New Enterprise Allowance scheme - My story

TeeKay10

Well I'm just back from my signing (was approved to go onto NEA on Monday, although a possible 6 week wait for a mentor) and luckily for me the office was overly busy so they had 'all hands on deck' with staff. The guy that served me was just an appointment booker for things and hadn't a clue about the NEA or its requirements so I sort of told him them myself and he went with it!
I told him that the requirements were that I didn't need to look for work as I'd be too busy working on the business plan and researching all of the necessary things for starting a business and he decided that was ok, jotted it on my file so that there aren't any problems on future signings and that was it, job done! :rotfl:

I was also told today that (not sure if it's being rolled out everywhere) I'm now on weekly signings as of next Weds, as are 95% of Derby JSA claimants apparently. I have to be grateful as the remaining 5% are having to sign on DAILY!!! It wouldn't be worth my while - I have a 16 mile round trip in order to sign on! :eek: So just be aware of this possibility.

WantToBeSE

TeeKay, WEEKLY!? Daily?? Wow, i haven't heard of that before, is it to do with how long someone has been claiming JSA? I have a long round trip to the JCP too, about 13 miles, and they don't pay petrol costs for JSA signing on, do they?

Anyway, i have spent all day working on the layout for my business plan, and now have a clear idea of what structure it needs to be in, and what i need to include in it.
If anyone wants the info, i will post it up here for others to read too

pinkypoopydoo

WantToBeSE wrote: »

Went to sign on yesterday and told my advisor that i still hadn't heard from the business mentor.
He then remembered that he was supposed to reply to an email, before the mentor could contact me...he got the email 2 weeks ago and hadn't replied.
So he replied yesterday while i was there, and promised me that s/he will contact me soon (hmm...).

Again, I must take back my comments about horrible advisers! My JC adviser PHONED BG when I was there, then handed the phone to me, so I could make arrangements with them for my first meeting. It is ridiculous that different areas seem to have different rules for it all.

WantToBeSE

pinkypoopydoo wrote: »

Again, I must take back my comments about horrible advisers! My JC adviser PHONED BG when I was there, then handed the phone to me, so I could make arrangements with them for my first meeting. It is ridiculous that different areas seem to have different rules for it all.

Agreed, Pinky. It's very silly that there isn't a universal way to handle the whole NEA thing...or maybe there is, but not every area knows all the rules and regs.

How are your plans coming along?

TeeKay10

WantToBeSE wrote: »

TeeKay, WEEKLY!? Daily?? Wow, i haven't heard of that before, is it to do with how long someone has been claiming JSA? I have a long round trip to the JCP too, about 13 miles, and they don't pay petrol costs for JSA signing on, do they?

Anyway, i have spent all day working on the layout for my business plan, and now have a clear idea of what structure it needs to be in, and what i need to include in it.
If anyone wants the info, i will post it up here for others to read too

Yep, it's some new fangled thing they are doing to probably (rightfully) try and catch those who are on the fiddle. I've only been claiming since Jan 31st so don't think it's to do with that?

No they don't pay anything towards costs AFAIK so it could prove costly for those who live further away. Luckily I'm in town a few times a week now with doing this Pitman Training course through the DWP so it's no detriment to sign on weekly

As for your business plan, I definitely would love to see the info (especially as if I'm correct we are going down the same business path of SE cleaning?!)

I'd be interested in your USP too, but I can bet you sure as hell won't be sharing that on here, haha! :rotfl:

pinkypoopydoo

WantToBeSE wrote: »

How are your plans coming along?

They are puddling along quite nicely now - I already had a basic business plan done, so I'm bulking it out, with help and advice from my mentor, and have the projected cash flows to complete, then that's me. I spent the day researching the increase in rates of self employment within my target area over the last 10 years today (to highlight that, with an increase in the self employed, there follows an increase of successful businesses that require a reliable bookkeeper), and my brain is slightly fried now! :rotfl:

andyscott

Not sure if its on all BBC2 or if its just BBC2 Scotland but there is a programme on just now called Entreprenuers which I think most of you will find interesting.

Just noticed it as I was flicking through channels.

Hopefully you will be able to view it online or on demand.

WantToBeSE

TeeKay10 wrote: »

Yep, it's some new fangled thing they are doing to probably (rightfully) try and catch those who are on the fiddle. I've only been claiming since Jan 31st so don't think it's to do with that?

No they don't pay anything towards costs AFAIK so it could prove costly for those who live further away. Luckily I'm in town a few times a week now with doing this Pitman Training course through the DWP so it's no detriment to sign on weekly

As for your business plan, I definitely would love to see the info (especially as if I'm correct we are going down the same business path of SE cleaning?!)

I'd be interested in your USP too, but I can bet you sure as hell won't be sharing that on here, haha! :rotfl:

Hehehe, no, i wont be sharing the USP with anyone, until i have started trading
Yep, i am doing cleaning too. I will post up the business plan structure/things to cover. It'll be a long post, but i like the idea that it may help future (and current) readers. Hang fire, i am on the job!

WantToBeSE

pinkypoopydoo wrote: »

They are puddling along quite nicely now - I already had a basic business plan done, so I'm bulking it out, with help and advice from my mentor, and have the projected cash flows to complete, then that's me. I spent the day researching the increase in rates of self employment within my target area over the last 10 years today (to highlight that, with an increase in the self employed, there follows an increase of successful businesses that require a reliable bookkeeper), and my brain is slightly fried now! :rotfl:

Thats great Pinky, do you mind me asking where you find the info for SE rates in the local area?

WantToBeSE

Business Plan

PART ONE (Part 2 to follow in next post).

-Intro :
Business name
Business address
Business website/FB page/Twitter account
Contact details (phone number) and email address.

-Description of what you want the business to do and the vision you have for your business:
When will you start your business
Which sector will you operate in
How you want to progress your business in the future

-Describe your products/services, and explain what makes it different from similar ones in your area:
Why people will prefer it
Why they will use yours instead of competitors
How you will develop it
Mention any patents/copyrights you will need (e.g. for your logo).

-Business aims(gives you something to strive for and shows you are serious about your success):
What do you want to achieve in your first year
Where do you want your business to be in the long term
(make these points measurable- for example- "i want to be earningX amount" or "i want to have X amount of customers").

-Legal Obligations:
Make sure you are aware of any health and safety laws you need to comply with.
Check what insurances (if any) you need, and how much they cost.
Do you need any licences? Check.