I have an idea for a pizza and pasta restaurant similar to one that I visited in America.
The problem I have is that I have no experience in the food industry so am looking for a partner with experience that may be interested in a joint venture.
If anyone is interested or has any advice please contact me.

This is how coffee reublic got started. Their founder was visiting her brother in NY, he had to go to a meeting one morning so she went for a coffee and was amazed by the experience.

She's called Sahar Hashem and has written a book all about her experience. If you get the chance to see her present, she is very engaging.

If you're looking for investment, try speaking to the Yorkshire Association of Business Angels (YABA); they will have access to investors with retail experience.

Remember, though, we are in a recession (irrespective of what politicians tell us) and things are going to get very tough as we deal with the deficit i.e. discretionary spending will fall as taxes go up (VAT which will directly impact the restaurant market, NI, which will impact your employment costs and reduce everyone elses spending ability too).

All the very best if you decide to try and pull it off.

I went to an event where Sahar was speaking, and I have to agree it was a pretty amazing story.

They sold it (cant quite recall the eaxact figures) but something like 50 million was it Steve, when floated on the market? After just a few years.

They got turned down by 10 banks for a loan and the 11th gave them the money. I think it was about £90k or less. It was not working for the first 6 months, empty shop, no one buying. Struggling to recall what actually turned it around but I recall she said they went off overseas to sample coffee beans etc. to make their coffee unique and the best tasting. They then started to introduce other products.