Spotlight at the National Careers Service
Is there a Business in You?
There’s a well-known phrase that says there’s a book in all of us, as we’ve all got a different story to tell about our lives. But if you take your individual interests, skills, talents and areas of knowledge – is there a business in you? Whether you’re into thinking up new mobile phone apps or restoring furniture, why not see if you can use your interests and skills to launch a successful business?
Business In You, which is backed by the Prime Minister, is a partnership between private enterprise and government to highlight the support that’s out there for start-ups and growing businesses. It aims to encourage entrepreneurial spirit in 2012 and show that you don’t have to win The Apprentice to make it in business! The website hopes to provide inspiration by showing that if you have a good idea and get the right advice, you too can set up a successful business, even in challenging economic times.
Stories of those who have done it
There are lots of case studies on the site, so you can see that setting up a successful business really is possible. Take Jamal Edwards, founder of SB.TV, the UK’s leading online broadcaster of youth programmes. Jamal made his first films with a video camera he got for Christmas, and six years on, his YouTube channel has over 87 million views and 150,000 subscribers.
Then there’s Paul Lindley, founder of baby food manufacturer Ella’s Kitchen. Paul realised that parents wanted healthy organic food for their babies, and that babies wanted colourful, squeezable packaging that would make mealtimes fun. In six years Ella’s turnover has gone from zero to £60m a year.
The complete business advice service
On the site you can also get access to videos, tutorials to take you through the process of starting up a business. It also includes details of business support schemes, local events and workshops, local business mentors, legal advice, sources of finance, and help with exporting and employing new staff.
Business in You works with a large team of partners including government, ebay and high street banks. This enables them to deliver the complete business start-up advice service.
Visit Business in You to find the hidden entrepreneur in you. And visit our page on working for yourself to find out the advantages of running your own business, plus the challenges you are likely to face.
