Opinions wanted - Resource Pools

Gallstones

Good morning,

I own a local small business fixing computers from home. I have lived on my street (a large street with over 100 houses) for almost a year and in that time discovered a number of neighbours with services that could be useful. For example we have a caricature artist, an alternative therapy practitioner, a hairdresser, a retired mechanic, a car and bike sprayer, a tatooist, a childcare worker, a driving instructor ...to name but a few.

I came up with an idea about putting together a xxxx street resource pool. Basically a list of people on the street, what they do, what number they live at and a phone number/web link. I want to distribute this to my neighbours but I am a bit SHY about pressing forward with it. Worried about being laughed at or if I'm ignored or it doesn't work.

I have some web design skills and would eventually like to build this into an interactive site where people can send messages, advertise (free) and report problems such as thefts, car damage etc. Maybe I'm getting a bit too ambitious here I don't know.

Anyway I have time on my hands as business is slow and I'd be happy to see this through in the long term if it works.

Has anyone else done anything similar or do you know of any other local resource pools? I've heard of and researched time banking and I don't want to do anything that formal, I thought maybe to start off with I'd (tentatively) send out a letter explaining my aims and a reply slip on the bottom so people can add their details.

What do you think of this? can you see any flaws in my idea? Any help from you knowledgable people would be great.

Mistral001

Yes there is a big flaw. Many of these people will be working totally legally and paying all the correct taxes etc., but there will probably be some who will be worried that they are not doing all the coreect things to run a business from home. So if a local tax office or Planning office wanted to do checks you would give them an easy target, by giving them a collection of people all on one street.

cavework

Try looking at a bartering system.
Might help?

Gallstones

Mistral001 wrote: »

Yes there is a big flaw. Many of these people will be working totally legally and paying all the correct taxes etc., but there will probably be some who will be worried that they are not doing all the coreect things to run a business from home. So if a local tax office or Planning office wanted to do checks you would give them an easy target, by giving them a collection of people all on one street.

I can see your point, but surely if someone was committing benefit fraud or diddling the taxman they just wouldn't volunteer for the list? As for those who don't know if they are playing by the rules or not - its easy enough to find out.

paulwf

If you are looking to set up a community based trading scheme then have a good look at LETS http://www.letslinkuk.net/ .

Mistral001

Gallstones wrote: »

I As for those who don't know if they are playing by the rules or not - its easy enough to find out.

Here are some of the possible things that might be required:

Planning permission for change of use
Builing Control permission for change of use
Capital Gains tax on property
Additional water rates
Commercial rates
Hygiene check if producing food
Performing rights licence if playing radio while working
Employer's liability insurance
Public liability insurance
Permission from mortgage providers

I am sure there are more. Some will not apply to most home businesses admittedly. Finding out if they do apply is not easy in my experience. Most people find out by accident or when there is a complaint from someone.