
Hemera Holidays
The UK travel industry is growing year on year with over 165,000 holiday lets in the UK, Scotland and Wales, meaning it’s a perfect time for you to... read more
workingmums.co.uk has some advice on how to start up a business in difficult times.
Starting a business might not seem a great idea in the current circumstances when everything is very insecure, but, with jobs scarce on the ground, it may be your best bet. workingmums.co.uk has 10 tips for how to get it off the ground.
1) Develop a detailed business plan (including financials for 24 months at least. Also consider market, location; branding; staff; etc).
2) Carry out market research.
3) Ask for help from an accountant – tax, company structure, etc. More information is available here.
4) Calculate exactly how much money you will need to fund your business.
5) Think and decide where this money is to come from. Check out ideas for funding here. Virgin StartUp is keen to help fund women in business.
6) Work out how people are going to hear about you? – Plan the marketing strategy, including a website and social media plan.
7) Critically work out what your weaknesses are and ensure that you know where to ask for help if you need it, including a mentor.
8) Ensure you have your friends/family support – Starting a business is extremely stressful.
9) Remember that setting up a business to sell what you are good at doing as a hobby is not a business. You need to think as a business owner and ensure that you can sell, market, communicate effectively, and understand financials, as a minimum…
10) Stay positive. A positive mental attitude is half the battle.
If you are considering starting a business, but would like a ready made idea and a lot of support then franchising might be for you. There are a range of family friendly, home based and reasonably priced franchises available in our franchise directory – everything from accountancy businesses to children’s classes, UK holiday companies to online tutoring. Check them out!
John Bell from Clarke Bell gives some advice to contractors and freelancers who may be considering closing down their limited company in the wake of... read more
Emma Louise O'Brien from Renovo has some advice for people considering freelancing after Covid. read more
Crawford Temple from Professional Passport provides a helpful digest of the issues to consider if you want to work through an umbrella company as a... read more
A new survey shows a fall in the number of people wanting to start a business in 2021, with women more likely to be planning this than men. read more