Currently large numbers of business owners are finding trading conditions very tough with many looking to get out of business and return to employment, while many others are scaling down their enterprise and seeking part-time work to supplement their income. At the same time Government are encouraging more people to start up in business with the launch of a new campaign...
According to official figures there are 4.14 million people in self-employment (about 14% of total employment) and latest statistics available show that self employment was 300,000 higher in spring 2010 than at the start of the recession in 2008 - a rise of about 8%. However a report by the CIPD suggests that these figures don't tell the whole story...
Our lead article last week presented a rather controversial argument which raised questions about 2012 being held up by Government and others as the 'year for enterprise', and whether it makes sense to encourage more start ups, especially now there is so little genuine local business support available...
Is it right to encourage the start up of more hairdressers, shops and freelancers to add to the struggling hairdressers, shops and freelancers who are already scraping the barrel in terms of finding demand from customers with spare disposable income for their already widely available products and services - especially following the near wipeout of practical, face-to-face support?...
At this time of year it's certainly a useful exercise for business owners to look back over the previous 12 months before looking ahead to their business prospects (or lack of them), and the opportunities or challenges they will be facing over the coming year...
Depending on whom you are talking to or dealing with, there will be many different factors to consider when preparing your business plan. However, whatever the reason, situation or purpose for your plan here are seven real-world principles you should stick to in order to avoid entering the business plan 'valley of death'...
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