WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS

“RUNNING YOUR OWN BUSINESS ISN’T ALWAYS THE EASY OPTION. You may have had a genius business idea but, as Thomas Edison said: genius is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration. When I made the transition from corporate to entrepreneurial life, I surrounded myself with people who’d help me. A strong support network will help your business and confidence grow.” Anna Jones, co-founder, Allbright, a funding and support platform for female-led businesses

If your heart doesn’t say yes – if you wouldn’t want to GO FOR A DRINK at the pub with them – do not hire them Holly Tucker

“I WISH I HAD SOUGHT OUT A MENTOR when we were first starting Cult Beauty; advice on how best to structure the business, draw up shareholder agreements, and find good lawyers would have meant a much less turbulent first three years. But it’s also important to know when to trust your gut. Advice is nostalgia, based on one person’s view of their experiences. The greatest businesses are built around blind spots that no one else in that industry has spotted.” Alexia Inge, co-founder, Cult Beauty

“IT’S BETTER TO HAVE A HOLE THAN AN ARSEHOLE! When a business grows quickly, you soon realise the pitfalls of hiring the wrong person for your team – it can set you back a year. Ultimately, if your heart doesn’t say yes – if you wouldn’t want to go for a drink at the pub with them – do not hire them.” Holly Tucker, co-founder, Not On The High Street and founder, Holly & Co