1. “ Steps to Success! Business Link Yorkshire presenter Jean Kent

2. “Who are Business Link Yorkshire?”… We are the provider of Business Link services for the whole of Yorkshire and the Humber Uniting the Region Simplifying Business Support

3. “What do we do?”… Help you to generate and develop business ideas Work with you to identify what is needed Help you to identify the business skills you need Support you when your business starts Continue to support you as your business grows and develops

4. The Steps to Success A sound idea Research; the idea, the market and support Analyse the results (SWOT) Plan the business Execute the plan (making it happen) Constant review

5. A Sound Idea Explore different ideas and evaluate Can you define your idea? Will it make money? What do you want from it? Will it work? Is there a market already? Who else is doing it?

6. Research; the idea, the market, support Who are your potential customers? What do they buy? Who do they buy from now? Why do they buy? What do they want? How much are they prepared to pay? Who can help me? Can I protect it?

7. Plan your business What are your business/personal objectives? How will your business operate? Who is in your business? How will you market your business? What are the initial costs? How will you survive? What are the timescales? Always review your plan

8. “Hot” tips for starting a business Be clear about your business idea Be honest about your skills Research what support is available Research your customers, competitors and suppliers The “Market”…know where you fit

9. “Hot” tips continued… Develop a business plan Always start with all the cash you need Prepare and plan for contingencies Take professional advice Create an Action plan Network, network, network!

11. Workshops when considering self-employment Generating and Developing Business Ideas Exploring Self Employment Buying a Franchise

12. The ‘Starting a Business Course’ workshops Producing Your Business Plan Marketing your New Business Financial Forecasting Practical Selling Skills

13. Further Assistance from Business Link Yorkshire  www.businesslinkyorkshire.co.ukwww.businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk  info@businesslinkyorkshire.co.uk  08456 048 048

14. “ Getting Ready for Business with Business Link Yorkshire & HM Revenue & Customs