I have been dreaming about setting up a business in retail, but really have no clue where to start.

I've scoured lots of information from banks and property advisors, but I'm finding it all very confusing and could do with some advice on a more personal level.

I know there are a users on the forum who have shops, can anyone help?

Perhaps a opening a franchise would be easiest? The company would give you lots of support, then when you've found your feet - sell up and start your dream business.

There are often franchise/careers fairs held. Search the net. Try NEC birmingham.

Thank you for the suggestion, but I'm not interested in franchising. Running my own business and having to run everything by head office is not something that appeals to me. I want to have more control and creativity.

I suppose it depends on what sort of retail business you're wanting to run.

How about www.theEnterpriseShows.com? It was something I was intending to look at until I got a phonecall to go contracting

Your first port of call should be the Chamber of Commerce. They offer most if not all the advice you will need - they take you through Business plans and show you how to do a feasibility study and profit and loss accounts etc etc.

Their office is situated just passed the wicker archers on the right hand side (leaving town).

Strongly reccomend giving them a ring and see what thye say.


Good Luck anyway.


Mat:thumbsup:

Thanks for the suggestions.

I've been in touch with the princes trust, who were quite helpful, but unable to provide financial support unless I am unemployed!

Try Business Link (http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/) for some general advice on setting up a business. There are also some links on there to sites selling businesses. If you're not too sure about setting one up from scratch then you can buy yourself a ready made business, either one that needs some life injecting into it if you're up for a challenge or a well established business that just needs a new owner.

There's a place at Upperthorpe, I've forgotten the name, they provide business support, help find business angels/sponsors (sometimes) help make sure you covered everything you need and so on. I went on a few courses with them, doing things like tax returns, paperwork in general. It' son the corner of Upperthorpe shops at the bottom of Daniel Hill.

I would suggest you start buying and selling on e bay. If you cant survive there you might have to consider something else.

My advice is have a go, I set up in retail one year ago and it is the hardest year I have had, but rewarding, I now employ people and things are looking up, but get ready, I thought I was going to do this to allow me not to be tied to my job, I was not going to work seven days a week, I now work seven days a week. lol
GO FOR IT.
Regards Scotdoggie
Ps Enterprise offer good advice, and e-bay although we did not start with it is now proving a fantastic place to trade.