Business Start-up Advice

khublaikhan

Hi All,

Looking for advice....about getting advice.

In days gone by one was able to walk into a "Chamber of Commerce" or some centre giving help to start-up businesses, sign up and get training and one to one advice through a qualified advisor.

I am long term unemployed and have asked the Job Centre to to put me on the "New Enterprise Allowance" scheme but they have said since I am on the "Work Programme" then its up to them to help me. The Work Programme advisor (and her colleagues) are adamant that it is the JobCentre Plus who is responsible. Its really stupid, and I am not sure what to do here with these bureaucrats and red tape.....

I have been on the Business Link website but what I need is face to face advice, I need to speak to someone, preferably someone who has been there and worn the T-Shirt and who will help me in the short to medium term.

I have set up my eCommerce website, I have placed "dummy" products and am satisfied with the result. I think my idea is viable and am currently faced with choices such as Limited company or sole trader, VAT registration, buying from wholesalers or dropshipping etc etc etc.....

Anyone care to point me in the right direction??? I would appreciate it.

Thanks in advance

paulwf

Have you tried calling the Business Link Helpline on 0845 600 9 006 ? I have no idea if they still run their free startup courses but worth asking what they provide or where they suggest going for help.

There still are local chambers of commerce, networking groups, enterprise agencies and that sort of thing...it's just that some of them keep a low profile! If you have a local paper with a business supplement give that a read, also give your council a call and see if they have a business department. You'll need to make a few calls and ask around but there is a lot of free help out there if you know where to look.

Accountants, bank managers, solicitors and other local businesses will all give a bit of guidance for free as long as you don't take the pee. I found it incredible how many people were willing to help me start up, the business community in general is very supportive of startups.

projectforty

Hi There

I admire anyone who starts and runs their own business. I started my business when I was about 23 and been building it ever since(its an IT Support Business)

We employ about seven staff.

I have bought and sold a web business as well as buying 6 smaller IT companies over the last 5 years so I definately have the t shirt!!

Its a tough old ride out there make no mistake and personalyl we are going through a bit of a rough time at the momment, however, I find talking and hopefully inspring others can be very cathartic so Id be more than willing to give some advice.

Maybe send me your details in a PM?

Good Luck Jamie