Now could be the perfect time to launch your business idea

Alison Cork is an entrepreneur, founder of makeityourbusiness.co.uk and ambassador to the British Library Business & IP Centre

The pandemic shunted us firmly out of our comfort zones and upended job security. But that very uncertainty and enforced isolation also prompted people to reflect and rethink. Last year actually saw the highest growth on record of new start-ups – 84,000 more new businesses were set up in 2020 than in 2019.

So how do you do it?

The first rule of a good business idea is to take the time to research the viability and demand for a product or service. Lay strong foundations for your business and get good advice. The British Library Business & IP Centre Network can help with marketing and intellectual property advice, information on access to funding and mentoring opportunities. Gov.uk/ set-up-business is also great for practical start-up guidance.

Networking is key.

Starting a business can be lonely but there are many networks out there that can provide that crucial, non-judgemental support. Make It Your Business was founded specifically to support femaleled operations. Nacue.com focuses on younger entrepreneurs and student entrepreneurs, while The Chamber of Commerce Network exists to support and connect companies.

Personal resilience and passion are vital.

Whatever support you have, there will inevitably be bumps in the road. Being an entrepreneur is a marathon not a sprint, but the past year might just have sounded the starting gun you needed.