Tha Lifestyle Dec,2013 | Page 15

tha lifestyle | Business & finance Starting your own business: The Sky is the Limit Sakthivel Sachithananthan Chartered Accountant Founder: Accountancy gateway www.accgateway.com This raises your profile in a positive way. table while M&S started with a market stall. Look at where they are now! Every business from its commencement and through its development and growth will need finance. Starting a business is demanding. Commitment, determination and enthusiasm are essential. But what type of finance is best suited to the business and who should you approach for funding? Are you running an Off-licence Start -up business funding should be from your saving, relatives or any of the other investors. Alcohol (Beer,wine & spirits) – 20% When commencing a new business, ver y often the initial monies invested will come from the individual’s personal savings. Additional funding requires a commitment in terms of capital and interest payments. www.businessesforsale.com Embarking on this course of this action must therefore be planned carefully. Start small and keep overhead low. Don’t spend any more than you have to on your start-up. Many businesses start very small. For instance Laura Ashley began on her kitchen store? Then Check your figures! On Average Off-Licence must make 17.5 % anual Gross Profit margin. Snacks (Crisps, pea nuts, etc) – 30% go. Every Business should have a business plan. It is the key to success. As the saying goes: ‘If you fail to plan, you plan to fail’. Therefore preparing a business plan will help you to set clear objectives for your business and clarify your thinking. It will also help to set target for future performance and monitor finance and profitability. Keep your finances and records in order: everyone hates it- but it must be done. Cigarettes, cigars and tobacco – 8% Looking for Off-licence on sale? www.offlicenceforsale.co.uk www.rightbiz.co.uk www.nationwidebusinesses.co.uk You will need managerial, financial, technical and marketing skills. If you feel that you do not have these expertises personally, they can be found in a partner or employee. If you feel that you are not ready to employ anyone or take on a partner, there are many courses out there to get you trained and get you on the Speak to your accountant about how much you should put aside for your forthcoming tax bills. Keep good records of your incoming and outgoing revenues, your receipts and other related information. Running a business should be creative, satisfying and enjoyable. It’s a chance to express you, meet interesting and creative people, potentially make a lot of money and create a whole new life for yourself. So do everything you can to enjoy the process of being in business. 13