HASCAL Wiki
Compliance management for UK businesses — from tracking due dates to storing documents. Everything in one place.
🌐 hascal.meng.devitltd.ukOverview Live
HASCAL (Health And Safety CALendar) is a compliance management tool built for UK SMEs — particularly hospitality, construction, and professional services. It helps business owners track, manage, and stay on top of their statutory compliance obligations.
What's Built Live
Everything currently implemented and working in the app.
Authentication
Register, login, forgot password, email-based reset with 1-hour token expiry. JWT stored in localStorage (30-day sessions).
Multi-Business
One account can manage multiple businesses, each with their own logo, compliance items, and documents.
Dashboard
Aggregated view showing overdue, due soon, compliant, and unknown status items across all businesses.
Calendar Views
Three modes: yearly mini-grids, monthly detailed view, and weekly columns. Shows compliance due dates visually.
Timeline View
Linear view of upcoming compliance items with category filtering and date range (rest of year or next 12 months).
Document Upload
Upload PDFs, images, and files per compliance item. Inline preview for images and PDFs. 20MB limit per file.
Status Badges
Colour-coded status system: 🔴 Overdue · 🟠 Due soon · 🟢 Compliant · ⚪ Unknown.
Mobile Layout
Responsive design with bottom navigation on mobile. Works on phone and tablet.
Feature Status
- ✓ User registration & login with email reset
- ✓ Multi-business management with logos
- ✓ Compliance item CRUD (create, edit, delete)
- ✓ Document upload, preview, and delete
- ✓ Dashboard with status aggregation
- ✓ Calendar — yearly, monthly, weekly views
- ✓ Timeline with category filtering
- ✓ 53 pre-built UK compliance templates (F&B focus)
- ✓ Demo businesses with sample data (4 industry types)
- ✓ Mobile-responsive layout with bottom nav
- ⏳ Document viewing on mobile phone app
- ⏳ Email reminders for upcoming due dates
- ⏳ Document database / archive view
- ✗ Multi-user / team access per business
- ✗ PDF/CSV compliance report export
- ✗ Admin/org-level management
Tech Stack Live
What the app is built with.
Dev Roadmap In Progress
Prioritised next steps to make the app better. Split by impact and effort.
tc runtime reset-buildkit then re-deploy to fix.Document Archive / Database View High Priority
A dedicated "Documents" section showing all uploaded files across every business and compliance item. Filterable by year, business, category, and document type. Ability to upload from desktop (scan-to-upload workflow) and bulk view. This is the main missing feature for desktop document management.
Mobile Document Viewing High Priority
Documents currently can't be viewed on the phone app. Fix the PDF/image preview to work reliably on mobile browsers. Consider a dedicated document viewer page with pinch-to-zoom and download button.
Email Reminders for Due Dates High Priority
Weekly digest email showing what's due in the next 30/60/90 days. Also send alerts when items go overdue. Simple cron job — email infrastructure (Nodemailer + Gmail) is already in place.
New Business Owner Onboarding Wizard Medium Priority
Replace the overwhelming toggles with a guided step-by-step setup. Ask "what type of business?" and "how many staff?" and pre-select only the compliance items that apply. Show clear explanations of each item including estimated cost and whether it can be DIY'd.
Compliance Report Export Medium Priority
Generate a one-page PDF compliance report per business showing status of all items. Useful for insurance audits, new business purchases, and accountants. Could be a premium feature.
Multi-User / Team Access Medium Priority
Allow business owners to invite a bookkeeper, accountant, or manager to view/edit their compliance items. Role-based: Owner, Admin, View-only.
More Industry Templates Lower Priority
Expand the 53 F&B-focused templates to cover retail, beauty/salons, childcare, care homes, and trades. Each industry has its own statutory requirements.
Subscription / Monetisation Lower Priority
Free tier: 1 business, basic tracking. Paid tier: unlimited businesses, document archive, email reminders, report export. Stripe integration for billing.
Document Database Planned
The current system attaches documents to individual compliance items. What's needed is a central document archive — a full history of everything, viewable on any device.
Proposed Document Archive Features
- → Central document library — all docs from all businesses in one view
- → Filter by year, business, category, doc type (certificate, insurance, licence, report…)
- → Desktop upload — drag and drop scanned PDFs and emailed documents directly
- → Mobile-friendly viewer — tap to open any document on your phone
- → Expiry tracking — documents linked to compliance item due dates so you see when a certificate expires
- → Search by filename or description
- → Audit trail — who uploaded what and when
/data/uploads/ and has a documents table in SQLite. This is a frontend + API enhancement — the storage infrastructure is already there.Brand & Rollout Strategy Strategy
How to grow HASCAL from an internal tool into a recognised compliance brand for UK SMEs.
🎯 Target Audience
- Restaurant, café, pub & bar owners
- Small construction companies
- Independent retailers
- Salon & beauty business owners
- Landlords with HMOs or commercial property
- Childminders and small nurseries
📢 Channels to Reach Them
- Facebook groups for UK business owners
- Instagram (before/after of compliance chaos vs. organised)
- TikTok — "Things new business owners don't know"
- Reddit: r/UKBusiness, r/smallbusiness
- LinkedIn for B2B outreach
- Local business networking events (BNI, FSB)
🤝 Partnerships to Pursue
- Accountants & bookkeepers (refer clients)
- Insurance brokers (compliance reduces premiums)
- Business formation agents (new company registrations)
- Local councils (new business starter packs)
- HMRC-registered tax advisors
- Hospitality trade bodies (BII, BBPA, UKHospitality)
💰 Pricing Approach
- Free forever — 1 business, 10 compliance items
- Starter £9/mo — 3 businesses, unlimited items
- Pro £19/mo — unlimited businesses + document archive
- Agency £49/mo — client management + white label
- Offer annual discount (2 months free)
📅 Suggested 90-Day Launch Plan
Month 1 — Polish & Stabilise
Fix mobile document viewing. Add email reminders. Build the document archive. Fix the current deploy issue. Get the app running reliably.
Month 2 — Beta Users
Find 10 local business owners to test for free. Cafés, restaurants, tradespeople. Get their feedback. Fix real pain points. Start building case studies.
Month 3 — Social Presence & SEO
Create a landing page at hascal.co.uk (or similar). Post content on Instagram/TikTok around compliance mistakes. Target "UK business compliance checklist" keywords.
Month 4+ — Paid Tiers & Referrals
Launch paid plans. Set up a referral programme. Reach out to accountants and insurance brokers with a partner programme.
New Business Owner Guide Reference
A step-by-step guide for new UK business owners. What you legally need, what you can do yourself, and what needs a professional. This can be built into HASCAL as an onboarding wizard.
Step-by-Step: Setting Up Legally
Register Your Business Structure
Decide: Sole Trader, Limited Company, or Partnership. Register with HMRC (all) and Companies House (Ltd only).
✓ DIY — Free online via gov.ukRegister for Tax
Register for Self Assessment (sole trader) or Corporation Tax (limited company) with HMRC. Register for VAT if turnover will exceed £90,000/year.
✓ DIY — Free via gov.uk/HMRCEmployers' Liability Insurance
If you employ anyone (even part-time), this is a legal requirement. Minimum £5 million cover. Fine of up to £2,500 per day without it.
~ Compare brokers online — shop aroundPublic Liability Insurance
Not legally required for most, but essential if customers visit your premises or you visit theirs. Many venues and contracts require it. Typically £100–£300/year for small businesses — do not overpay thousands for something you can compare online in minutes.
✓ DIY — Simply Business, Hiscox, AXA all do online quotesFood Business Registration (if serving food)
Register with your local council at least 28 days before opening. This is free and legally required. Many new owners don't know this is separate from planning permission.
✓ DIY — Free via gov.uk/food-business-registrationFood Hygiene Certificate (if serving food)
Not strictly a legal requirement, but the Food Standards Agency recommends it and EHOs expect it. Level 2 Award is the standard for food handlers.
✓ DIY — Online courses typically £10–£25 (HighSpeed Training, Highfield)Fire Risk Assessment
Legally required for all non-domestic premises. For small, simple premises you can do this yourself using the government's free guide.
~ Simple premises: DIY with gov.uk guide. Complex or large premises: hire a qualified assessor (~£200–£500)Health & Safety Policy
If you have 5 or more employees, you must have a written H&S policy. Templates are available free from the HSE.
✓ DIY — Free template at hse.gov.uk/simple-health-safetyData Protection / ICO Registration
If you process personal data (customer names, emails, etc.) you likely need to register with the ICO. Annual fee: £40–£60 for most small businesses.
✓ DIY — Register at ico.org.uk (£40/year for most SMEs)Alcohol Licence (if selling alcohol)
Premises licence + Personal Licence required. The process involves applying to your local council, advertising, and a hearing. This is complex.
⚠️ Recommend a licensing solicitor — mistakes are costlyGas & Electrical Safety (rental/hospitality premises)
Gas Safety Certificate (annually) and Electrical Installation Condition Report (every 5 years) required if you rent premises or operate hospitality.
⚠️ Must be carried out by a registered engineer (Gas Safe / NICEIC)DBS Checks (if working with children/vulnerable adults)
Enhanced DBS checks required for anyone working with children or vulnerable adults. Apply through a registered body.
~ Apply via an umbrella body or gov.uk. ~£38 for enhanced checkUK Compliance Quick Reference Reference
Common compliance items, what they cost, whether you can DIY, and typical renewal periods.
| Compliance Item | Legal Requirement | Typical Cost | DIY? | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Registration | Yes (all businesses) | Free–£12 | DIY | One-off |
| Food Business Registration | Yes (food businesses) | Free | DIY | One-off (then notify changes) |
| Food Hygiene (Level 2) | Recommended | £10–£25 | DIY online | Every 3 years |
| Employers' Liability Insurance | Yes (if employing staff) | £150–£500/yr | Compare online | Annual |
| Public Liability Insurance | Usually no (often required by venues) | £100–£300/yr | Compare online | Annual |
| Fire Risk Assessment | Yes (non-domestic premises) | Free–£500 | Depends on size | Annual review |
| Health & Safety Policy | Yes (5+ employees) | Free (template) | DIY | Annual review |
| ICO Data Protection Registration | Yes (if processing personal data) | £40–£60/yr | DIY | Annual |
| Gas Safety Certificate | Yes (premises with gas) | £60–£150 | Engineer only | Annual |
| Electrical Safety (EICR) | Yes (rental/hospitality) | £200–£500 | Engineer only | Every 5 years |
| PAT Testing | Not legally required (but good practice) | £50–£200 | Simple kit: DIY | Annual (guidance) |
| Premises Licence (alcohol) | Yes (selling alcohol) | £100–£1,905 | Solicitor recommended | Indefinite (no renewal) |
| Personal Licence (alcohol) | Yes (DPS for premises licence) | £37 + course | Course needed first | Indefinite |
| DBS Check | Yes (children/vulnerable adults) | £18–£38 | Via umbrella body | Every 3 years (recommended) |
| COSHH Assessment | Yes (if using hazardous chemicals) | Free (template) | DIY with HSE template | Annual review |
Personal Use Hybrid Vision
HASCAL isn't just for businesses. The same system works perfectly for individuals tracking personal life admin — and this is a major untapped market.
Personal use examples
Vehicle
MOT renewal, car insurance, road tax, breakdown cover, service intervals, tyres.
Home
Boiler service, building/contents insurance, mortgage renewal, gas safety, EICR, tenancy agreements.
Travel & ID
Passport expiry, driving licence renewal, EHIC/GHIC renewal, visas, travel insurance.
Health
Prescription renewals, dental check-up reminders, health insurance, annual check-ups, eye tests.
Finance
Credit card annual fees, subscription renewals (Netflix, gym, software), ISA deadlines, tax return deadlines.
Pets
Vet appointments, vaccinations, flea/worm treatment, pet insurance renewal, microchip records.
How to market this angle
- → Positioning: "Your personal life admin dashboard" — same app, different framing
- → Onboarding: At signup, ask "Is this for a business or personal use?" and load appropriate templates
- → Personal templates: Vehicle pack, homeowner pack, renter pack, travel pack
- → Viral potential: "I missed my MOT because I forgot — now I use this app" is a relatable social media story
- → Free tier bait: Personal use free tier keeps the app sticky and converts to business plans when users start a business
Admin Panel Built
An admin-only view for managing the platform. Accessible via the "Admin" nav item when logged in as an admin account.
hascal.meng.devitltd.uk/admin — only visible to accounts with admin privileges. Currently only the owner account (menglileong@gmail.com) has admin access.What the admin panel shows
- ✓ Overview stats — total users, new this week, total businesses, compliance items, documents, storage used
- ✓ User list — all registered accounts with business count and email
- ✓ User detail — click any user to see their businesses, document counts, overdue items
- ✓ Admin management — grant or revoke admin access to any user
- ⏳ Planned: Export user data, send platform announcements, view storage breakdown per user
- ⏳ Planned: Usage analytics — active users last 7/30 days, feature adoption rates
- ✗ Not yet: Billing/subscription management, user support tools, GDPR data deletion
Viability & Storage Research
How viable is HASCAL as a business? What does storage actually cost at scale?
Storage estimates per user
Light user
1 business, 20 items, 5 documents
~5MB per user
Average user
2 businesses, 40 items, 20 documents
~30MB per user
Power user
5+ businesses, 100+ items, 50+ documents
~150MB per user
At 1,000 users
Mix of light/average/power
~30GB total est.
Cost breakdown at different scales
- → Current (VPS): ~£5–10/month for 200GB storage — handles ~5,000 average users. Current stack is lean.
- → 1,000 users: ~30GB storage. Current VPS handles this easily. Infrastructure cost ~£10/month.
- → 10,000 users: ~300GB storage. Migrate uploads to S3/Cloudflare R2 (~£4/month at this scale). Server costs ~£30/month.
- → 100,000 users: ~3TB storage. S3 ~£50/month, server cluster ~£150/month. Still very manageable.
Revenue model viability
- → Break-even: ~5 Pro users (£19/mo) covers all running costs. Very low bar.
- → 100 paying users: ~£1,200–£1,900/month — covers part-time dev + infrastructure
- → 500 paying users: ~£6,000–£9,500/month — full-time salary viable
- → 2,000 paying users: ~£24,000–£38,000/month — proper business with team
- → TAM: UK has ~5.5 million SMEs. Even 0.1% = 5,500 potential customers.
Storage optimisation strategies (for later)
- → Set per-plan storage limits (e.g. Free = 50MB, Starter = 2GB, Pro = 20GB)
- → Compress uploaded images automatically on ingest
- → Move uploads to Cloudflare R2 (~£0.015/GB/month vs £0.023/GB on S3)
- → Auto-archive documents older than 7 years to cold storage
- → Warn users when approaching storage limit
Competitive landscape
- → SFBB Pro — food safety only, ~£15-25/month. HASCAL is broader and more affordable.
- → Alcumus SafeContractor — enterprise H&S, £500+/year. HASCAL targets the SME gap they don't serve.
- → Xero / QuickBooks — accounting-focused, no compliance tracking. Opportunity to integrate.
- → Google Calendar — free but no document storage, no compliance templates, no status tracking. HASCAL is purpose-built.
- → Spreadsheets — still the most common "solution". Primary competitor to displace.