I need some business advice please

stevieboy11

Hi all

I have an idea for a product which I think would sell well and is easily exportable / transferable

. It's not high tech or going to produce hundreds of jobs, rather its a very simple, low cost kitchen utensil.

I've been trying to find out where I can get advice / support on getting it designed and manufactured (plastic moulding?) I see on other forums suggestions for support in other parts of the UK, but nothing in Northern Ireland

Can anyone advise me on who I could talk to about this, and if there's any support (financial or otherwise) that you might ne aware of?

Thanks as ever for your replies

tommie

One of the first things would be to get it Patented - competitor might pinch the idea

Mistral001

stevieboy11 wrote: »

Hi all

I have an idea for a product which I think would sell well and is easily exportable / transferable

. It's not high tech or going to produce hundreds of jobs, rather its a very simple, low cost kitchen utensil.

I've been trying to find out where I can get advice / support on getting it designed and manufactured (plastic moulding?) I see on other forums suggestions for support in other parts of the UK, but nothing in Northern Ireland

Can anyone advise me on who I could talk to about this, and if there's any support (financial or otherwise) that you might ne aware of?

Thanks as ever for your replies

When you use the word "support" you really mean investment in your idea. Usually before you get someone to invest in your idea they have to believe that you are willing to invest in it as well. They want to see that you can invest time, effort, and money and be willing to take a risk in the same way as you are asking them to take a risk.


So I would eliminate the word "support" from your vocabulary and get to work on that idea.

lazer

Ask invest NI - they will be able to direct you appropriately

stevieboy11

Thanks for the replies

The idea is there, and there's no problem with finance.

What I need is someone who can help design and manufacture the item and thats where I need the support - I've no manufacturing or operational background. I know that the Enterprise agencies, Investni can help with what I already have, but I dont know where to get the production support

Thanks again

Mr_Bun

As you said the Enterprise agencies ,etc,can give you help,so speak to them...if they can't help you directly with manufacturing,they can put you in contact with organisations who can.
I have used them myself before and they really do know what they are talking about.
Whereabouts are you from BTW

Coolhandluke

you have mail.

jjd

Take a look at fablabs. It's a great place. There is one in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry. Community - not for profit project. They have lots of equipment, machines, ICT and can assist you with developing products.

fablabni.eu

spendaholiceejit

Hi, Have you tried looking in to Innovation vouchers? http://www.investni.com/innovation-vouchers.html

warmhands.coldheart

Don't want to put a dampener on it but just having an "idea" will get you nowhere with the likes of Invest NI. You'd have to have some prototypes made off your own back (if nothing else to show your committed to it) and being a utensil all the safety aspects covered from the point of view of types of materials being used and if they are food safe. Then you'd have to have a business case done to show then how you'd market it, projected sales, profits, any interest from distributors etc etc. etc...

saverbuyer

Take a look at Halo the venture capitalist outfit in Belfast. Might offer some advice and support.