MegaSack DRAW - This year's winner is user - rgwb
We will be in touch
I'm after a bit of advice as I'm looking at starting out by myself, so setting up a new company. Has anyone done anything similar, are there any grants available, where to get best advise from and so on?
I know it will be tough as I would need to get going/established and undertake quite a bit of marketing/networking and so on.
Nothing definate at the moment but would like to hear success/positive stories?
what will you be selling, managing,propogating,manufacturing etc etc.
I would be working as a civil engineering consultant, so clients could be anything from a private housebuilder wanting advice or design of a small road/drainage system etc, to developers undertaking estate designs, contractors who undertake design and builds and mayby public sector clients. Could undertake project management, design, drawings, prepare and run contracts etc.
Set up costs wouldn't bee too much, office, pi insurance and quite a bit of marketing initially.
It's who you talked to, what advice did you get, what grants did you get, any advice from you..... I'm mostly after more than the civil engineering aspect.
Buisness office start up centre for rented office space,they usuall y have receptionists, phone lines and wifi included along with security, heat and lighting.
Have you any quals or certificates to stick up on wall, looks good.
gov.uk webite has some useful info as do what used to be called Buisness link,
Can't you start working from a home office?
I run my own business i suggest you start with none / as little as possible debt. A nice office is great but has to be paid for plus rates if applicable.
A virtual office with PA is a possibility, this can be a top dollar address.
Don't forget insurance, public and PI, your professional body should be able to clarify and check future run-off periods, it can add up, fine as long as you make $$$.
Otherwise working for yourself is grand?
Get a really good accountant & best of luck.
Thanks for the feedback, I'm a qualified civil engineer so OK on that front. I would initially set up from home.
Any advice on what help, advice, grants are available? Or will it have to be a loan?
Go see your local Chamber of Commerce. They are exactly the guys for this, plus if you go to their sessions you can do some networking with others in the same boat and maybe get some leads. Good luck. Some places have more chance of grants than others, it can be quite local depending on the area you're in.