Help with starting up on your own

Jan 29 2008 by Iain Laing, The Journal

BUSINESS Link is offering a helping hand to those thinking about starting up in business this year with the launch of its new online business start-up organiser.

For those looking to work for themselves or who have already started setting up a business, our new online business start-up organiser can help make your business a reality.

By identifying the development stage of your business, the organiser creates a methodical checklist of tasks for completion to ensure you are well-prepared to take your first steps in business.

This online organiser is quick and easy to use and has been designed with an appreciation of how your business plans can change, meaning it can be saved for review and amendments at a later date. Providing a library of useful resources, the organiser can help you with a range of business topics from choosing a legal structure and examining business finance options to registering the business for VAT.

Starting a new business is both exciting and rewarding, but it is also challenging, and the level of commitment that you will need should not be underestimated.

The success of your business will partly depend on your attitude and skills. This means being honest about a range of issues – your knowledge, your financial status and the personal qualities you can bring to your new business.

Commitment, drive, perseverance and support from family and friends will go a long way towards transforming your business idea into reality and will be especially important during the early days.

This tool is just one of the features on the website’s newly-enhanced starting-up section, which also includes other tools, advice and guides for the region’s budding entrepreneurs, including writing a business plan, choosing a business name and becoming an employer for the first time.

While the Business Link website enables you to access key information 24 hours a day, seven days a week, we’re more than happy to discuss your needs in more detail over the phone or in person. Entrepreneurs can also sign up for email alerts to ensure they remain fully informed on business developments.

Business Link offers a free and confidential service for anyone who wants to start a business in the North-East. Business Link’s substantial team of expert brokers operate across the region in local access points and on a mobile basis.

For information about Business Link, visit www.businesslinknortheast.co.uk or call (0845) 600 9006.