Self Employment

Do you have a great idea for starting your own business?  Do you know how to go about setting one up?  Starting your own business is a big step and you'll need to spend a lot of time researching and planning before you go ahead.  You'll need to consider:

• what product/service you are going to offer
• if you need to approach a bank for a business loan
• if you need to rent premises to work from
• if you need to hire staff
• how you will source any raw materials
• how you will market your product/service
• how you will distribute your product/service.

Starting your own business is not an easy option but it can be very rewarding.  Use the information available to you.  Gain from others' experiences.

Your Connexions service is a great source of information and advice on self-employment.  There will be information in the Connexions centre and a personal adviser will be able to put you in touch with local organisations that can help and support

Useful Websites

Business Link - This site will help you to decide if you have what it takes to be successfully self-employed and what you need to consider before you start.

Shell LiveWIRE - helps 16-30 year olds start and develop their own business.

The Prince's Trust - offers a range of support to young people including start-up support for 18-30 year olds who have an idea for a business but can't raise all the cash they need.