JANUARY is the peak time for people ditching the nine to five and looking to start their own business in Coventry and Warwickshire – and 2017 is set to be no exception.
The start-up support team at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce are anticipating a rush of calls in the New Year as people look to follow their dream of being their own boss.
The Chamber offers a range of help from workshops to one-to- one mentoring and, according to Operations Manager Keely Hancox, the New Year offers individuals a chance to reflect.
She said: “At Christmas and New Year, people not only take the time to celebrate but they think about what they want to do long term and, for many, it means setting up their own business.
“So January tends to be a busy time with people contacting us after Christmas looking for help and support.
“I would certainly advise that they do speak to us because getting the right advice from the outset can be a huge benefit to people as there are many aspects of starting a company that they don’t consider.
“For some, just making the call into the Chamber and hearing that support is available can give them the confidence to take the next step. In some instances, it may work the other way.
“They may see that they are not quite ready because it’s important to understand that the rewards that come with starting a business also take lots of hard work and can mean unsociable hours, at times.”
Over the past 12 months, the Chamber has supported more than 120 people in starting their own business – from a photography company to an independent café.
Keely said there a several pointers to consider.
She said: “The starting point is whether you are interested in or have certain expertise that would make a good business. If you know the subject, it’s a great place to start.
“Then, you have to look at whether there is a gap in the market – is anyone else doing it? If they are, how can you do it differently or better?
“Also, you have to think about what you want from the business – is it a lifestyle choice or do you want to grow it, take on staff and become bigger than just you?
“Finally, and this is key, what other expertise do you need? You might be brilliant at what you do but there is so much more to running a business than that. You have to consider everything from finance to marketing if you want to make it a success.
“Those questions might be new to you but they are the questions that our team have asked and answered hundreds of times so we’d urge anyone thinking of starting a business to get in touch as soon as possible.”
This project is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund, forming part of the
Coventry & Warwickshire Business Support Programme.
It is funded by Coventry City Council, Warwickshire County Council and the district & borough councils.
To find out more and book onto one of the Chamber’s start-up programmes contact the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce on 02476 654 321.
