any grants for converting garage for business use

joop123

Hi

Hope someone can help, i have been running an ebay business from my living room at home. But as the business has grown there is no longer the space available so i am investigating the possibility of converting part of my garage. I would appreciate advice regards are there any grants available for this kind of thing, and if so where would i apply for them. I am still a small business so funds are limited.

Thanks

Jackie

chalkie99

I very much doubt it but, even if there were, you would be using a business grant to convert domestic property for commercial use.

The outcome would surely be that you would need to apply for planning permission for a change of use to business and, in the unlikely event that you got that, you would then be liable for business rates, commercial waste disposal, etc., etc....

paddyrg

Change of use? You have bigger battles ahead than paying to convert it!

But no, there are (almost certainly) no grants to do so - and why would there be? The purpose of business is to *make* not *cost* money for the council, and in a time of harsh financial climates it would seem a grossly irresponsible waste of money to taxpayers.

paulwf

Although I hate the concept have a look into cargo containers. They are spacious and secure and perfect for business storage. There are companies that sell used ones and I've seen people with them in their back gardens. I'm not sure on the planning restrictions but I think they may be classed as a temporary structure. Prepare to get all your neighbours annoyed though!

It may be time to look into hiring a small unit on an industrial park. Alternatively put your prices up so although you won't increase the number of sales you will increase your profit...which is a good way to go!

Savvy_Sue

paulwf wrote: »

Although I hate the concept have a look into cargo containers. They are spacious and secure and perfect for business storage. There are companies that sell used ones and I've seen people with them in their back gardens. I'm not sure on the planning restrictions but I think they may be classed as a temporary structure.

I'm pretty sure you still need planning permission: we're using one at church and have parked it in the garden of the house next door (owned by the church), but we can only use it on Sunday mornings.

Mattty

You could try business link . They still have some business grants available, but not sure about your particular situation. Doesn't hurt to give them a call.