Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #185376 in Books
• Published on: 2008-04-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 166 pages

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 the Author
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.

Customer Reviews

Just what we needed
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.

B&B Review
This is basic beginners guide to running a small B&B. It does focus a lot on keeping at 6 guests and below to avoid problems such as VAT and fire regs this is done in a helpful and simple way in a commonsence no nonsence approach. I think if I knew nothing about the trade I would do a bit more reading than just this book before starting out in business but I think that this is a good place to start. The book is written as if you know nothing about the trade and starts from scratch so if you are thinking of going into the B&B business from knowing nothing this would be a good start. I would also like to point out to anyone thinking of going into the B&B trade if you think you will be liable for business rates you can have the Valuation office do you a quote of how much it would be before you comit to anything this is a free service.

Spot on B&B practical guide
This book really was a great find. Full of practical advice about setting up a B&B covering all the things I needed to know and right up to date too! It's real strength is in it's presentation which is so simple and clear to read. The author is a genius.

I would not hesitate to recommend this book to anyone thinking about setting up a B&B or to anyone already running a B&B.