Business : BDC Blog News

5 Common Types of Construction Waste

Waste production is inevitable in any construction site. In the United Kingdom, contractors are legally required to dispose and manage their wastes properly to help the government minimise and reduce its environmental impact. It is also the best way to maintain the standard in landfills if businesses learn to reduce,

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ACE RESPONDS TO “MISSED OPPORTUNITY” OF LEVELLING UP WHITE PAPER

The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) represents the companies, large and small, that design, deliver and manage our built environment. Its members are the delivery partners of choice for government on “levelling up” projects and programmes. Commenting on the release of the Levelling Up White Paper, Guto Davies, Head

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LCR, Peter Hawthorne – Levelling Up White Paper Reaction

LCR delivered the regeneration of Kings Cross and is currently working to deliver regeneration in Sheffield, one of the 20 beneficiaries of the Levelling Up Fund. Peter says that it’s crucial the Fund is used to realise the untapped potential of brownfield land around railway stations. Peter Hawthorne, CEO, LCR

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4 Benefits of Getting a Home Warranty Plan

Buying or building a home is a significant undertaking. You will have to save and invest a lot of time and money to obtain your dream home. Once you get over the hurdle of acquiring a home, the other challenge is maintaining that home. There will always be damages that

Read More »

How to Protect Your Garden From Unwanted Wildlife

Gardening can have a hoard of unexpected benefits, both for your physical and your mental welfare. And then of course, there’s the most obvious upside to gardening – getting a lot of great, healthy produce. But gardening also comes with its own set of drawbacks and worries, one of which

Read More »

Real Estate Agent vs Estate Agents, What’s the Difference?

Whether you’re buying or selling your home, it’s important to know the role of a real estate agent and an estate agent, what each can do for you, and the differences. What does a real estate agent do? Real estate includes commercial or residential property and the land which comes

Read More »

What Is Modular Carpet And Is It Any Good?

Modular carpets, typically called carpet tiles, are an interesting flooring option. Carpet tiles have become more popular in recent years, and there are a few reasons why. In this blog post, we will discuss what carpet tiles are and whether or not they are a good choice for your home

Read More »

9 million UK adults plan to buy a property in 2022

New research among more than 2,000 UK adults has revealed how many people are planning to buy a new home or property investment in 2022: 18% of UK adults intend to buy a property this year – rising to 34% among 18–34-year-olds 14% of renters plan to buy their first

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Latest Issue
Issue 323 : Dec 2024

Business : BDC Blog News

5 Common Types of Construction Waste

Waste production is inevitable in any construction site. In the United Kingdom, contractors are legally required to dispose and manage their wastes properly to help the government minimise and reduce its environmental impact. It is also the best way to maintain the standard in landfills if businesses learn to reduce, reuse, recycle, and ‘not waste’ the wastes altogether. Construction, excavation, and demolition sites produce different types of wastes, covered with regulations to be disposed of and managed properly. If you are in this business, you have to develop an effective management protocol to limit how much you send to landfills while keeping track of your costs. Check out mini skip hire costs to find the most practical partner in proper waste disposal and management that can help you maximise your budget. To get you started, here are some of the everyday waste types produced in construction sites and what you can do with them: 1. Pile of rubble and concrete Since most construction projects may involve demolition of some form, rubbles are part of the wastes they create at different stages. Therefore, before you easily decide at taking them into the landfills, you may want to explore working with concrete producers who have recycling procedures to repurpose such materials. Some would even offer to pick up your rubbles and unload them into their location free of charge. 2. Wood materials Depending on their state, there are various ways you can reuse and recycle wood materials from your construction projects. If they are in good condition, leftover wood may be used for other projects. In the case of used wood, they may be generated into shavings for use as a filler. Of course, high-grade wood has the best value when you resell them, but low-grade wood may still be profitable if you sell them to pallet producers and the like. 3. Plastic waste Plastic is another waste material that construction sites may produce in huge amounts. Good thing you may recycle them through companies that melt and reproduce them into different materials. However, if you cannot reuse your plastic waste for your future projects, sending them to recycling companies is your best resort. 4. Glass Like what you can do with plastic, you may turn over glass wastes to recycling companies, where they may be melted and formed into another material. Or they may be crushed and aggregated to be used in producing fibreglass. Glass wastes are often picked from old windows or from trimmings where the material is used. 5. Hazardous materials Asbestos, foams, fibreglass, and insulation materials may contain hazardous chemicals and should be disposed of according to the existing regulations. The most convenient way is to hire skips that will safely remove the materials from your construction site. Otherwise, exposure to the chemicals may endanger your workers’ health as they could easily contract lung disease. One of the best ways to develop an effective waste management plan is to understand what type of waste you are dealing with. Various wastes have different recommended methods of disposal. You have to learn them to know what to do.

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ACE RESPONDS TO “MISSED OPPORTUNITY” OF LEVELLING UP WHITE PAPER

The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) represents the companies, large and small, that design, deliver and manage our built environment. Its members are the delivery partners of choice for government on “levelling up” projects and programmes. Commenting on the release of the Levelling Up White Paper, Guto Davies, Head of Policy at ACE said:“While the ‘12 national missions’ are welcome to drive activity and ensure spending remains both targeted and on track, they are nothing without properly structured long-term financing for local government to realise these political ambitions. Our concern is that the current approach remains too compartmentalised to be truly effective. “We do, however, welcome the longer-term view on levelling up. The truth is there is no panacea and only sustained investment over the longer-term will address systemic and chronic issues.” “ACE is looking forward to continuing its role as a practical partner on levelling up, and will engage with the Government on the forthcoming Levelling up and regeneration bill which was previewed in the White Paper.” Commenting on the release of the Levelling Up White Paper, Peter Hogg chair of ACE’s places group, and UK cities director at Arcadis, said: “Our own proposals shared last November outlined a practical five-step process to deliver levelling up. While the White Paper has gone some way to enabling this, we still feel it is a missed opportunity for a rounded financial framework which allows all local communities to truly flourish. “The headline announcement around the 20 cities earmarked for investment, as well as the range of funds mentioned in the paper, demonstrate the core issue. While welcome for the areas lucky enough to have ‘won’, replacing competition and ring-fenced funds with consolidated longer-term funding for local government would enable a joined-up approach – crucial if we are to meet the significant challenges of building more prosperous, healthy and productive communities, while delivering a Net Zero built environment. “Additionally, smaller towns and rural areas often lack the in-house planning, placemaking and design expertise to pull together compelling strategies, build business cases, and put forward viable regeneration projects. As such, the current approach unfortunately still runs the risk of creating winners and losers, when we should be spreading opportunity more equally.” For more information, please contact James Ketchell, Head of Communications at ACE at jketchell@acenet.co.uk or 07904 276 249. Read ACE’s Five Principles for Levelling Up Success.

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LCR, Peter Hawthorne – Levelling Up White Paper Reaction

LCR delivered the regeneration of Kings Cross and is currently working to deliver regeneration in Sheffield, one of the 20 beneficiaries of the Levelling Up Fund. Peter says that it’s crucial the Fund is used to realise the untapped potential of brownfield land around railway stations. Peter Hawthorne, CEO, LCR said: “The recognition of the vast untapped potential of the under-used land surrounding our railway stations is exciting, because this is so crucial to unlocking the regeneration of place that is a cornerstone of this Levelling Up strategy. “We’ve seen this potential realised at Kings Cross, as Michael Gove has mentioned before. And will soon see it in cities like Sheffield, where the Levelling Up Fund’s investment into maximising the potential of reduced rail travel times to London will help to bring forward the Sheffield Midland and Sheaf Valley Regeneration Framework, which we have worked on alongside our partners in the city and the wider region.   “While funding is one part of the puzzle and no doubt the focus of much of the feedback on today’s announcement, the other critical element is collaboration between devolved authorities, councils, transport executives, government agencies and landowners. This strategy provides the framework and impetus for this to take place.”

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4 Benefits of Getting a Home Warranty Plan

Buying or building a home is a significant undertaking. You will have to save and invest a lot of time and money to obtain your dream home. Once you get over the hurdle of acquiring a home, the other challenge is maintaining that home. There will always be damages that you will need to repair now and then. Considering the many appliances and systems that modern homes come with, it would be good to have a home warranty so that you can have some peace of mind. Home repairs can be very costly. Since some damages arise unexpectedly, it is always good to stay prepared to avoid sudden shocks that can set you back thousands of dollars in repairs. You can get coverage for major home systems and then deal with minor repairs that do not cost a lot. Here are a few benefits of getting such a warranty. 1.    Save on Costs of Unexpected Repairs A home warranty covers repairs that occur to your appliances due to wear and tear. When using some appliances such as air conditioning, heating, electrical appliances, kitchen appliances and others, we never think about them getting damaged. Over time, these appliances will need servicing due to wear and tear. You might also need to replace some entirely. The appliances and systems never give any warnings that they need to get serviced or replaced. Most of them stop working. If a major appliance like a refrigerator or a cooling system suddenly stops working, you will be forced to dig deep in your pocket to repair it or get a replacement. A home warranty plan saves you such hustles by helping you cover a significant part of the bill, if not the entire cost. If you compare the premiums you pay annually vis-a-vis the amount you would save in case of a significant repair, you will see that it is worth investing in such a warranty.   2.    Get Connected to a Network of Professionals Whether you take a home warranty or not, you will need to get the services of home appliances professionals when you need to repair your systems. Many companies and individuals offer these services, but very few have the needed skills and experience to do a good job. Hunting for a trusted local operator can cost you time and money before you finally find one that will deal with your issues effectively. You may end up spending a lot more trying out several service providers. When you get a home warranty, you forget about such hustles since your warranty provider already has a connection with trusted and tried professionals. You need not make any inquiries or spend time looking for a reliable service provider. All you need to do is inform your warranty provider of the needed repairs, and they will have everything sorted out. You do not need to look for professionals from multiple websites since the warranty provider will simply send you one. 3.    Makes it Easy to Sell Your Home If you need to move to another place and sell your existing home, a home warranty may come in handy. Having a home warranty reassures new buyers that you have taken care of your appliances. Most warranties have a clause that warns of misuse of appliances to avoid malicious damages. When buyers see that your home has a warranty, they know that your systems must be in order since you, as the homeowner, have to comply with that clause if you make a claim later. The warranty can also suit a home buyer who has just depleted their funds and wishes to avoid any extra unforeseen expenses soon. 4.    Saves you Time Considering that time is money, a home warranty can save you valuable time. Home appliances seem to break down at the most unexpected times. In most cases, the breakdown is when you least expect them and the least prepared. You may not have money at the time to call for an emergency service provider or even have the time to look for one that is reliable. A home warranty will come in handy in such dire circumstances. Home warranty providers always have reliable service providers on their dials since this is their daily activity. They always know the best service providers and will find you one as soon as you contact them with an emergency. They save you the time you would have spent looking for a good service provider and save you the agony of having a failed appliance when you do not have money.

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How to Protect Your Garden From Unwanted Wildlife

Gardening can have a hoard of unexpected benefits, both for your physical and your mental welfare. And then of course, there’s the most obvious upside to gardening – getting a lot of great, healthy produce. But gardening also comes with its own set of drawbacks and worries, one of which is the appearance of unwanted wildlife on your property. Naturally, these critters are attracted to your garden as an obvious and free source of food, but that’s not great news for you. So what might you do to deter these critters from approaching? 1.  Fence up! Honestly, this shouldn’t even be on the list as it’s so obvious. Ideally, you should put up a fence around your garden from day one, so as to protect it against unwanted wildlife, but in case you fail to do that, the sooner, the better, honestly. What type of fence will depend on which type of wildlife worries you most. A basic fence that’s a few feet tall will keep bunnies at bay, but you may also want to cover it in chicken wire mesh or some other similar material that’s difficult to chew through, to keep rodents away. Make sure you run the fence a few feet into the ground, as well, to keep at bay diggers. 2.  Call a professional. If you’re unsure how you can protect your garden, you may want to bring in a qualified professional like Norcal Wildlife Removal.They’ll know what to look for, and how to best protect your property from the most worrisome pests. Speaking of which, you’ll want to identify the animal that’s most likely to bother you, based on region. Based on that, you’ll want to do your research. For instance, you can visitopossumpestcontrol.com to learn more about opossum control. 3.  Opt for less appetizing plants. Sure, you might have your heart set on a particular plant, but let’s face it, if that plant is particularly appealing to wild intruders, this might just not be practical. So a good idea would be to opt for less tasty plants, instead, so as to decrease the risk of attracting unwanted attention. Of course, some animals will be harder to deter than others. For instance, raccoons are particularly well-known for their broad palate, so keeping them at bay may be trickier, even if you do opt for the less tasty plants. In that case, you may want to look into subjects like raccoon trapping, to ensure the safety of your garden. 4.  Protect weaker and newer plants. Trunk wraps and other types of protectors are available for protecting new plants that are fresh from the store. Think about it, just like you’re more attracted to freshly bought food than to an apple that’s been sitting on the counter for a week, so will wildlife be attracted to your new plants. So take special care to protect these new, and particularly vulnerable plants, in the nursery stage, or else be prepared for a full-out invasion. 5.  Trim your grass. This works well for deterring unwanted wildlife from your property in general, but may also help your growing garden. If you have a naturally trimmed and tidy yard, this will pose a problem for a wild animal. It’s less safe for them to go into open fields, or neat lawns, because this means they have a higher chance of being exposed, and thus harmed. By keeping a tidy backyard, you’re less likely to attract unwanted wildlife to your garden, than if your backyard was messy and unkempt. These may seem like small details, but put together, they can really make a difference.

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Real Estate Agent vs Estate Agents, What’s the Difference?

Whether you’re buying or selling your home, it’s important to know the role of a real estate agent and an estate agent, what each can do for you, and the differences. What does a real estate agent do? Real estate includes commercial or residential property and the land which comes with it. So, the responsibility of a real estate agent in the US is to sell or lease that on behalf of the owner. Their role involves a lot of marketing because they are usually self-employed and work on a commission basis. This means it’s in their best interest to sell the property at the best price. The best real estate agents to work with are those who are fully licensed, such as those from Compass Real Estate. With fewer people having the money to buy property, you might wonder, is Compass real estate in trouble? While there might be more challenges ahead in selling and therefore making a commission, Compass is still finding ways to entice buyers who would like to become homeowners. One example of this is having listings that aren’t available on public websites, so potential buyers can find properties they wouldn’t have known about otherwise. What Does an estate agent do? An estate agent is a more typical term used in the UK. Although the job titles aren’t the only difference. An estate agent is employed to deal with the process of buying or selling a property but is rarely self-employed. Instead, they can be paid a basic wage and commission. Some might worry this makes them less motivated to sell a property, but the estate agent’s job security will still be tied to their performance, and of course, they will want the chance to earn more money. Some overlapping responsibilities You’ll notice there are some overlapping responsibilities. Estate agents and real estate agents both deal with buying and selling homes and can take you through the process. Many of the duties and expectations for both estate agents and real estate agents are very similar. Some differences There are some differences though, mostly related to how each one is licensed. Estate agents don’t have to be licensed, although it helps them stand out to potential home sellers or buyers. However, real estate agents are required to be licensed. However,  real estate agents are required to have a valid real estate license. As this involves at least 70 hours of training to get started, and constant training throughout their career to keep their license up to date, you can be certain they are qualified and aware of any recent changes in the industry. They are appointed by the person looking for a property, often after seeing a home listed in the regional database. With estate agents, a minimum of one agent has to have a license, for the company to claim to be a licensed estate agent. Many people selling their property or hoping to buy a home, particularly for the first time, might be apprehensive. So, choosing a qualified and licensed professional can help you put your mind at ease. So, even if there are bumps in the road, they can guide you through them.

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What Is Modular Carpet And Is It Any Good?

Modular carpets, typically called carpet tiles, are an interesting flooring option. Carpet tiles have become more popular in recent years, and there are a few reasons why. In this blog post, we will discuss what carpet tiles are and whether or not they are a good choice for your home or business. We will also explore the pros and cons of this type of flooring and help you decide if it is right for you! What are carpet tiles? Carpet tiles are squares of carpet. The size of carpet tiles can vary, but they are typically around 18 inches by 18 inches. Carpet tiles are made from a variety of materials, including wool, nylon, and polyester. They come in a wide range of colors and styles. What is the difference between carpet tiles and regular carpet? The main difference between carpet tiles and regular carpet is that carpet tiles can be installed in a variety of ways. You can use them to cover an entire floor, or you can use them to create custom designs. Regular carpet must be installed in one continuous piece, so it is not as versatile as carpet tiles. How are carpet tiles installed? Carpet tiles can be installed in several different ways. The most common way to install them is to use adhesive to attach them to the floor. You can also use a tackless strip to hold them in place. Carpet tiles can also be installed as a floating floor, which means they are not attached to the floor and can be lifted up if needed. What are the pros and cons of carpet tiles? There are several pros and cons to consider when deciding whether or not carpet tiles are right for you. Pros: Versatility –  Various styles/colors of carpet tiles can be used to create unique floors. Durability – Carpet tiles are made for heavy wear and tear. Easy Maintenance – Carpet tiles are easy to clean and can be vacuumed or swept. Price – Carpet tiles are typically less expensive than regular carpet. Cons: Installation – Carpet tiles can be installed in a variety of ways, but the installation process can be tricky and it is important to follow the instructions Color selection – Though carpet tiles come in a wide range of colors, there may not be enough options to match your decor. Lack of sound absorption – Carpet tiles do not absorb sound as well as regular carpet, so they may not be ideal for a home with children or pets. Not as soft as regular carpet – Carpet tiles are not as soft as regular carpet, so they may not be ideal for areas where you want to walk barefoot. How long do carpet tiles last? Carpet tiles typically last for 20 to 30 years. This is much longer than regular carpet, which typically lasts for about five to seven years. How much do carpet tiles cost? Carpet tiles typically cost less than regular carpet. The price can vary depending on the type of material and the size of the tiles, but you can expect to pay around $0.50 to $0.75 per square foot for carpet tiles.

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10 Tips To Preserve Works Of Art And Antiques In Perfect Condition

Works of art and antiques are really delicate elements that must be taken care of in a very specific way to keep them in good condition. These pieces of great value are very delicate and require a series of special care to be taken into account, especially when organizing exhibitions in art galleries. Whether they are paintings, sculptures or relics, they must be protected from dirt and the passage of time so that they do not lose their value. Art is also an investment of great value for many that require large amounts of capital on many occasions. How To Preserve Your Works Of Art And Antiques Based on expert advice, here are a few tips to safeguard those wonderful collectibles that would make anyone proud: 1. Avoid Direct Sunlight Direct exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays has a great impact on almost anything, especially antiques and collectibles. This is why you should avoid locating a piece of art outside or in any place where it receives direct sunlight. Similarly, these delicate pieces should not be placed near any type of heat source. If it is a painting, exposure to high temperatures can damage the frame, weaken the colors and lead to condensation on the back. 2. Beware Of Humidity The level of water in the air can affect the condition of your artwork or antique. That is why it is essential to control the humidity of valuable parts by means of a humidity meter. Convelio UK experts recommend maintaining a temperature between 65 and 75 °F (18 and 24 °C) and a relative humidity between 55% and 65%. You should also be careful when moving works of art from one place to another, as sudden changes in temperature can cause damage. 3. Choose A Safe Location If you decide to fix the artistic element or antique to the wall, you must choose solid and quality anchors to hang the frames. Remember to position it at a high height to prevent it from being within the reach of potential accidents. 4. Frame It In Acrylic, Not Glass An effective protection measure is that the work is framed within an acrylic with UV filter. Some people choose glass to care for their valuable pieces, but this will not prevent discoloration or yellowing caused by contact with sunlight. 5. Do Not Use Cleaning Products Works of art and antiques are usually delicate, so soap or other products that can damage them should not be used when cleaning. Simply remove the dust with a feather duster or fine bristle brush. To clean the glass or acrylic that protects your piece, use a microfiber towel or soft, non-abrasive cloth. You could also buy a glass cleaner without ammonia. 6. Install Water Detectors To prevent your works from being damaged by a flood, we advise you to install water sensors next to any water source on the site. If a leak occurs, you will immediately receive an alert on your smartphone. 7. Protect Your Hands You should avoid handling paintings and even very old frames without wearing cotton gloves. This is to prevent the grease from your fingers from wearing away the colors and even the composition of the canvas. 8. Keep a Separation Between Each Work If you have multiple works of art in storage, be it paintings or antiques, it is important to place a two or three layer cloth between each piece to prevent bumps, dents and tears. 9. Do Not Leave Paints In Tubes If you’re not ready to hang your art yet, don’t leave your rolled paintings in the protective cardboard tubes for too long. Acrylic or oil paint stored in tubes is at risk of staining, cracking, or dullness if stored for months. 10. Pay Attention To Transportation Certain precautionary measures must be taken when transporting works of art and antiques. You should know that many of the accidents and damage to these pieces occur when they are moved to the collector’s home, the auction house and the galleries. For greater security, you could hire a company specialized in the transport of valuable pieces. These companies have the appropriate protection materials to move the works from one site to another without causing any damage.

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9 million UK adults plan to buy a property in 2022

New research among more than 2,000 UK adults has revealed how many people are planning to buy a new home or property investment in 2022: 18% of UK adults intend to buy a property this year – rising to 34% among 18–34-year-olds 14% of renters plan to buy their first home in 2022 14% of existing homeowners plan to move property, while 6% plan to purchase an additional investment property  63% expect house prices to rise in 2022, compared to 8% who predict they will decline  One in five UK adults plan to buy a property in 2022, new research from Market Financial Solutions(MFS) has revealed. The bridging lender commissioned an independent survey among more than 2,000 UK adults. It found that 18% intend to purchase property this year, including 34% of those aged 18-34. Among renters, 14% plan to buy their first home. Among existing homeowners, 14% plan to sell up and move home in 2022, while 6% hope to purchase an additional investment property. Of those planning to buy a property this year, 43% say they will look in a different area to where they currently live because the rise of remote working means they do not need to be in the same location. Half (50%) want a property that has more space as the pandemic means they spend more time at home. Two thirds (66%) of prospective homebuyers are worried about inflation and rising house prices, which they say will hinder their chances to buy in 2022. Further, 38% said that the complexities and long waiting times involved in getting a mortgage are a major challenge when looking to buy a property.  MFS’ research also revealed how UK adults expect house prices to perform over the coming 12 months. The vast majority (63%) believe they will rise, with 29% predicting they will stay roughly the same and 8% thinking they will fall. More generally, the study showed that 40% of UK adults say the pandemic has changed what matters to them in a home – this is particularly true among those aged 18-34 (53%).  Paresh Raja, CEO of MFS, said: “After a frenetic year for the property market in 2021, in which house prices rose sharply, there is a great deal of speculation as to how 2022 will unfold. Our new research shows we should not expect any sudden slowdown; the fact that 18% of UK adults – over 9 million people – intend to buy a property in the coming 12 months shows that demand remains sky high. “Yet our research also underlines the challenges that stand in front of prospective buyers. The so-called ‘race for space’ means that competition for certain properties – such as houses with gardens and spare rooms for home offices – will be fierce. Meanwhile, rising inflation, the potential for further interest rates hikes, and delays in securing mortgages, could also act as stumbling blocks for those looking to buy property. “Forward planning will be crucial for anyone looking to buy a new home or invest in property. Having their finances in order and, if required, a lender in place will ensure they can act with speed and confidence, which will improve their chances of being successful in a competitive market.”  

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Get Started in Interior Design: What to Know If You Want to Start Your Own Business

You have finished a specific course and have an undergraduate degree in interior design, you have also gained some work experience in an office – but now what?  Some people are so passionate about their field that they soon want to start a business of their own. Indeed, it isn’t advisable to jump into launching a business when you have little to no work experience, no matter the field or industry of your focus. It is of the utmost importance – and highly recommended – to have extensive experience and build a solid network of connections before starting a business. This increases the chances of success in your future business.  Suppose you are an interior designer, passionate about this career. In that case, it is understandable you want to create something yours where you can steer the ship in whichever direction you want, focusing on your strengths and using this potential to the fullest in your company.  But where do you start? What should you consider before opening an interior design company? These are pertinent questions to ask yourself, even if you have vast experience. Starting a business is another challenge altogether, and it isn’t uncommon to feel a bit intimidated and anxious about this. However, excitement, motivation and drive are also there. So, use them to start planning.  The following article may be able to help you get organised with valuable tips on how and where to begin organising your interior design business. Determine The Business Focus and Type of Services You may be passionate about interior design, but there are certain areas of this field where you perform better or attract you more. This is your chance to choose the type of services you want to offer and determine what the focus of your business will be. Luckily, there are a multitude of options to choose from, and you can even decide to focus on particular types of rooms, such as kitchen and living rooms.  Now that you have the chance of doing what you truly want to – while considering current trends and consumer and industry demands – you need to make sure you do it well. Some of the services you can choose from include:  As you can see, these are some of the most relevant services an interior design business can offer nowadays. Chances are, you know where your strengths lie. So, this is a decision you need to make by yourself. Plus, it is crucial you do this before you get the ball rolling planning the business.  Develop A Style and Create a Brand Identity As is the case with any business, no matter its focus or size, developing a style and accurately conveying it through everything you do – from the type of services to logo and all the aesthetics visible online and offline – is vital. Therefore, you should take the time to carefully develop your own style and apply it in your business endeavours.  Based on this, your interior design brand identity will begin to take form. Whether you want to focus on room-specific interior design or home staging, you will need to have a clear vision of how you want to portray your business. It is crucial that your future clients understand perfectly what you do and see this clearly through consistent and cohesive online and offline content. Understand Your Business Finances Well Even before you have an up and running business, it is of the utmost importance to understand the finance part of it really well. Only this way can you plan a budget, develop a business plan and understand your future expenses so that you can invest in equipment and human capital properly. This part of your business preparation process can include researching digital tools that will be able to help you once your company is launched. Doing this ahead of time can help you see what investments are worthwhile and which aren’t. For example, digital tools like QuickBooks, an accounting software that can streamline your accounting department’s tasks and operations, is an example of a good investment.  Create A Well-Structured Business Plan Having a well-structured business plan is an imperative and indispensable part of starting a business. Without one, it is highly unlikely you will receive funding from investors or get a bank loan to get you started. And even if you don’t need financing, it is still crucial you develop a business plan for your interior design soon-to-be company.  This document serves as a portfolio and attack plan consisting of every detail of the business, from your budget, brand identity and business focus, marketing strategies, how you want to invest in the company, to the business goal and objectives on how to get there. This way, you will be able to attract business partners and form valuable collaborations once the company is launched.  Once the business is up and running, you can use the research you have conducted for the business plan and start applying it. And when it comes to business finances, using business accounting software from the beginning is recommended to see the company’s performance from day one.  Register Your Business Name It may seem unnecessary to mention this as it is evident that your business needs a registered name. However, this is essential, and you should allocate enough time for this part, given that this is how your customers will recognise you. A company’s logo and name should be uncomplicated, easy to pronounce and remember and not used by another business.  Choosing your business name can be challenging, mainly because selecting something catchy for an interior design firm is recommended. Once this is established, you must register it as soon as possible. With the name chosen, you can start the process of developing the brand image, from creating the logo to choosing the right aesthetic. Every element should be in harmony, as consistency is vital.  Promote Your Business from Beginning Once you have all the details of your brand established, you can

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