While some businesses are universal in their nature, others have a seasonal bent that places restrictions on potential profits. Such businesses usually benefit from relatively low startup costs, however, while they can help entrepreneurs to optimize their profits during different periods of the year.
With summer approaching, it is also important to note that seasonal ventures can offer an enjoyable, profitable career change. Take setting up in garden maintenance, for example, which is a simple and high-profit business idea that can deliver huge rewards. There is no minimum standard required to work in garden maintenance. However, you need to be competent.
Provided that you do it correctly and maintain a good balance, garden and driveway maintenance can be an extremely lucrative business. The question is, how can you get started and what do you need to ensure its success?
Setting yourself up
If you want to be taken seriously and generate a good level of clients, you’re going to need a relevant qualification. While there isn’t currently a minimum qualification requirement, it does help significantly if you have trained in specific garden maintenance areas.
As well as professional qualifications, you’re also going to need to be physically fit. The main reason people hire gardeners is because they aren’t fit enough to do it themselves. So, being competent at physical labour is an absolute must.
You may also want to look into getting an accountant. As you’ll be working for yourself, you’re going to need to register as self-employed with the HMRC. Keeping up with tax records and managing your books can be confusing; particularly if finances aren’t your strong point. So, an accountant could prove invaluable.
If you don’t have any previous gardening experience, it would be worth looking into working for someone else just until you can get enough experience to branch out on your own. Otherwise, you could always do garden maintenance work for friends and family to build up your portfolio.
Finding good suppliers
One of the most important things you’re going to need when setting up your business, is a good relationship with suppliers. Make sure you choose a respected, well-known supplier such as Travis Perkins, which is renowned for its range of high-quality, affordable gardening business supplies.
The main tools you’re going to need will depend upon the type of maintenance you’re planning on providing. If you’ll be specialising in driveway maintenance, for example, you’ll need connections to a supplier who can provide a good range of different materials, at affordable bulk prices.
Overall, setting up a gardening business is hard work and you will require some tools and equipment before you get going. It’s a good idea to carry out as much research as possible; particularly relating to tax, insurance and other legal requirements. The above advice is a great starting point, and if you take the time to plan ahead, your new garden and driveway maintenance business is more likely to succeed.
