Getting Started

So you have found your dream property, that's half the battle, then you need to decide how you are going to market yourselves.  There are lots of different ways you can do this, which method you choose, rather depends upon your circumstances.  My background is in travel and tourism and after a career in this industry for the last 25 years I felt that I would at least give it a go myself, and if I couldn't manage it or achieve the level of bookings I needed to start making a profit, then I would look for help.  For some cottage owners they may have another career in a completely different industry and instruct an agency to take care of their marketing, property management and weekly changeover and cleaning duties.  Should you decide to go down this route, expect to pay anything from 18% commission for simply taking a booking to a much larger fee, say 50% of your weekly rate should that agency solely manage everything for you.  The type of property you have purchased and it's location will goven how and to whom you market it to.  You may need to think about how to attract walkers, cyclists, dog owners, families, couples and groups - there's a lot to go at there!  Once you have decided who your target market is, then it's time to think about star ratings if that's the route you wish to take and how you are going to furnish your property.  There is a set criteria for achieving 'stars', the more facilities you offer the more brownie points you will gain and the higher your star rating will be.  Another important factor to think about is do you want to offer a 'green and sustainable tourism business'?  This is a growing trend and something that your visitors will wish to see in your business over the years to come.  Next time we will discuss the logistics of running a self catering business, until then...

Location, Location, Location!

Yep!  That classic line that is used widely within the property industry!  It's so true though.  You have got to find the right spot, otherwise, what's the point!  Think about places that already appeal to you, that's a great starting point.  Think about why somebody would like to visit that area?  What is there to see and do nearby?  Who are your target audience?  Your demographic?  How will guests travel to your holiday property?  Who will manage it?  Lots and lots of questions to ask yourselves.  If you don't live nearby your property, make sure you have a very reliable manager nearby who can assist in an emergency, because believe me, they do happen!  Do think about how guests will reach you in Winter, what might be a superb location in July, might not be quite the same in December.  Another thing to think about is the future, I know, you are just starting to think about setting up, but do think about what you might do with the property in say, ten years time - sell it as a business or could it be sold as a home?  It's better to have a degree of flexibility in there to play with. If you have found your perfect area but there isn't anything on the open market currently, why not drop a note into any properties you like the look of?  You never know, it could be the one!

Funding & Finances!

So you have the idea, the dream, the passion and the drive to start up and run a fanastic self catering business, how on earth do you fund it and where do you start?  Well I guess it depends on your circumstances - are you looking at starting completely from scratch or are  you buying an existing business?  Both have their advantages.  We decided to start from scratch, purely because of my experience and knowledge of the industry and the fact that we wanted to concentrate on a niche market.  We started to look at funding our project in 2006 when the mortgage market was quite somewhat different to how it is today sadly.  What I will say is get a good deposit behind you, find an excellent mortgage broker, fix the rate for the longest time possible and go for it!  Yes it's scarey, yes it's exciting and yes we love what we do!  I'll touch on finding the right property and location next time, until then,
Sarah

The Idea

So this little jolly down in Wales had got me thinking.  There are millions of people in the UK who don't like to travel overseas for whatever reason; don't like the food, the weather, getting there and our green and pleasant land of good old blighty has a lot to offer you know.  I think you have to leave it for a while and then return to understand that last comment.  When I was eighteen I couldn't wait to leave the small market town in North Yorkshire I was brought up in, now, that's the rural life I crave for!  I think in life you do come 'full circle' and I have certainly seemed to have done that.  I used to look after hundrededs of UK tourists visiting Europe and the Med back in my day as a holiday rep, now I welcome our guests to our own holiday cottages in Nidderdale in the Yorkshire Dales!  Strange old life.  I suppose from 2002 until 2006 I was pretty much occupied with setting up my other two business ventures, mango events (organising events for corporates and individuals) and mango mutt, an on-line e-commerce business selling natural dog accessories, dog treats and food.  Since that first holiday to Wales, we have enjoyed short breaks in Scotland, Northumberland, Norfolk and Cornwall and have loved every new place we have visited.  I suppose my dream sounds all very romantic, it was and still is, but let's get down to basics, where did you find the funds to start it I hear you ask?  Until the next time.

In the beginning....

I've been thinking for a while that I should share my background and experience with you out there.  Many guests have asked me upon their arrival 'how did you get into running a holiday cottage business?'  Well the answer isn't too complicated, it happened rather by accident really.  No fancy business plan, just a simple idea that was born from our beloved rescue dog 'Murphy'.  We had adopted our black lab back in 2002 and were looking for our first doggie holiday with him in the UK.  I found it really hard to find somewhere to stay that was stylish and dog friendly.  We enjoyed our first holiday cottage experience in Pembrokeshire, Wales and have great memories of walking along the beaches, enjoying al freshco lunches and cosy nights in front of the log burner back at our rented cottage.  It took a few years to get to launching Ashknott Cottage, but that wonderful holiday back in September 2002 really did get me thinking.