I've been thinking about an idea of having my company purchase a canal boat to serve as the remote office and accommodation whilst working away (strictly for myself only whilst working at client sites). I'm an IT contractor who works around the country, my own office is at my home (which I and my family live in) and I typically spend about 2/3 of my working week at the client's site (i.e. approx. 6 month exclusive contracts type work).
Up until now I've always rented apartments, hotels and office space as required near the client, expensing it through my company as per normal. So far this has cost around £40,000 over a couple of years whilst buying and later selling a boat could work out significantly cheaper than renting. With the use of mobile broadband and the right layout I believe it could well suit my requirements of providing both office-space & accommodation within a short drive of clients.
I'm struggling to find relevant information on doing this, would it fall under similar rules to purchasing a property near to a client's site? In the case of a traditional property I understand it would be possible for my company to purchase a property to serve to function as a remote office & accommodation. Alternatively might it be considered a company vehicle?!
Might HMRC just laugh and say "that's a leisure craft, not a business expense!"? Even despite the fact my primary aim is seeking to reduce my company's main outgoing: renting remote accommodation and office space.
Any advice would be most welcome. Thanks.
Up until now I've always rented apartments, hotels and office space as required near the client, expensing it through my company as per normal. So far this has cost around £40,000 over a couple of years whilst buying and later selling a boat could work out significantly cheaper than renting. With the use of mobile broadband and the right layout I believe it could well suit my requirements of providing both office-space & accommodation within a short drive of clients.
I'm struggling to find relevant information on doing this, would it fall under similar rules to purchasing a property near to a client's site? In the case of a traditional property I understand it would be possible for my company to purchase a property to serve to function as a remote office & accommodation. Alternatively might it be considered a company vehicle?!
Might HMRC just laugh and say "that's a leisure craft, not a business expense!"? Even despite the fact my primary aim is seeking to reduce my company's main outgoing: renting remote accommodation and office space.
Any advice would be most welcome. Thanks.
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