Introduction to the Second Edition
We were delighted with the reception this book got from readers - it showed that
practical advice based on experience was what most people wanted. It has been
reprinted since to meet demand, but enough has changed in the four years or so since
the first edition to justify a completely revised and updated edition – hence the book
you are reading now.
What has changed? Firstly, there have been developments in regulations, notably on
fire precautions and the fragmented and confusing area of copyright licences – these
have been brought up to date in this edition.
Secondly, we contacted over 1,000 readers and asked for their suggestions for additions
and improvements to the book – and have tried our best to fill in the ‘gaps’ accordingly.
This edition consequently has more on payment, online booking and a few other
subjects readers told us they were interested in.
Finally, because David has been immersed in the B&B “industry” over the last few
years, heading up the Bed & Breakfast Association (the award-winning trade
association for B&B and guest house owners throughout the UK; see
www.BandBassociation.org), he has had a unique insight into what starting and
running a B&B in Britain involves, and what the rewards – and pitfalls! – are in this £2
billion+ “cottage industry” of some 30,000 small businesses. What he has learnt since
then about the Government, local authorities and regulators, and their attitude to very
small businesses (and indeed to the tourism industry in general) has, we hope, added
further insight into this new edition.
How to Start & Run a B&B
www.howtorunabandb.com