East Dunbartonshire Economic Partnership (EDEP) has produced A Guide for Home Businesses, containing useful information and links to further guidance for local entrepreneurs and anyone thinking about starting a business from home. The production of this Guide fulfils Action 21 of East Dunbartonshire’s Economic Development Strategy [opens in a new window].
In 2019, East Dunbartonshire had a higher self-employment rate (6.6%) than in wider Scotland (5.9%). Additionally, the social distancing measures introduced to tackle COVID-19 have increased the number of people working from home. The combination of these factors make it more likely that people in East Dunbartonshire may be considering operating a business from their homes.
The purpose of the Guide for Home Businesses is to make it easier for home business owners, or those looking to start a new home-based business, to access the information they may need.
The Guide also offers potential business owners details of regulations that they need to comply with and can help them get in touch with the relevant Council services.
The Guide includes sections on: Planning and Housing regulations; Business Rates and Council Tax; Licensing; Environmental Health; Community Safety; Working Online; Business Waste; Working Space; and Membership Organisations.
There is a list of useful links at the end of the Guide and these are also included where relevant throughout.