WINE & DINE WITH ANGELA LANSBURY

Spot the Malaysian flag? It has the crescent moon, multi point star, and horizontal red and white stripes.   My family is in touch with expats who live in or used to live in Singapore and Malaysia. We often meet in London once a year at a Singaporean or Malay restaurant. Food and Drink The requirements are  A good Signaporean or Malay food restaurant. Or an Asian restaurant serving these and more.  A nearby bar serving Tiger beer where we can meet in advance, and wait for latecomers.. Location Not too far from a station, to limit waking for the older ones. And reduce the risk of people getting lost and arriving late. Reconnoitre Somebody who lives in or near central London has to check out a few restaurants to find one which is suitable.  Why not go to last year's or pick one at random? Firstly, they want a change, a novelty. Secondly, the food has to be good. Thirdly, restaurants oepen and close all the time. Whaat could limit the choice?  Malaysia is a Moslem ...

What do you need to be aware of? Local authority licensing. Change of use to business. Any restircitions in your lease about running a business from home.  Health and Safety and Storage Food storage - such as vegetables not left uncovered on the floor overnight or even in open top containers where birds and insects and rats and ice can eat and urinate on the food. Yup.  Finance Most businesses make a loss in the first year. You need finance to cover debts fro money you pay out, wages, cost of materials, and buyers who don't pay you on time or ever.  Delivery cost. advertising and marketing. Free gifts, pencils, tee shirt, business cards, websites. Plus security and theft. Investment in larger machinery and storage. \ Lastly, tax. Are you making a profit? Will you? Or are you a charity or raising money for charity? What are charity rules? You may be restricted from using the name of the charity as if they endorse you when they do not, yet. Babysitting - elsehwere Babysitti...