Single information point for new business start-ups?

Dan_H

Hi All,

I know you regularly get asked to help new buisnesses and that the information is all out there. However, there is so much of it, with threads going back years, numerous websites offering help, bank managers, accountants, etc... I just can't get my head around it all.
Can anyone recommend a single place to go that will offer advice to ensure that I am doing what needs to be done?

I will be starting a new business in the new year and have a good grasp of the production, sales and marketing side. It will be a new food brand, and I have a site trialling products for me currently, marketing and sales are my current job, so I'm happy with that.

As I am in food, and wish to supply supermarkets before too long, I believe I need to register as a Ltd company. I realise I need to understand taxes, business bank accounts, grants, benefits and exemptions, etc. Fortunately, I believe that I can start the company through savings alone, which reduces some of the complexity. However, this is all new to me and I fear that I might miss something out.

When I look around there is so much varied information is so many areas that it starts to get confusing. I was wondering if anyone could recommend a good place to start to get advice in a simple manner.

As I am 27, I do get access to sites like Shell LiveWire, but still do not believe it has the information to fully help.

Thank you for your help

Dan

Mistral001

You could try a good accountant. If they see you have potential, they will be keen to get your business and might even give you some free advice on the understanding that you will not ignore them when you eventually need their services. I am not an accountant by the way.

One thing you have going for you is that you have capital. That is most important, in any business. It goes against evetything the you see in the popular media, about needing investment and bank loans etc., but it is the way most small businesses work and grow in my experience.

paulwf

There won't be one single source for all aspects of running every type of business...being a business owner wouldn't be any fun if there was!

A good place to start though is the Business Link website. Also see if there are any regional or council backed enterprise agencies, chambers of commerce and so on. There will also probably be a number of business and networking groups locally that you can join. The key to success is to get access to as much help as possible, you'll be amazed at how generous people can be when you are starting up so get out there and make contacts.

You can't do everything on your own which is why we all need accountants and bank managers etc. Leave some of the work up to them, the key is finding the right specialists for you. Two things I'd strongly suggest you do: 1) always have a diary or notebook to hand so if you think of something that needs investigating write it down so you can action it later and 2) write a comprehensive business plan which should go through all the key things you need to do to set up the business. A business plan can take quite a while to write but is essential.

Have you approached other companies doing something similar to what you want to do? An hour spent with their MD could be worth endless seminars and books. If you are honest and not directly competing with them I bet some (but of course not all) will be willing to help. An important question is how do you want to get into the supermarkets? I think a lot of companies outsource production, and there are agents that will help you meet the buyers and there are people that can do your marketing etc? There's a whole spectrum from doing everything yourself to outsourcing everything, work out where you want to position yourself.

I'd suggest getting some independents on board, they won't buy as much but will be more loyal and 100 independents will be less risky that relying on one supermarket who can drop you at a whim.

Dan_H

Thank you both, your advice is really appreciated