By Shirley Hermiston
This series of blog will help us countdown to Christmas providing some useful information to those of you who are considering self-employment and hopefully get you on the right path to setting up your own business.
There are many benefits to starting your own business. Every year we see hundreds of people who want to be self-employed and their reasons and story behind the business always interests me.
Those who are facing redundancy want to take control of their own lives, some do it because they think it is time for a change, others have spotted a gap in the market, for many it’s turning a passion or hobby into their full time career.
With the many benefits there are also two sides to the coin when it comes to self-employment and it isn’t for everyone. There is a tremendous amount of responsibility when you are your own boss. You didn’t think your life would be less stressful, did you?
But with the disadvantages bring many benefits too and if you work hard you can reap them. Here are just a few that some of our start up clients have mentioned:
“Kalma Baby is an existing brand, and as a mother of three, with experience in reflexology and aromatherapy and a need to find employment, it seemed like the perfect opportunity for me. So when the franchise for the Newcastle area became available I took the opportunity to go self-employed. Being a part of a franchise is brilliant. I can fit it around my own children and have had a lot of support and training from the Kalma Baby team.” Nadia Smith, Kalma Baby Newcastle
“I have always been a keen gardener and enjoy being outdoors. I love the flexibility self-employment allows me and the fact I make all of my own decisions. In time I would like to add to the services I offer such as lawn care services and spraying.” Ian Baillie, Maintenance Magic
“I love the flexibility self-employment allows you and the sense of achievement you get when you have a happy customer. I recommend anyone with a business idea to at least go and talk it through with a business adviser, and that way at least you’ll know if it can make a viable business.” David Ayre, Dave’s War Games
“I decided to start my own business. I thrive on the freedom and control that it affords me, and knowing that what I’m doing is making a difference to people’s lives fills me with a sense of achievement.” Catherine Hanlon, In Harmony Music Tuition
Running your own business allows you to choose who you work with and you have the freedom to work on different projects for different companies. You are in control of what you do. You have the flexibility to fit work around your family life.
Whatever your motivation for starting a business, we are here to help. Click here for inspiration view a handful of successful entrepreneurs who have turned their dreams into reality after visiting the BIC.