Business idea - Who do I approach for advice?

AdamD · 22-11-2009, 23:54

I've had a business idea rattling around in my head for the last two years, but am not sure of how viable it'd be

Is there any paticular company who would go over the business idea/plan and determine how viable the idea would be?

The only company/organisation I can think of right now is the Princes Trust, not sure who else to ask for advice from

Thanks all.

**Kymmy** · 23-11-2009, 08:59

http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/ will offer free advice and if they don't know the business well they'll be able to point you in the right direction. They can also provide free courses in running a business.

AdamD · 23-11-2009, 15:46

Sweet, thanks Kymmy

beeman · 24-11-2009, 00:21

Just bee carefull with businesslink, if they like your idea then have been known to encourage you to go too far too quickly.

A friend of mine have a very successfull small business 10 years old, 20 odd employees he was making 150k+ pa profit (he was the sole owner) and no liabilities. businesslink encouraged him to expand heaverlly the company treabled its size litterlly overnight within 18 months the company was bust. Fourtantly it was a limited company so he didnt personally loose anything other then a nice steady income streme.

DaiNasty · 24-11-2009, 06:04

I must admit I'd be a little wary of approaching any government agency for advice about running a business. Their record with GB plc doesn't exactly inspire confidence.

On the plus side, they're unlikely to steal your ideas which is always a possibility with another 'real' businessman.

**Kymmy** · 24-11-2009, 08:31

Don't get me wrong, business link is there to make money and to try to push you along (they just happen to have the goverment contract for doing so)

They are pushy and this tends to put you off the business if you're not serious and that's by design. To start a business you have to be 100% committed

Adam are you unemployed? Just that you can get a referal to them directly from the jobcentre

Ramrod · 24-11-2009, 08:55

Work it out for yourself. Costs/income/demand/viability.......step by step

**Kymmy** · 24-11-2009, 09:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramrod

Work it out for yourself. Costs/income/demand/viability.......step by step

The problem with costs is that they can be so hidden, you have to remember national insurance, tax, corporation tax (if an LTD), liability insurance.. This is where professional advice comes inthe most handiest..

Flyboy · 24-11-2009, 11:53

What sector is the "idea" for?

**Chris** · 24-11-2009, 11:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ramrod

Work it out for yourself. Costs/income/demand/viability.......step by step

At last ... I've been wondering what your sig means for years now.

webcrawler2050 · 24-11-2009, 11:57

BusinessLink suck. They offer "general" advice. Princess trust, is always another good place to start.

Flyboy · 24-11-2009, 12:26

Who is Princess Trust?

webcrawler2050 · 24-11-2009, 12:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flyboy

Who is Princess Trust?

Whoops. Typo: Prince's Trust

**Kymmy** · 24-11-2009, 12:30

Probably the female version of the Prince's Trust

General advice doesn't suck, mainly as not everyone knows the general advice. Also the Prince's Trust is only accessable to a certain age range..

webcrawler2050 · 24-11-2009, 12:42

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

Probably the female version of the Prince's Trust

General advice doesn't suck, mainly as not everyone knows the general advice. Also the Prince's Trust is only accessable to a certain age range..

However, my view is, if you don't have "basic" business sense, then don't bother going into business. Or seek a partner, who has been in business before.