Holiday lets: help - any business ideas ?!

[poppyseed]

There's a strong chance of DH relocating to the Lake District from the midlands where we are now. I have a plan to buy a place with some outbuildings and convert them into holiday lets and run it as my 'project'. The problem is I have no idea as to where to start business wise - do I have to register as a business/inform inland revenue(of course I do I know that!)/keep book - to what detail etc? As you can probably tell I have no business sense at all! I'm an ex-teacher who wants a change of direction (don't we all?!)when DS goes to school in a couple of years time.
Hoping that perhaps somebody can off load some wise and wonderful assistance or at least give me a starting point?
Thanks

Contact Business Link (website.....not sure of it's address)

They do free tutorials/funding/business plans etc

It's a onestop shop(so to speak)

Lots of luck

why dont you contact a holiday letting place and ask them?

If you have to convert them first you have ages before you have to register. Check out letting companies or tourist board to see what requirements there are and what sort of grading to aim for. Sometimes you can miss a higher grade due to silly things.
Get an idea of weekly rents and average number of weeks per year properties in your area are let. Work out what is the minimum income you need. Also think about your target customers to guide how you kit out properties. If they are big think familes, one bedroom think romantic or mature getaways.
Your Business link should be able to advise you on any grants and help availible and legal requirements but the first stop will probably have to be planning department.
There are a few books on the subject with alsorts of advise from legal right down to buying pillows.
Can you tell I have an interest in this . I have always wanted to do this, B&B is fine but I don't see me frying breakfast at 7am every morning.

Excellent! Many thanks for all your advice - I'll get to it straight away. I've got potentially 6/12 months before we move, but I want to be prepared!

Poppyseed I wish you the best of luck, thats my goal for in a couple of years. Hope you have fun in your new venture and not to much stress.

thanks Skribble