Long-term benefits of your own business

Jan 13 2010 by Iain Laing, The Journal

The New Year is the perfect time to make lifestyle changes and pursue ambitions, whether it's improving health and wellbeing, spending more time with the family, or even starting up a new business. Here Business Link's Chris Simpson, looks at why your resolution this year could be to make your new business dream a reality.

THE New Year is a great time for setting ourselves new challenges and introducing positive change across all areas of our lives - whether they're personal, lifestyle or career orientated.

However, while we may have given up on the gym and diet regime by the end of January, choosing to start up a new business could be a positive change that has a more long-lasting impact.

With careful planning and by making the most of the support available, your resolution to set up a new enterprise could mark the beginning of a great new career path that delivers excellent benefits.

The reason many of us fail to stick to our resolutions - whether it's giving up smoking, losing weight or curbing our shopping habits - is because we aren't fully committed to the idea in the first place or we don't get the right kind of support to make them happen.

However, if you are determined to succeed, starting a new business is something that is achievable and there is a wealth of support available to ensure your enterprise gets off to the best possible start and is set for a promising future.

Business Link has a team of advisers who can offer support and guidance for anyone thinking about taking a leap into self-employment in 2010.

As with any major changes we make, rushing into a new business start-up is ill advised, so it is vital that time is taken to look objectively at your idea and assess whether it will reallywork.

We can work with you to develop your business plan, helping you make an honest assessment of whether you have the finances, skills and structures in place to make your venture a success.

With so much focus on the troubled economic climate in 2009, many people might be asking themselves if it's the right time to set up a new business, however there are still many opportunities in the marketplace that can be maximised with the right research, planning and support.

Setting up your own business is a lifestyle decision requiring a lot of hard work and commitment. However, the result can be a thriving and rewarding venture with real long-term potential.

:: For further information about Business Link visit www.businesslink.gov.uk/northeast or call 0845 600 9 006.

:: To subscribe to the regular e-newsletter featuring advice on a range of issues faced by new businesses email: enquiries@businesslinknortheast.co.uk stating your wish to receive the pre-start newsletter, and to find out about Business Link's programme of start-up workshops taking place at venues across the region visit www.eventsnortheast.co.uk