would like to start back yard plant nursery business

[emotion-2003]

hi
i registered in this forum today.i foiund the forum when i was searching some infoirmation about my future business
i am planing to rent land and set up my commercial poly tunnel.if everything goes well i am planing to grow bedding plants and veg plants for next spring/summer season.
i am working at plant nursery as a supervisor and ve been working since 2002 after when i finish my university about agriculture management dept.i am very confident about my knowladge but this my first own business.i dont know how to sort out all paper works and i dont know where to register business,where and hat kind of permit/licences i need.
if you show me the best way how to sort out my bussiness i will be greatfull.
i live in Romsey/Hampshire.
thanks

 

[Salpots]

Hi

I can only give basic information because I'm new to it all myself, but here's what I know.

You need to register your company name with companies house (you can do this online) which costs a fee.

Once this is accomplished and you have your company number, you can apply for a business bank account. Before applying for your business bank account its worth considering if you'll need a terminal to take payments or if your business is based around cash only - if its a cash only business then all you need from the bank is an account and a paying in book.

In order to get the correct account from the bank you need an idea of what revenue you possibly will generate. This means that the bank can estimate what to charge you when it comes to making transactions because everything costs when it's a business account. TSB have an offer where new small businesses pay no transaction fees for 18 months - other banks have other incentives so it's worth hunting around, because taking it to the level of operating a company means every penny counts.

You should consult HMRC online to see if you need to be VAT registered. Save all letters in one file so nothing gets lost and you can refer back when necessary.

You need an accounts book to take note of all business incoming and outgoing. The more columns you have (more detail) in your acounts book/s means you'll not just be able to project future business (seasonally) by looking at the figures, but more importantly file your returns correctly.

I have no idea about permits or licences - you could try asking someone at your place of work (but be careful in case you will represent competition to them), alternatively read as much as possible online or ring a nursery not in your area who you wont represent a threat to

hope it helps

 

[kelvin1950]

My twopennorth.

Put "company registration" into Google, it's cheaper to register with a company that specialises than directly with companies house.

Chances are you'll get a better PDQ deal from someone other than your bank. We bank with Nat West and use Streamline/Cardsave for our PDQ, they are owned by Mat West but are cheaper than Nat West.

First year/ 2 years banking will be free anyway. Choose the best deal.

Get an accountant first, worry about VAT and other stuff later. You've got time to earn enough to pay VAT for it not to be an upfront worry.

 

[Banned]

My twopennorth.

Put "company registration" into Google, it's cheaper to register with a company that specialises than directly with companies house.

Chances are you'll get a better PDQ deal from someone other than your bank. We bank with Nat West and use Streamline/Cardsave for our PDQ, they are owned by Mat West but are cheaper than Nat West.

First year/ 2 years banking will be free anyway. Choose the best deal.

Get an accountant first, worry about VAT and other stuff later. You've got time to earn enough to pay VAT for it not to be an upfront worry.

Totally derailing the thread - Kelvin Sir, you back up and running with all the damp sorted? Good to see you the other day I'll pop over when I get a chance if you are open again.

 

[Sobie]

Im sure you will know all of the points Im about to make as you already work in the industry but just a few of my first thoughts:

Great place to start:

https://www.alliance-leicestercomme...es/full/plantnursery/parkes-legal_matters.asp

things to think about:
1) licence for plant breeders rights (PBR or ) propagation of lots of plants without a licence for sale is illegal.
most small hobby nurseries buy in plugs and seedlings from nurseries that hold the licence and then pay a royalty for these plants. One of the nurseries we use normally charges around an extra 4p per plant (Im thinking about Surfinia, Fuchsias, Pelagoniums at this price).
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/detail?itemId=1086146552&type=RESOURCES

2) licence to use pesticides/ herbicides how are you going to get rid of nasties!

3) EU plant passports? you'll need for certain crops, problem ones at the minute include strawberry plants.

4) Space. more space and LOCATION. you'll need at least 3 large polytunnels, one for starting off which will need to be heated. one for potting on and one from selling from. space for your customers to park their cars. ideally you want to be situated on a main road to get as much passing trade as possible.

5) What will you sell out of season? summer bedding plant sales last approx 10 -14 weeks. weather dependant!

6) you'll need electricity for heating, and water on site. don't forget to factor in watering costs to the plant costs, a hosepipe will use at least 1000ltrs per hour. we water for 4-6hrs a day, You could look at getting bore holes dug.

8) how will you work out what to grow? whats been the top selling bedding plant this year? how many plants would you need to sell to make a living? Labels, pots, compost....

So glad we decided to start a garden centre, rather than a nursery and leave all of these problems to the growers

 

[kelvin1950]

Totally derailing the thread - Kelvin Sir, you back up and running with all the damp sorted? Good to see you the other day I'll pop over when I get a chance if you are open again.

Middle of July we're being told, will keep you posted.

 

[emotion-2003]

Sobie,thanks for your very useful reply.actually my idea start like hobbies first.then i thought why i am not going to make money.because i am normally working in this industry.i was planing to set up my poly tunnel in my garden.but i live in company house and i really dont want to use company house for my business.because even i can loose my job if they find out sobie, is it your land or rented land where you set up your garden centre?
at the moment i am looking for private land for rent.i have no idea how much i will pay.i am checking on internet but i couldnt find private adverts yet.and also i am expecting to sort out everything in 1 week.
i have PA1,PA2,PA6 spraying tickets.so do you think i still need permit or licence for spraying?
so when you start your business did you register first then,bank account and after permises/licences?could you please write me what is the priorty work in numbers please?because i really dont know where to start.should i register first then bank account and register in tax office...????
thanks for reply and sorry to ask again and again.but its my first business and i need your help
cheers

 

[S-Marketing]

Hi,

I know this industry well and am very local to you ( I actually have a house in Romsey) .

Happy to chat to give you a few pointers.

 

[emotion-2003]

hi
its lovely offer.i will be so happy to chat with you.
if you would like we can meet in the town and talk.if not we can write PM.
thank you so much again.

 

[emotion-2003]

hi
other detail is i am already working in plant nursery.so this business will be my own.i am paying tax and NI already.with my new business how will affect tax and NI?
is there any chance to keep them low cost as i register my self not ltd company but register as self-employer or part time business?(i dont know is there part time business
cheers

 

[Sobie]

Sobie,thanks for your very useful reply.actually my idea start like hobbies first.then i thought why i am not going to make money.because i am normally working in this industry.i was planing to set up my poly tunnel in my garden.but i live in company house and i really dont want to use company house for my business.because even i can loose my job if they find out sobie, is it your land or rented land where you set up your garden centre?
at the moment i am looking for private land for rent.i have no idea how much i will pay.i am checking on internet but i couldnt find private adverts yet.and also i am expecting to sort out everything in 1 week.
i have PA1,PA2,PA6 spraying tickets.so do you think i still need permit or licence for spraying?
so when you start your business did you register first then,bank account and after permises/licences?could you please write me what is the priorty work in numbers please?because i really dont know where to start.should i register first then bank account and register in tax office...????
thanks for reply and sorry to ask again and again.but its my first business and i need your help
cheers

We rent our land although our ultimate dream is to purchase somewhere to run from home (I've got my eye on a nice little 11 acre site on a main rd at the minute) Our land is far too small at about 1/2 acre to expand our business any further but its been perfect for learning! I've no idea what rental prices would be in your area.

I think you'd definately be better finding some land first, don't run from your home if its attached to your job, you may loose both especially if you employer would think of you as competition.

in our first year we worked full time, it was a killer and didn't do our busines any favours, you really need to be open 9am- 5pm 7 days a week minimum. Think about late night opening, well you'll be their deadheading and watering anyway!

We don't need any licences because as a garden centre we purchase all our plants from nurseries. our stock rotates quickly so normally an off the shelf product is more than adequate for us as we are not growing, just selling the faster the better . So Im not entirely sure, but I know you would also need a licence for where the chemicals are stored. Im sure your licences and experience will be great, just check with your local council.

We got our land sorted first. Then spent time looking at suppliers and ordering, using a personal bank account to begin with. Once we had been open for a couple of weekends we opened a business bank account. We didn't have PDQ machines etc on opening (we had no electric to begin with ). we registered as being self employed within the three months limit to HRMC. We also told the council within a couple of months as there was nothing on our site previously. they came and measured for rates, although Im sure that as a nursery you won't pay rates. (check though!) its just us poor old garden centre owners that are hit!

really you should let the council know before you open when you have the land, so you can check for any relevant planning permissions etc.

the sort of places that may be suitable landwise: Equestrene centres (normally they have plenty of unused fields) Farm shops.

 

[emotion-2003]

hey sobie
thank you so much for your very informative reply.its simple explanation as i am not profesional and new.
so how it will affect my TAX and NI later on.because i am already employee in different company and paying tax& NI?
did you start selling your plants straight away from poly tunnels or like shop?
cheers

 

[Sobie]

hey sobie
thank you so much for your very informative reply.its simple explanation as i am not profesional and new.
so how it will affect my TAX and NI later on.because i am already employee in different company and paying tax& NI?
did you start selling your plants straight away from poly tunnels or like shop?
cheers

Glad to help, we've always found this forum very helpful so its nice to actually be able to contribute for once!

You can be both Employed and self employed. We were for a while. If you are already paying Tax from your employment then you will pay tax on every penny you earn from your business. Get yourself a good accountant, preferably one with knowledge of seasonal businesses. We just gave our accountant our P60s from our employment along with our accounts and he worked it all out for us.

We are set up like almost every other garden centre in the UK - main shop indoor shop (chemicals, seeds etc) leading outdoor plant benches (customers hate having to bend over to pick plants up from the floor - make the labels so they are as close to eye level as you can!) and covererd areas. Looking at Hilliers website (which I believe is in Romsey) its probably very simular set up to us.

I hate polytunnels with a passion! ugly things that are too hot, too cold and drip water on you! I certainly wouldn't expect to see a polytunnel at a garden centre, but would expect to see lots of them at a nursery. Nurseries and Garden centres are two very different businesses.

Gardening is my absolute passion, and I think it is yours too. If Im not at my garden centre, or in my garden, then Im checking out my competition! go round as many places as you can, see what they do well and not so well. Make notes of everyplace, I included my notes in my business plan for the bank.

Googling Romsey I saw at least 7 garden centres/ nurseries pop up. That seems like a lot of competition! Having said that When we started you had to travel at least 10 miles to get to the next place selling plants, now every single shop seems to try to cash in on the seasonal high, from supermarkets, wilkinsons/ cheap shops, DIY chains, newsagents you've got to find a way to ensure the customer buys that plant from you, not one of these other places. What will be your USP?

 

[emotion-2003]

hi all
i found open storage land for rent today still waiting answer from letting agency.
location is very good.trying to find out can i use the site as garden centre.the site has planning consent under Class B8 of the Town & Country Planning Uses Class Order.and i dont know is it covering my business.
i dont have saving so it is a big gamble.i am going to use bank credit and will start.

 

[Sobie]

hi all
i found open storage land for rent today still waiting answer from letting agency.
location is very good.trying to find out can i use the site as garden centre.the site has planning consent under Class B8 of the Town & Country Planning Uses Class Order.and i dont know is it covering my business.
i dont have saving so it is a big gamble.i am going to use bank credit and will start.

Glad you've found a suitable area. I don't know anything about planning, left all that to solisters. But Im sure there are a lot of people on here who can help with planning and getting your tenancy agreement to your benefit.

Have you allready approached the bank for funding?

I'd recommend signing up to as many trade sites as possible, Horticulture week is a good place to start, as is Garden Retail, it will give you an idea of the best selling products etc.
If your going to be a garden centre rather than a nursery visit the GLEE show in Birmingham in September. All of the main industry suppliers will be showcasing their products.

 

[emotion-2003]

hi sobie,
thanks for your reply
i found the land but i am not sure that i can do my business on this land.still looking for information.hopely someone will give more information about it.
i have been checking bank credit score.and bank advisor said my score is good and i can get big amount of credit which will be enough to start my business with half of this money.
but as i told you biggest problem is renting land in good location.
thanks for your advice
i am going to have a look at horticulture week now
cheers

 

[emotion-2003]

hi
i update every informations about garden centre business because of i believe it will be good guide for people who is planing to start agriculture business!
i went to city council for to talk about planning permission of land where i wanted rent.but sadly the land has CLASS B8 permit.if i want to put any poly tunnels and open for public for retail i need to apply for CLASS A1(retail)permit.and it cost about £500.if i get the permit after i can start business.it is really complicated.
stilll looking for land but rent is very expencive who planing to start business with bank loan.
i didnt decide to apply for planing permission yet.

 

[Stuart Bailey]

Your local council (city or district or borough) will have an economic developement officer.

Also join your local chamber of commerce they will have a wealth of information to help you get started up.

You will also be entitled to grants which the council and chamber of commerce will help you with.

regards Stuart Bailey of Thomas Guise solicitors

 

[Sobie]

hi
i update every informations about garden centre business because of i believe it will be good guide for people who is planing to start agriculture business!
i went to city council for to talk about planning permission of land where i wanted rent.but sadly the land has CLASS B8 permit.if i want to put any poly tunnels and open for public for retail i need to apply for CLASS A1(retail)permit.and it cost about £500.if i get the permit after i can start business.it is really complicated.
stilll looking for land but rent is very expencive who planing to start business with bank loan.
i didnt decide to apply for planing permission yet.

I always thought that planning wasn't required for Polytunnels because they abut I was totally wrong, the guidelines have changed since we started
http://www.planning-applications.co.uk/polytunnels.htm

Could the landlord not pay for the change of use? they may if they are desperate to rent it out.

Would planning change even be accepted?

£500 is really nothing in terms of setting up a business. whats in your business plan?

 

[internetspaceships]

I wonder what the rates bill would be like switching to retail use.

 

[Sobie]

I wonder what the rates bill would be like switching to retail use.

with 1/2 acre retail I can promise you its exortinate

 

[emotion-2003]

hi again
i couldnt start my business yet but i think positive about it
you know i found only 1 land with class b8 planning.land is ok but need to apply for A1 planning.i am trying to contact to letting agency,i am calling leaving my phone number but they are not calling back.because i send them e-mail and i wanted make sure about fees,planning,rent cost..etc
i decide to apply for A1 planning next week.it will cost £500.but how can i make sure that 4-8 weeks planning progress letting agency will not give to some one this land?any idea how to sort out this?

i contact to web designers last night.i got quotes.some one wants £850
i have no idea what is reasonable price for web page.

i asked price about poly tunnel.it will cost me about £1500

i asked about poly tunnel heater price.brand new about £300 (just not sure should i uy electric or gas heater)any idea ??

going to look for other garden centers tomorrow.just to get some idea and check the price/suppliers

SOBIE thanks for all your help and advice

 

[internetspaceships]

Hi there. I think you also need to get an estimate and factor in your rates bill for this project before you go any further next time.

Best of luck and I hope one day it all comes together.

 

[emotion-2003]

hi
thank you for your advice.actually i estimated most of things.i have list for all spending.hope everything will be ok i will invest money and i want to be succesfull.prices which i wrote they are fix price
cheers

 

[internetspaceships]

Great, glad to hear you've done that but from experience please believe me when I tell you that you cannot estimate the true horror of business rates without a quote from the evil people at the rating office.

 

[emotion-2003]

i really believe you what you are saying.when i start to think about my future business i was saying ''i think i need just £5.000 '' when i estimate most of things its already £10,000 and also still need to buy for sale.
everything is so complicated.
i wish i will settle down soon and start business.i dont know do i take risk which is not worth.but my brain says GO FOR IT AND START YOUR BUSINESS EVEN YOU WILL LOOSE £20,000

 

[emotion-2003]

hi
i am going to meet with letting agency today.and also going to talk to council about planning again.
just i wonder how ''business rates'' works?any information please
cheers

 

[internetspaceships]

It's like Community Charge for businesses, but you pay a lot more per square foot depending on the use of the space.

You also get nothing for it, not even bin collections.

 

[emotion-2003]

i went to council for to ask again about planning permition.got some advice.with Class B8 i can only use as storage.nothing else.for to change B8 to A1 i have to apply for PRE-APPLICATION which cost £168.they are going to answer in next 20 working days.They are going to check location,traffic...etc.after i will apply for normal application which cost me £360.
]The maximum term the landlord will grant is 5 years.
The business rates (similar to council tax) are £2,381.60 per annum
It is possible to get a water and electricity supply to compound .I will have to pay the cost of carrying out this process.

before start my business probably i have to pay a few grand.who know maybe i change my mind and live with benefits.in England system makes people lazy.even i want to stand on my feet they dont let me

 

[emotion-2003]

hi
i need a bit information about limited company and sole trade?as i am planing to do garden centre&landscape service business.but i i dont know which company is the best for me.
and also i need information about TAX.i mean is there any chance to pay less tax?because if i make £20.000 and if i pay half of this money for tax my business won't survive.

please give me some information.

i want to do my business but when i am thinking that goverment will take half of my money i am really scared to start my business.

cheers

 

[emotion-2003]

and do you think that if i find accountant they can help me to set up business and keep my cost lower like tax ?

or how accountant help me?

cheers