Families can be your biggest support network, your allies, and your confidantes.
They are the only people, asides from your accountant, who will tell you like it really is.
They’ll give constructive criticism and experience all the pains ands joys with you as you embark on the path to self employment.
For over 20 years the business support team has been helping families start business ventures but what are the challenges raised from this? Is it really much different?
Family run businesses can present unique challenges; their relationship is often very different from a professional one with domestic life causing interferences. More positively though, that shared commitment to overcome obstacles can prove invaluable.
In family run businesses there can be ‘special’ challenges that just don’t occur elsewhere but ensuring respect is at the very foundation of every business activity will ensure strengthened success.
I truly believe, and have been witness to successful family run businesses which operate smoothly with increased outputs and decreased tensions.
For example Orchid Aesthetics has recently celebrated its second anniversary by doubling its clinical space and it all began because daughter, Sharon Sherriff listened to her father.
Qualified nurse, Sharon Sheriff, started her own company after her father advised her the time was right. Having spent over 30 years in the nursing career Sharon agreed with her parent and swiftly set about starting her own business within the aesthetic sector. Sharon explains:
“It was very scary leaving a full time income but it was my father that gave me the final push, so on the back of his advice four years ago I completed the training and here I am. I have always been interested in aesthetics and I have a lot of experience working in dermatology. It is something I really care about.”
Sharon has recently expanded from 350 sq ft to now 700 sq ft and explains the reasons why:
“My clientele began asking for other treatments along the beauty side and my daughter isa trained beautician so it just seemed like the obvious next step. My clients come from all over the North East and being discreet is a big attraction for my clientele.
“If you believe in something strongly then I would always suggest follow your heart. It can be daunting and was for me but I took the risk and gave up a full time career with a reliable income but I was passionate about it and I knew it could work. Thankfully I have a good supportive family around me.
“Now I look towards the future and hope to employ more people and even bigger space.”
If you want more information on starting your business please give the business support team a call: 0191 516 6149.