Start and Run a Bed & Breakfast: 2nd edition (How to Books: Small Business Start-Ups)

Whether you are thinking about running a B&B or have already made the decision and are ready to start planning your business, this book will tell you all you need to know. If you are already established with a B & B, it will help you provide quality accommodation and maximize your earnings and occupancy rates. Their book will help you in: - Planning and preparing your business, including defining your market, budgeting, pricing, regulation and compliance, accounting and taxation. - Deciding what to offer - in guest bedrooms and for meals and drinks. - Dealing with practicalities, such as managing reservations and keeping records, taking payments, maintaining safety and security. - Marketing your B&B - setting your strategy, networking and making local contacts, advertising and PR, creating your own website. - Expanding your business and ultimately selling it. Also included is direction to a dedicated website to support you as you build your successful B&B business. This second edition has been completely and thoroughly revised and updated to include, amongst other new material, important changes in the area of regulation.

Contents: Introduction to the First Edition; Introduction to the Second Edition; Part One: Planning and Preparing; 1. 'The individual is beautiful' 2. Before you start; 3. Determining your market; 4. Budgeting; 5. Measuring success; 6. Pricing; 7. Classifying your B&B for business purposes; 8. Applying for licences; 9. Complying with fire regulations; 10. Obeying food safety requirements; 11. Further legislation; 12. Managing your finances; Part Two: Running your B&B; 13. Organising guest bedrooms and catering; 14. Making bookings; 15. Managing arrivals and departures; 16. Dealing with difficult customers and complaints; 17. Marketing your B&B; 18. Online marketing; Part Three: What Next? 19. Expanding your business; 20. Selling your business; Websites; Index.