Just Six Guests, 3rd edition. First-hand, encouraging advice on how to set up and run a small bed & breakfast

This book is for the small 'hobby' operator who wishes to remain within the maximum limit of 6 guests permitted before stricter legislation and regulations kick in. If you have a suitable home, running a small B&B can be an appealing option for a small family-run business. It can be a useful alternative to full-time employment whilst easing into retirement, or a flexible way of earning extra money for someone working at home whilst their partner goes out to work.Any business, however low key, needs pre-planning and research. And it would be a mistake to view it as easy money for doing very little. Guests will be sleeping and eating in your home so you will have a number of legal obligations to meet.In this book you'll find experienced guidance on: doing your market research; complying with the law; preparing the rooms; looking after your guests; marketing your B and, pricing and book-keeping. Having both had careers in the hospitality industry, author Helen Jackman and her husband 'retired' to a small B&B in rural Kent which they have run successfully for over ten years. When they took what seemed at the time quite a brave step they could find no British publication aimed at this 'hobby' end of the market. This book was written to fill that gap and to help others enjoy opening their homes to guests. Helen is a Fellow of the Institute of Hospitality. Contents......Page 6 Preface......Page 12 Acknowledgements......Page 16 Introduction......Page 18 Is it right for you?......Page 24 Looking at tourist patterns......Page 25 Reviewing potential hosts......Page 28 Considering financial constraints......Page 31 Creating a business plan......Page 32 Weighing up the social considerations......Page 34 Identifying fears......Page 36 Considering location......Page 37 Selecting the right premises......Page 39 Who will be your customers?......Page 40 Likely reasons for failure......Page 46 2 Complying with the Law......Page 48 Seeking permission to operate......Page 49 Complying with regulations......Page 50 Caring for those on your premises......Page 51 Avoiding disability discrimination......Page 56 Establishing a no smoking policy......Page 58 Becoming an employer......Page 59 Insuring your premises......Page 61 Accepting bookings......Page 63 Registering guests......Page 65 Being aware of Data Protection......Page 67 Northern Ireland......Page 68 3 Setting Up the Rooms – Décor and Equipment......Page 70 Looking at bathroom facilities......Page 71 Providing disabled facilities......Page 72 Providing parking......Page 73 Caring for the public areas......Page 74 Equipping the bedrooms......Page 75 Equipping the bathrooms......Page 85 Setting up the dining room......Page 88 Do you need a guest sitting room?......Page 89 Thinking about the kitchen......Page 90 Providing a safe environment......Page 94 Dealing with enquiries......Page 96 Introducing a cancellation policy......Page 98 Welcoming guests......Page 100 Supplying information......Page 101 Planning the housekeeping......Page 103 Carrying out maintenance......Page 106 Providing meals......Page 107 Offering additional services......Page 110 Socialising......Page 111 Dealing with complaints......Page 112 Introducing rules......Page 114 Accommodating children and young adults......Page 115 Thinking about your policy towards animals......Page 116 Evaluating repeat business......Page 117 Keeping guest records......Page 118 Looking after yourself......Page 119 5 Filling Your Rooms......Page 122 Preparing promotional literature......Page 123 Using free advertising......Page 124 Making use of VisitBritain, the Tourist Boards and Information Centres......Page 125 Signing up for the National Quality Assessment Scheme......Page 127 Preparing for the inspector’s visit......Page 130 Evaluating the accommodation guide books......Page 132 Networking......Page 134 Making use of the internet......Page 135 Dealing with Saturday night bookings......Page 137 Return visits......Page 138 Planning your price structure......Page 142 Displaying charges......Page 146 Receiving payment......Page 147 Budgeting......Page 148 Maintaining financial records......Page 150 Coping with taxation......Page 152 Being aware of Rent-a-Room for traders......Page 154 7 From B&B to Guest House......Page 158 Considering the legal and financial implications......Page 159 Operating a guest house......Page 161 8 Summary......Page 164 Sharing your home......Page 165 Useful publications......Page 166 Courses......Page 167 Useful websites......Page 168 Useful addresses......Page 169 C......Page 180 K......Page 181 T......Page 182 Y......Page 183 Drawing on her own personal experience, Helen Jackman offers guidance to those considering entering the bed and breakfast trade, covering such topics as doing research, complying with the law, preparing the rooms, looking after guests, marketing, pricing and book-keeping A guide which provides information, advice, checklists, self-assessments and ideas to make a success of your venture.