Small IT Business Expanding into Premises

werdnags

Hello Folks,

I have been successfully running a small one person IT support business for 3 years now and I basically just can't cope with the work coming in. I have decided to take the plunge and take on premises and an admin assistant at the moment. Could anyone help me with the following questions please?

1. What insurances do I need (I have public liability at the moment)?
2. What would be the best till to get? Idealy I would like a PC based system but can't seem to find the best software/bar code scanner/drawer to get. I need a system that will incorporate some sort of stock management.
3. What signs do I need to display for staff and customers?
4. Where is the best place to find office furniture?

Basically I would appreciate any help from anyone, especially tips on getting this project up and running, I don't want to have hastle in the first few months because I have bought the wrong type of till or I am not doing something I should be. I am due to be moving in around 4 weeks but I am constantly banging my head on the wall due to lack of knowledge of what I really need.

Many thanks for any help.

Mike_by_the_Sea

Hi werdnags

Welcome to MSE

Have you tried getting advice from your local businesslink?

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/home?domain=www.businesslink.gov.uk&target=http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/

They cover all areas and their advice is free.

All the best

Mike

werdnags

Yes, I have tried Business Link, although they give great advice it is only on 'core' things but can't really help with things like setting up POS etc.

Mike_by_the_Sea

OK

They can cover off the Health and Safety aspects for signage etc.

Depending on the area, there may be a second-hand office furniture outlet near you or look on Ebay - often some great bargains to be had on there.

It might be worth looking at the FSB (Federation of Small Businesses) for Insurance advice etc. They might even save you some money.

Im not too sure about POS equipment - I suppose it would depend, like most things, on your budget.

fc123

werdnags wrote: »

Hello Folks,

I have been successfully running a small one person IT support business for 3 years now and I basically just can't cope with the work coming in. I have decided to take the plunge and take on premises and an admin assistant at the moment. Could anyone help me with the following questions please?

1. What insurances do I need (I have public liability at the moment)?
2. What would be the best till to get? Idealy I would like a PC based system but can't seem to find the best software/bar code scanner/drawer to get. I need a system that will incorporate some sort of stock management.
3. What signs do I need to display for staff and customers?
4. Where is the best place to find office furniture?

Basically I would appreciate any help from anyone, especially tips on getting this project up and running, I don't want to have hastle in the first few months because I have bought the wrong type of till or I am not doing something I should be. I am due to be moving in around 4 weeks but I am constantly banging my head on the wall due to lack of knowledge of what I really need.

Many thanks for any help.

I run a retail shop and we paid a fortune for EPOS some years back. It is now outdated and I have gone back to managing the stock the old fashioned way...easier and cheaper.
Most lock you into 4 year leases PLUS support charges (ours were £1200pa for not a lot).
Could you not get up and running first? Then shop around for EPOS systems once you know the day to day issues with stock management?

Insurance; Public liability for your premises and contents; try Prestige
Insurance; we just halved our costs with them.

You have to get the new Fire Exit signs, No Smoking.

Your trading name etc need to on display somewhere, usually at pay area.

Hope this helps.

Savvy_Sue

Taking on staff - which you mention but not in detail - I always found HMRC very helpful - they have a dedicated helpline for [STRIKE]numpties[/STRIKE] new employers and a pack they send out.

There is also a mass of employment law out there which you do need to keep on top of! contracts, leave entitlements, grievance procedures etc but there are sites which help you through it.

motorguy

I guess it depends on your level of stock and the level of absolute control you feel you must have, and the cost to the business of doing so.

We looked at some pretty expensive all singing all dancing tills, but finally bought an £80 casio till brand new off ebay, that could deal with categories, z totals, etc. We had a category for repairs, laptop sales, pc sales, etc, and it dealt with that. We matched that Z total against the till total every night.

Colin2511

hi Op

You may also want to try the business unit of your local council, who may have a list of premises available, I needed a warehouse unit (first time as well), and they directed me to one that was not with the estage agents,

they also have someone coming to see me next week, about possible 50% grant for "growing businesses" to help with things like furniture, moving in costs etc, it was only available for certain postcodes, but surprisingly enough I chose one in that area :rolleyes:

werdnags

Thanks for all of your help, it has given me some great pointers. All systems go next week so I will let you know on my decisions and how they have 'panned' out.

Brooker_Dave

werdnags wrote: »

Where is the best place to find office furniture?

PM me if you'd like some free office furniture.

Savvy_Sue

Don't know where you are, but around Bristol we seem to have LOTS of shops selling second hand office furniture which is perfectly serviceable and looks new. Also some of the furniture recycling projects sell reconditioned office furniture.