FN-FORUM Advice on going it alone

date posted 29th September 2002 22:51

Hi Beth

I agree with the comments made by Hutch and Alex. OK, it's hard to get
going if you have no financial resources, but hey, look around at the
folk who've made it to the top - many of them didn't have two pennies to
rub together. An estate agent would say "location, location, location",
but with regard to starting out on your own, I would say "attitude,
attitude, attitude" - the more positive, the better.

We started out less than a year ago, and we are very busy indeed.

There are loads of very useful resources on the web, such as:

http://www.btopenworld.com/business/channel/0,2795,csn=7,00.html - this
is on the BT site, and if you select the Start Up Guide on the left, you
will find loads of valuable information.

http://www.companieshouse.com/ - if you want to set up a limited company
or limited liability partnership.

http://www.credit-to-cash.com/ - all sorts of ideas....

http://www.inlandrevenue.gov.uk/index.htm - if you're going to be
self-employed, you are required by law to register and start paying
Class 2 National Insurance contributions - £2 a week.

And finally, whether you choose to have a professional accountant or
not, please get yourself an accounting system from day one. It will save
you a lot of aggro - and money too, potentially - if you get it right
at the outset. You can buy a small package like Quickbooks or Sage and
do it yourself, but make sure that you keep records and receipts of all
business income and expenditure.

Oh, and good luck!

Lindsay

Business and IT consulting, sales and marketing services. Business
advice and mentoring for start-up companies and SMEs.
Professional Services Automation and accounting system selection.
http://www.howardsgate.co.uk [EMAIL REMOVED]