Just Six Guests: First-hand, Encouraging Advice on How to Set Up and Run a Small Bed & Breakfast - Softcover

Helen Jackman

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1845282795 ISBN 13: 9781845282790

Publisher: How To Books Ltd, 2008

Synopsis

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.

About this title

Review:

"'We found this book very useful, it gave us simple guidance where we were unsure and even answered questions we had not yet thought about. We had wanted to start a B&B but had always been put-off, as it seemed a bit too daunting and complicated. Now, having worked through this thoughtful book, we feel ready to take the first steps.' A reader"

From the Author:

B&B is generally regarded as a low risk activity that anyone with commonsense can undertake. Nevertheless, it can still be a daunting prospect inviting members of the public to effectively share your home and success is also dependent on achieving certain quality assured standards

I was prompted to write this book when, on approaching retirement, we toyed with the idea of using two of our bedrooms to accommodate guests but couldn’t find any general book which drew together all the aspects we needed to consider. Eight years down the line, running what we consider to be a successful B&B, I feel qualified to comment on our experience and include information that we have found helpful.

Just Six Guests is a "hands on" account aimed at the small or hobby operator who will be hosting a maximum of six visitors, thus taking advantage of the "six guests" rule which excludes much of the red tape which applies to larger ventures.

The legal aspects apply to the UK only but the general comments, relating to the premises and handling the public, are universal.

About this edition

• Publisher: How To Books Ltd
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1845282795
• ISBN 13: 9781845282790
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 166