Re: FN-FORUM: Contracts and business plans

date posted 20th May 2007 14:13

James Herrington wrote:
> Hi,
>
> After my recent post for mentoring, i've had numerous offers of work etc.
> and i now feel like i am getting somewhere so i thought it would be a good
> idea to setup some of the administrative side of things.
>
> I have several questions...
>
> 1. What is the best way to approach this, as a freelancer or as a company.

start as a soletrader (James Herrington t/a company name)

Later you can buy a ltd company and change it's name to (company name)

avoids confusing the issue over ownership and responsibility.

> My dad already has his own company (first4quality - hes a quality
> consultant) and has said that it would be possible to work under this
> company name (maybe something like first4quality webdesign??)
> What would be the advantages and disadvantages to each approach?

your rep might affect his and vice versa, would you be working for him
or as a director of his company?

>
> 2. Where can i download a simple contract? How do i need to protect myself?

lots of samples out there, but better than that, before you do any work
a simple letter to your client that states your terms and conditions and
the project deliverables will be just as effective.

e.g. I will deliver (list) you will pay(x pounds) by (date)

on any project over a week long always get a deposit, and in some
instances get deposits for smaller projects too.

on any longer projects agree staged payments before starting

>
> 3. Is there any good cheap software for windows like Billings2.5 on Mac for
> creating invoices etc? Also how would i deal with VAT as either a freelancer
> or as a company?

Don't get into VAT before you need to as there are no advantages for
service companies and you will be increasing your price to non VAT reg
companies and adding a heap of financial overhead to your day.

>
> I'm sure there are many things i have missed off here that i need to
> consider so if you have any other information that you think is relevant
> please feel free to include that...

start small.

read the business link site, read the HRMC site, ask questions again and
again.

hth