Q I have always rented my office space, but an opportunity has come up to buy a building to base my business in. Do you think this is a wise move or would I be better to remain a tenant?

A I have always been of the opinion that owning the freehold of a property is better than being a tenant. As a tenant, you never own the property and the money you pay in rent is, in effect, "dead money".

You should, of course, ensure that the property you are planning to buy is right for you and you should also consider the resale aspect. There is always the possibility in the future that you could become the landlord.

Q I have been really lucky in the past few years that my business has seen some rapid growth. I would say a lot of this has come from the long hours and work my small team and I have put in. I am now so busy I am having trouble keeping up with what is happening in my business. I am thinking of hiring a personal assistant, but as I have never had one before, I don't really know what to look for. What would you suggest?

A A personal assistant is a luxury in business, but I feel a worthwhile one. You need to take time to choose the right person.

This has to be someone you can trust and who can work using their own initiative, as you won't always be around to make the decisions.

Q I am concerned that, in April, a change to working rights - which means employees with children under the age of six can dictate flexible working hours - will have a dramatic effect on my already-stretched workforce. I know I have the right to turn down staff requests for a better work-life balance, but only under the threat of tribunal. How should I approach this situation?

A This is a situation that should be approached with caution. Each request should be studied individually and the effect on both the business and other members of the workforce should be reviewed. You must, in the end, make the decisions based on the good of the business. But, as with all things, friendly discussion and gentle persuasion can usually bring about amicable results.

Q My staff have been asking for a "dress down" day once a month to raise money for charity. I am not sure if I should agree to this as we regularly have clients in the office. I don't want to be seen as a hard-faced boss, but I also have my business's image to think about. What's your view?

A I am all in favour of raising money for charity and a dress-down day once a month sounds like a good idea to me. I am sure if you explain the reasons to your clients they will understand. You could of course have a couple of small rules if you think certain items of clothing would have a dramatic effect on the image of your business.

Q A war is "brewing"' over tea and coffee making in my business. We are quite a small team with little admin support to make tea and coffee, not just for staff, but also for visiting customers. It is getting to the stage where some people are always making tea and washing up whereas others are not bothered. I don't want to be draconian and start introducing rotas, but not only are we losing man-hours while the kettle boils and the milk is poured, but some staff members are getting disgruntled. It sounds petty, but conflict is boiling, as it were. What would you do?

A The making of tea and coffee certainly seems to become an issue in many offices, but not in mine. We all tend to make our own (even me) and clear up after ourselves. If someone shouts on your way to the kitchen, "make me a cuppa" then do so. You will probably find they will make you one next time. Our kitchen is always tidy and people tend to keep it that way. The best sign I have seen in a kitchen area was "Please tidy up after use. Your mother doesn't live here". If you make the making of tea and coffee an issue then it tends to become one.

Published: 18/02/2003