Starting a new business - advice please

[girlsmum]

Hi,

I can't really say too much but was wondering if anyone could point us in the right direction......

We have had a business idea which would be based abroad (spain initially) - however, we are totally clueless as to where to get advice and information.

We can't say what the idea is as it would very easy to nick it - I knowthat somewhat limits the advice you can give us.

Thanks

do you mean advice about the legalities etc or about marketing and running it?

if the former and you live in spain, any assesor or gestor will be able to help. You'll need to set up as autonomo (don't let them talk you into starting an sl just yet - in fact get a different gestor if they suggest it).

if you'll be based in the uk then a good accountant is what you need - same deal really, just less paperwork.

otoh good marketing advice etc is harder to find. you should test the market as much as you can - find people and ask them about whether they' buy whatever it is you're going to sell. then look into as many different modes of advertising as poss. don't pay too much, but don't skimp, and especially don't make the mistake of thinking that just having a website is enough.

Hard to be specific, but you could borrow or buy books about starting a business, with a view to transferring your info to the spanish context.
At some point sooner rather than later you'd surely need specific Spanish legal/business advice; maybe the spanish embassy or trade delegation could help with finding an English speaking person to help you.

I am just confirming with my brother that this is what he infact does (I think it is but not sure of the exact details) and once he gets back to me I will give you his e-mail address.

NOt sure about the Spanish aspect of it but the small business advice place is excellent at sourcing info for you. Sorry can't remember what its called in England. Scotland they are called Business Gateway.

Hi there

Yes, I e-mailed my brother (he is on honeymoon at the moment) and that is exactly what he does.

If you want to contact him, then send me an e-mail and I will reply with his contact details.

theparkinsonfamily at hotmail dot com

Try business link for general business advice, including info about taxation etc. Obviously you'd need specialist advice for the 'spanish' element(!) but this could be a good place to start.

Just to confirm, my brother lives in Spain and has his own management and communications company, he also works in London for a PR company.

Hi. Sorry for the delay in replying.

The business link website was good. Thanks.

And Thank you WCL I will email you shortly.

I'm feel nervous and excited as a sahm that my dh and I have come up with an idea which I'm hoping will provide for our future.

Fingers crossed...