If you are thinking of opening your first shop as a small business then you may be feeling overwhelmed.  There is so much to think about and so much to organise. I know as I used to have my own jewellery shop in a small town. So here are some things to consider when fitting out your first shop.



Counter

A counter is an important area to meet and greet your customers. To get behind your brand you may want to consider a bespoke reception desk that is built to your design requirements. You can then have control over the size, colour and design which will help your branding. Alternatively, if you are on a tight budget there are second-hand counters you can pick up from shop closures.

Cash register and card machine

Although technology is always improving with the likes of Apple Pay and contactless cards, many people still pay in cash so it's important to have a cash register as well as a card machine.  Cash registers can be picked up brand new or second hand on auction sites such as eBay. With a card machine, you have to rent it from a company like WorldPay.

Seating

From counter seating for employees to sofas for your customers, you need to consider seating for your shop and the type of retail environment it is. Do you want your customers to stop and chat? Then a sofa would be a good choice. The longer people hang around and feel comfortable in your store the more chance they have of buying from you. If it's a more fast-paced shopping environment like a grocery store then you may not want or need seating for your customers.

Cabinets



If your items are valuable, such as if you are fitting out a jewellery shop, then cabinets are essential. Choose cabinets with lighting to show the products off in the best possible way. If you stock clothing you may want to display the items on rails or flat on units. Shelving is another option to display your items. Pick the most appropriate display items for your stock.

Fitting rooms

If you have a clothing store then a fitting room is pretty much essential. By trying on the item the customer can see how it looks and is more likely to buy it. If you do not a suitable space then a partition can be used or a curtain for privacy. Don't forget a large mirror, hooks for clothes, a chair for the customer and suitable lighting.

Pricing

You need to consider whether you will use a tag for each item, tied on or with a sticky label or old style pricing cubes in front of the item. This depends on the product you are selling. A point of sale system linked to a database can be used and is good for stock control but can be pricey to buy.

Security

Unfortunately, theft can be common in certain areas. Security is essential whatever type of shop you have. Shop shutters are worth considering to prevent smash and grab robberies and CCTV and shop alarms are virtually essential these days. If you do not have these security measures in place your insurance may not pay out if you have a robbery. 

Lighting

Spotlights, general lights and mood lighting may all be used in a retail environment. It's something that is easy to forget to budget for but it so important to illuminate your products.

Storage

If you have a lot of stock you may need to store the extra somewhere secure. Check if the shop you are renting has a suitable space for this extra storage, or you may need to rent somewhere to store the stock. If your suppliers are quick at delivering you may only need a small area for storage and this can help with cash flow too, so your money isn't tied up in stock for a long time.

Insurances

Don't forget insurances. Business insurance should cover the building, the contents, the stock, public liability and employers liability amongst other things. Check if your landlord is covering the building or any other insurances.

So here are some things to consider when fitting out your first shop.

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It's so important, as we get older to have regular health checks. Have you had a health check yet? You really should be having regular health checks between the ages of 40 and 74 even if you haven’t had a stroke or do not have heart disease, diabetes or kidney disease.

The NHS even tell you about an NHS Health Check that they recommend every 5 years after the age of 40 and what you can expect so there is no need to worry. They do this to try to gain an idea of your chances of getting ill and give advice on how to minimise your chances of getting serious illnesses such as heart disease, stroke or diabetes. There are also private health checks that you can have done, such as those by hearing clinics such as Auris Ear Care. The main advantage of private clinics is that you should be seen sooner for a charge.  If you have the money to pay for a private clinic then this is a way of taking the pressure off the NHS and alleviating any anxiety about waiting for treatment on the NHS.

So what health checks should you be having after the age of 40?

There are a few reasons you might decide to buy property in another country. You might be looking for a vacation home that you can use whenever you visit. Many people have a favourite destination, especially if they have family ties or a cultural or historical connection to a particular country. A vacation or holiday home doesn't have to be for your use only, either. It could also be a property that you rent out while you're not there, whether it's for only days or weeks at a time, or for more long-term tenancies. Buying property abroad can be a great investment, especially as property in some countries is much cheaper than in others.

But if you want to own property in another country, what do you need to know before you make that commitment?

Check the Rules



Firstly, you have to be sure that you're even allowed to buy property in the area that you're interested in. Perhaps this sounds strange, but various countries have rules concerning foreigners purchasing property, especially if they're not residents. Even if there is no country-wide rule, sometimes certain regions might have regulations that will make it difficult for you to buy a property.

There may be rules concerning the value of the property you're allowed to buy or requirements such as carrying out renovations or contributing to the local community in some way. There might be regulations that say how you can use the property too. These rules are usually in place so that foreigners buying property doesn't make it more difficult for local people to do so.

Consider How You Will Use the Property

If you're thinking about buying a property abroad, you probably already have some idea of how you want to use it. Perhaps you make frequent trips to the same place and want a more permanent base. Some people buy property in two places so that they can spend half of the year in each place. Maybe you're thinking of retiring somewhere new, and you want to make sure you have a home and a strong investment before your retirement years arrive. You could be looking to make some extra money by renting out your property, or maybe you're even looking for a property that will help you to set up a business.  Insurances will be different if you are buying a property to rent out too.

Consider Taxes and Paperwork

Another important regulatory aspect of buying property abroad is the taxes that you might have to pay. You need to check what taxes might apply both at home and in the country where you're buying the property. This could mean paying two lots of tax in some cases, but it's essential to make sure that you're prepared to pay anything that you owe. There's also important paperwork to consider. It's often useful to have a lawyer or another legal or property professional to help you out. It will help you to avoid making any costly mistakes.

Getting a Mortgage



Some people might be able to buy a property with cash, but most will need to have a mortgage to buy one. You will need to think about your chances of getting a mortgage for a foreign property before you decide whether making a purchase is the right choice for you. If you need a mortgage for a property abroad, you might look for one at home, or you might find an international lender. Arranging for your mortgage in the country where you purchase your property is common, but you need to consider whether you will be making mortgage payments in a foreign currency.

Finding the Perfect Property

Of course, at the same time as you begin to seek out the most appropriate Specialist Mortgage and broker for your venture, you will also need to find the property you want to purchase. Knowing where to look and how to find the best property for your needs can depend on which country you choose. In many countries, searching online is now the norm when you're buying or renting. When you're searching online, you might even use specific websites or search filters to find what you're looking for. If you want an executive condo, you can find an EC in Singapore by easily filtering an online search. However, there are times when it's best to speak to a real estate agent or equivalent professionals. Help from someone who knows the local market can be invaluable.

Today we have a guest post from Yaya. Yaya runs My Dreamality - a lifestyle blog that encourages you to start living your best life now! From sharing travel tips to advice on simple living you can find a variety of articles to simplify your life and live joyfully.

We love Orlando Florida for a holiday destination, the weather is almost always warm, and there is so much to do in Florida, the 'Sunshine State', that we have visited numerous times as a family in the last few years. 

From the theme parks of Disneyworld Florida and Universal Studios to the water parks of Typhoon Lagoon and Volcano Bay, and the shopping at Millenia Mall and the numerous bargain outlets, Orlando is a destination that appeals to both families and couples that are young and young at heart.

If you want to explore further afield then Florida itself has much to offer, such as the beauty of the Everglades, stunning beaches at Daytona Beach or Clearwater Beach and for a beautiful city with Spanish architecture St Augustine, the oldest city in the US is worth a visit. 

Sometimes though you want a change of scene and want to combine Orlando with a twin centre break further afield,  so here are my 5 USA multi centre holidays you can twin with an Orlando break. Let me know if you have been to any!

New York

New York, New York, so good they named it twice, is an amazing city that never sleeps. If you like your city breaks then there is nowhere better than New York. From the fantastic high-end shopping on Fifth Avenue to unmissable attractions like the Empire State Building, The Statue Of Liberty, Broadway and Times Square, you will never be bored in New York.



The 9/11 Memorial and Museum is worth a visit. It's a moving tribute to the people killed in the 9/11 attack but it is sensitively done. For a different type of activity and perfect for kids why not visit the American Museum Of Natural History? This world-class museum was the setting for the film Night At The Museum, and on their website, there is a self-guided tour of the attractions from the film. Definitely worth doing.

San Francisco



San Francisco is one of those places on everyone's bucket list, and why not make your stay with Florida a twin centre with San Francisco. With well-known communities such as Nob Hill, Chinatown and Haight Ashbury, and attractions such as The Golden Gate Bridge, and Fisherman's Wharf with eating, shopping and watching the seals, there is an abundance of areas to see and activities to do in San Francisco.



Top of our list was Alcatraz, the former prison set on an island is famous for housing the Birdman of Alcatraz, Robert Stroud, as well as many other prisoners. Take a tour but be sure to book in advance as it can sell out at peak times. For kids, Madame Tussauds is worth a visit, and the one in San Francisco is superbly interactive. You can play the bongos with Bob Marley or ride a bike with E.T., its a family attraction that is certainly fun.

Los Angeles


Los Angeles is a city with many attractions linked to the movie world, after all, it's where Hollywood is, as well as many famous movie studios such as Warner Brothers and Paramount Studios. We have visited both studios mentioned and can highly recommend the tours where you can see recording studios and movie memorabilia. Warner Bros has an excellent exhibition of famous movie cars for example.


Other activities include visiting the stars on the floor of the Hollywood Walk Of Fame, and people watching in the famously eccentric Venice Beach. For theme parks, you have all the fun of Universal Studios and Disneyland so it's an excellent choice if you want to visit with kids. Santa Monica is a great choice to stay if you want to do some shopping, and have access to many great restaurants. Los Angeles is certainly worth considering as a twin centre break with Florida.

Las Vegas



Las Vegas is like no other place on earth. Often described as Disneyland for adults, there is a huge range of activities to do in Las Vegas. Of course, Las Vegas is known for its casinos, and whether you are an expert or novice, there are table games or slot machines with steaks from as low as 5 cents. If you are a complete beginner, check out the free lessons run by casinos such as Ceasars Palace or the MGM Grand.


However, Las Vegas has plenty of activities if you do not want to gamble too and a surprising amount of activities for kids in Vegas. We like walking from hotel to hotel to see the amazing attractions each hotel has to offer. The Venetian Hotel even has a version of St Marks Square in Venice built inside with a pretend twilight sky! Small kids can enjoy the circus at the hotel Circus Circus, the flamingo habitat at the Flamingo Hotel, and the Discovery Children's Museum whilst big kids will like the rollercoaster at New York New York and the rides atop the Stratosphere. Of course, Vegas is famous for its shows too from Cirque Du Solei to big artists like Celine Dion, Barry Manilow and Britney Spears, you can see all the music stars in Vegas too.
Iceland



For a complete change of scene, why not twin Orlando with Iceland? Iceland is a great stopover on the way to the US and we adore the natural attractions for which Iceland is known, such as the waterfalls, geysers and geothermal spas like the Blue Lagoon. 



When we visited Iceland last we hiked a glacier and it was a brilliant experience. I highly recommend doing this through the company The Guide To Iceland.  It was expensive but so worth it. You should also drive or tour the area known as the Golden Circle. This is an area of breathtaking waterfalls and many geysers - the hot spring water that can shoot up in the air. If you have time take a trip to Jokularslon known for its giant icebergs. If you are more a city person Reykjavik is an interesting city and has excellent restaurants serving all types of food including local fish. 

So here are my 5 twin centre breaks with Orlando. Let me know, do any of destinations appeal? Have you ever visited Orlando or Florida on a twin centre break?

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Some people think that creating a luxurious bathroom requires a considerable budget. However, if you know how to use some key tricks, you have the power to transform your bathroom into a space that oozes grandeur and elegance, without emptying your pockets.
White tiles always look clean and fresh but if you want to give your bathroom even more personality, think about using tiles in a creative way. One option is a beautiful tile ribbon that goes all the way through your tiled shower or what about installing a colourful glass tile backsplash for an artsy bathroom? To see examples of this to spark some inspiration, search for a phrase such as show me glass chevron tiles online.