This is all in the UK. I am a fairly junior software developer, and have been working for the medium-sized department of a large company for a little over 3 years now.
I would like to set-up a part-time business, but would only dedicate part of my time to this - it would be something of a hobby or collaborative effort.
My contract states:
You are expected to devote your employment and energy and time exclusively to the best interests of the Company. Permission to hold any outside employment or business interests, including carrying on business with the Company’s suppliers, or dealers, must be secured from the Company in writing. Failure to secure advance permission may result in summary dismissal.
However I'm concerned asking to do this would make me seem 'undedicated', demoralised or distracted. How can I ask permission to my line manager (whom I don't have a great deal of contact with except for large issues such as this) without coming off unprofessional or against the spirit of my contract?