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Calculated Risks: Things to Consider When Running a Startup

Those without the experience of running a business are likely to believe that the hardest part is building it from the ground up. Afterwards, it is all about trying to maintain a steady pace to break even and finally make a profit. However, while starting a business can be rough, the most challenging part of business management tends to be the responsibility of keeping a startup business afloat during the first year.

Not only do you have to worry about unexpected developments, but there are plenty of beginner’s pitfalls that could lure in unsuspecting startup owners. You have to deal with relevance, while simultaneously steering your company in the right direction. Here are just a few things to consider when running a startup to deal with unnecessary risks.

Dealing with a startup in a factory setting

Without a doubt, one of the more challenging industries to deal with is the ones that require the use of a factory setting. It can be a bit jarring – and is not recommended for inexperienced business owners. That said, here are a few quick tips:

  • Labelling matters. When it comes to dealing with heavy machinery, few things are more important than labelling. It is what keeps your workers safe, and quality labels will give your factory workers a quick review before utilising the equipment.

  • Quality over quantity. Heavy machinery is never something to be taken lightly. Even if you might not have the necessary budget, make use of quality over quantity. Whether through the use of a hydraulic power pack, a hydraulic press or anything in between, – quality matters.

  • Keep the workers educated. While it is crucial to teach every worker about their responsibility, it is also vital to teach them about the responsibilities of their peers. The more you can educate your staff, the lower the risk.

Dealing with a startup in a restaurant setting

Aside from the factory setting, startup restaurants can be quite tricky. Here are just a few tips:

  • Make use of quality business software. While many companies can keep going in their first year without business software, the same cannot be said for restaurants. A quality POS system is mandatory to ensure that things go smoothly.

  • Consider specific health issues. There are few things more stressful than a health allergy. Imagine the loyalty of a customer who knows that your establishment makes use of alternative ingredients to cater to their allergy. It can often make or break a restaurant!

  • Take good care of your workers. Last but certainly not least, ensure that your staff is acknowledged and compensated for their hard work. If you take care of your workers, they will undoubtedly take care of your company.

When it comes to running a startup in an office setting, you will find that many of the tips above will matter. From taking care of your employees, figuring out your brand or making use of business software, it is not just something that matters in the factory or the restaurant. The tips above will help you run your startup to the best of your ability!

Planning Your Motorhome Holiday: Your First Steps

Are you looking forward to taking your first trip in a motorhome or campervan? If you have never travelled in a campervan before, the initial steps to plan and take your holiday may seem a little daunting. But don’t panic – driving a campervan is no different to driving a large car and the steps you need to take to arrange a trouble free trip are simple and fun.

Here are some things to consider before you set out in your van for the first time.

1. Pick Your Destination

You have a wealth of choice in where to go in your campervan. Your first major decision is based on your preferences and personality, and how far you want to travel. Many people want to stay within the UK for their first trip in a campervan or motorhome. Look at the possibilities in Scotland, for example, when you want to see a completely different part of the country while remaining close to home. Camper van hire Scotland companies hire vans and motorhomes from convenient bases in Scotland if you don’t yet own your own. Hiring is a way of ‘try before you buy’ providing the ideal means of exploring the varied and exciting landscape, towns and cities of this magnificently diverse country.

2. Pick Your Route

Once you have decided which region or country you want to explore you can begin planning your route and itinerary. There are different ways to do this, again depending on your preferences and personality. You could take each day as it comes, deciding there and then where to go and what to see. Or you could plan a meticulous route in advance, mapping out each stage of the journey in detail. Whatever you choose, build in a little space for flexibility. One of the best things about a campervan holiday is the freedom you have to pick when and where you visit. It is a good idea to book campsites in popular areas in advance, particularly during the summer months, as many places book up quickly.

3. Do Your Packing

As well as your personal items, pack some food for the first night so you don’t have to worry about finding a shop. Also, pack a few items of warm clothing and if possible take a dressing gown with you on your travels. The nights can be chilly even in summer, and like being at home, it isn’t always practicable to pack a lot of bed linen, blankets or quilts.

Remember your essentials like a torch, your wet weather gear, all the things you need for pets if you have any, and your mobile phone (although bear in mind that many remote areas in the country have very poor or even non-existent phone signal).

4. Practice Your Driving

While driving a campervan is easy to master, there are some basics to consider when you first get behind the wheel. Remember to give yourself more time and more space to manoeuvre when you are driving. Try to brake and accelerate slower than you would normally in a smaller car. Take corners wide and take care in high winds with a high-sided van.

5 Ways to Cool Down in Your Campervan

Summer may not always be sunny in the UK, but there will certainly be days or even weeks when you feel the heat. Travelling in a campervan or motorhome can get a little warm if you haven’t thought about how to keep cool. Make the most of a glorious summer holiday in your van by following our top tips.

1. Invest in Air Conditioning

Luxury campervans for sale Scotland usually come with solid air conditioning systems installed in the van. A high quality air con installation is the best way to make sure you won’t suffer from the heat too much when you are driving in your vehicle. Make sure your van is well-equipped for the summer. It will make long journeys so much more comfortable.

2. Think About Direction

You don’t want to have your engine or battery running all the time you’re parked up, so it’s also essential to find ways to keep cool in your van without power. A simple way to maximise the freshness you feel during the day and night is to park your motorhome facing the right direction. Face the van so that the midday sun shines on the side with the least windows. Park your van so that it takes advantage of shade from trees at the hottest time of the day. You could also move your van so it faces the other direction to keep shaded inside at different times.

3. Improve Your Ventilation

You don’t want your van to be warmer inside than out. One mistake people make is to open all the windows and the curtains and keep them open all day. A better method is to close the windows and curtains when the sun is shining on them and keep the opposite windows open, which are in the shade. Open the roof vents. When the sun goes down, open all the windows, and also open the cupboards to release the trapped heat that built up during the day.

4. Cook Outdoors

Cooking inside heats up your van, which is great for the winter but not ideal in the summer. Barbeque as much as possible; use an open fire, if you are allowed, to boil water. Or use a camp stove outside rather than your van’s internal kitchen. Or, you could decide to only cook in the van later in the evening when the temperature outside has dropped.

5. Look After Your Fridge

Make sure your fridge is not generating more heat than it needs to. Get it serviced regularly to check the fans are working effectively. Ensure the vents are not blocked by dirt or debris. If they are, clean them to let the air circulate.

And don’t forget to take things easy and slow! You have plenty of freedom to relax when you own your motorhome. Enjoy your time in the heat in your campervan by exploring at your leisure and resting as much as possible during the hottest times of the day.