Just Six Guests, . First-hand, encouraging advice on how to set up and run a small bed & breakfast

192 Pages·2008·1.17 MB·English

by  Helen Jackman

Ifyouwanttoknowhow...
Buying&RunningaGuesthouseorSmallHotel
Makeafreshstartandrunyourownguesthouse
StartingandRunningaB&B
Apracticalguidetosettingupandmanaging
aBedandBreakfastbusiness
Book-Keeping&AccountingfortheSmallBusiness
Howtokeepthebooksandmaintainfinancialcontroloveryour
business
HowtoGetFreePublicity
Ahandbookforsmallbusinesses,clubs,schoolsorcharities
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(other than for purposes of review) without the express permission of the publisher in writing.

© 2008 Helen Jackman
Cartoons © Colin Shelbourn, www.shelbourn.com

First published 2004
Second edition 2006
Third edition 2008
First published in electronic form 2008

ISBN13: 978 1 84803 278 1

British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data
A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

Produced for How To Books by Deer Park Productions, Tavistock
Typeset by PDQ Typesetting, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffs.

NOTE: The material contained in this book is set out in good faith for general guidance and no liability
can be accepted for loss or expense incurred as a result of relying in particular circumstances on
statements made in the book. The laws and regulations are complex and liable to change, and readers
should check the current position with the relevant authorities before making personal arrangements.
Contents
Preface xi
Acknowledgements xv
Introduction 1
1 Researching the Project 7
Is it right for you? 7
Looking at tourist patterns 8
Reviewing potential hosts 11
Considering financial constraints 14
Creating a business plan 15
Weighing up the social considerations 17
Identifying fears 19
Considering location 20
Selecting the right premises 22
Who will be your customers? 23
Likely reasons for failure 29
2 Complying with the Law 31
Just six guests 32
Seeking permission to operate 32
Complying with regulations 33
Caring for those on your premises 34
Avoiding disability discrimination 39
Establishing a no smoking policy 41
Becoming an employer 42
Insuring your premises 44
Obtaining a television licence 46
Accepting bookings 46
Registering guests 48
Being aware of Data Protection 50
Complying with the Trade Descriptions Act 51
Northern Ireland 51
v
vi / JUST SIX GUESTS
3 Setting Up the Rooms ^ De¤cor and Equipment 53
Looking at bathroom facilities 54
Providing disabled facilities 55
Caring for the outside of your property 56
Providing parking 56
Caring for the public areas 57
Equipping the bedrooms 58
Equipping the bathrooms 68
Setting up the dining room 71
Do you need a guest sitting room? 72
Thinking about the kitchen 73
4 Looking AfterYour Guests 77
Providing a safe environment 77
Dealing with enquiries 79
Introducing a cancellation policy 81
Welcoming guests 83
Supplying information 84
Planning the housekeeping 86
Carrying out maintenance 89
Providing meals 90
Offering additional services 93
Socialising 94
Dealing with complaints 95
Introducing rules 97
Accommodating children and young adults 98
Thinking about your policy towards animals 99
Reacting to damage 100
Dealing with departures 100
Evaluating repeat business 100
Keeping guest records 101
Looking after yourself 102
CONTENTS / vii
5 FillingYour Rooms 105
Preparing promotional literature 106
Using free advertising 107
Making use of signs 108
Making use of VisitBritain, the Tourist Boards and Information Centres 108
Signing up for the National Quality Assessment Scheme 110
Preparing for the inspector’s visit 113
Evaluating the accommodation guide books 115
Networking 117
Making use of the internet 118
Dealing with Saturday night bookings 120
Return visits 121
6 Organising Money Matters 125
Planning your price structure 125
Displaying charges 129
Establishing a policy for friends 130
Receiving payment 130
Budgeting 131
Maintaining financial records 133
Coping with taxation 135
Being aware of Rent-a-Room for traders 137
7 From B&B to Guest House 141
Considering the legal and financial implications 142
Operating a guest house 144
8 Summary 147
Sharing your home 148
Further information 149
Useful publications 149
Courses 150
Useful websites 151
Useful addresses 152
Index 163
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List of Illustrations
1 Estimated setting-up costs 16
2 Sample registration form 49
3 Sample maps 82
4 Sample welcome letter 85
5 Estimated monthly costs 132
6 Example of a simple weekly income and expenditure account 134
ix