybob99]

Yes, I'm sat in my garden all the time with my laptop, doing worky stuff.

 

[JDX_John]

I guess the first question is, you say it is related to childcare, but in what way? Is she going to be looking after children in the "garden", or is it like a nanny agency, where she will be sending people out to other people's homes - so her own work would be admin, etc.?

They would come here... that's why I said garden specifically not home. Sorry for confusion.

Running around the place being noisy and dirty

 

[Mr D]

They would come here... that's why I said garden specifically not home. Sorry for confusion.

Running around the place being noisy and dirty

Can imagine the insurance...

Gardens need to be safe. And British weather means plenty of times its not ideal to use the garden.

 

[Scalloway]

Outdoor nurseries for children do exist, even in Scotland.

https://stramash.org.uk/outdoor-nursery/

 

[Ashley_Price]

They would come here... that's why I said garden specifically not home. Sorry for confusion.

Running around the place being noisy and dirty

Okay, in which case you are likely to have a number of problems - do you have close neighbours? I know from those on my estate, children's shouts and screams can travel quite a distance and you may get complaints about noise, so you will want to speak to Environmental Health, etc., about possible noise pollution.

And, as @Mr D says, you're going to have to look into the insurance, etc., especially in this day and age when parents are far more litigious.

 

[fisicx]

How about children’s allotments?

That way all you do is provide the space and assistance. Far less litigious.

 

[Ashley_Price]

That way all you do is provide the space and assistance. Far less litigious.

Child trips over a spade and breaks their leg - parents sue as allotment owner didn't tidy up after children.

 

[fisicx]

Child gets stung by a bee and parents sue because bees were not listed in the risk assessment.

Child eats worm and parents sue because they are vegan.

Parents sue because their cactus didn't grow on a soggy British allotment.

 

[Ashley_Price]

Child gets stung by a bee and parents sue because bees were not listed in the risk assessment.

Child eats worm and parents sue because they are vegan.

Parents sue because their cactus didn't grow on a soggy British allotment.

We jest, but sadly, this sort of thing isn't uncommon:

Parents sue school after child gets a splinter. Parents sue friends after children injured at birthday parties (including bouncy castles, trampolines, slides, swings and climbing trees), and so on...

So, it shows any activity with children can be a minefield (and that's not to mention DBS checks, etc.)

 

[Cash Cow]

My cousin down in Devon uses a large plot of land he owns to grow organic veggies and sells them locally.
Last I heard, he was doing pretty well too. And he had plenty of help getting started from local authorities.
I think the timing is spot on, you just need a practical business idea.