Looking at starting your own business?
If you’re thinking of starting a new business in 2022 then you are certainly not alone. A recent survey found 64 per cent of the British workforce want to start up on their own — citing reasons including earning more money, being one’s own boss, working from home and/or simply being unhappy in a current job. However, almost half of those people don’t believe they will actually do it. The explanations given include fear of failure, competition, stress and not feeling qualified enough.
If you’re caught in that trap between wanting to become self-employed but fearing what may lie ahead, then Work Avenue can help you. Since its inception in 2006, the employment and business advice organisation has helped thousands of entrepreneurs in our community to launch and grow their businesses.
It provides workshops, networking events and one-to-one business advice to help you plan all aspects of your potential business. Its team of advisers are there for you every step of the way and, best of all, everything is free.
Among those Work Avenue has helped is sole trader Alison Rubenstein, who set up Legacy Impact Fundraising earlier this year (alison@legacyimpact.uk). Like many who approach Work Avenue, Rubenstein was successful in her career but felt the time was right to strike out on her own. With several years of legacy fundraising experience behind her, she knew she wanted to develop a business that harnessed her passion, knowledge and expertise. Knowing she needed some advice on the complexities, and hearing about Work Avenue through friends, she met with Work Avenue’s head of business, Jo Sadie.
Legacy Impact Fundraising was launched soon after, and it has been a hugely rewarding and successful experience. Rubenstein is already busy creating bespoke fundraising plans with a number of highprofile community charities. She says: “I have extensive experience and knowledge of legacy fundraising. However, I have never been self-employed before and so the process of starting my own business has been a steep learning curve. There are times when a helpful ear and someone to bounce ideas off of is very useful, so knowing Jo is always there for support and advice is amazing. I come away from all our conversations energised.
“It isn’t just the one-to-one sessions that are a great resource. So too are the Work Avenue workshops. It’s fantastic to have friendly and accessible experts sharing their time and experiences. I
always find that the speakers are interesting, and skilled in ensuring that their content is relatable and personal. Thanks to Work Avenue, I feel excited and focused on further developing my business. I’d thoroughly recommend approaching them for anyone considering a start-up.”
Sadie and the business team help entrepreneurs and small business owners like Rubenstein every day in sectors from food to fashion, from pensions to
property, and everything in between. It can help you consider things such as:
Checking whether your business idea serves a current customer/client need or solves a problem.
If your model is financially viable and how to create the financial forecasts and systems you will need.
Whether the best business structure for you is sole trader, limited company or partnership.
How to open a business bank account, register with HMRC, insure yourself and other essentials.
How to put money aside for tax and emergencies.
What marketing, communications and social media strategy you will need.
Thinking of future growth and driving business, taking into account the market and your competitors.
And so much more.
Sadie, who is also a qualified corporate coach, says: “Everyone at Work Avenue is passionate about helping members of the Jewish community set and achieve their business goals. Whether it’s helping devise business plans, develop financial and marketing strategies or look at leadership and personnel — we provide real practical help and support.”
David Arden, Work Avenue’s CEO, adds: “We have some really exciting new business support offerings for 2022. If you are thinking about starting a new business, we will be offering a limited number of businesses the chance to join our flagship Business Accelerator initiative, a multi-disciplinary programme of expert support and practical interventions to really get your business off to a great start. It really is not to be missed.”
It’s fantastic to have friendly and accessible experts’