Expert : Helen Dowling
Helen Dowling -
Owner Manager -
Exceptional Thinking
Area of Expertise :business planning
Exceptional Thinking is run by Helen Dowling, a professional market analyst and business planner. Helen has nearly 10 years' experience helping individuals and small businesses achieve their goals. Her dedication and drive for helping new and existing businesses saw Helen nominated as a finalist in the Cotswold Life Awards in 2006 and in the Barclay’s National Business Plan Awards in 2005 and won Helen The Shell LiveWIRE Award for Entrepreneurial Tenacity in 2004. Helen lives in Gloucestershire with her husband, two cats and a dog.
Helen 's Questions:
Hi Helen I am looking to start up a animal rescue centre I currently work as a vet nurse and am very interested in having my own rescue centre I was just wondering who would be best to contact with help starting it up and also if there would be any grants available as I have a bad credit rating and do not think I would be able to get a loan very easily. Many thanks. Jo
Posted on : 28 May 2009
Hello Jo, thanks for your question. Ok, let's start with the grants part first. I'm afraid that there are very few grants around these days - the number each year has been getting smaller and smaller and unless you tick the boxes of things the Government are rating as important, you're unlikely to get them. If you go to www.j4b.co.uk you'll find a list of all the current grants out there at the moment.
A better way for you if your credit rating isn't high is to use Community Development Finance Associations which can provide finance for starting a business if the banks can't provide it - go to http://www.cdfa.org.uk/cmframe.php?prmid=4000 to find one in your area.
As for who to contact about setting up the animal centre, I would recommend that you start by writing a business plan to map everything out for you and do some research by talking to other rescue centre owners (go out of your area if you feel they would class you as competition).
It's well worth having a chat with your local business link too - www.businesslink.co.uk to find your nearest one. They can really give you a helping hand with setting up your business.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Helen
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Hi Helen
I am a 29 year old looking for advice on starting my own business. I am an electro-mechanical engineer and have 5 years experience running a new business for someone else on my own from scratch and think now's the time to go it alone and get more out for the amount of work I put in. The only thing is, it is scary I don't know where to start.
I have lots of ideas but need guidance of how to make it happen. I also already have a group of contacts who say they will follow me so I know I am already half there but I need a plan of action.
Can you please help?
David, Cambridgeshire
Posted on : 17 May 2009
Hi David,
Thanks for your question. Yes I agree, you do need a plan of action. So are you ready to sit down with a pen and paper and get cracking?
You're going to need to plan out what to do under each of the following headings:
1) Marketing - how are you going to promote and market your business while spending as little money as possible?
2) Research - what research have you done? You may have people who say they'll follow you, but how do you know they really will? You need to find out about competition and think about how the current economic climate may impact you?
3) Finances - how will you fund the business? How will you make sure you've got enough money to survive even if you don't bring any money in for the first few months? What will your costs be? How much will you expect to bring in?
4) The service - what will your service be? How will it work? What service will the customers get? What will you do if there is a complaint?
5) Legal stuff - what insurance do you need? What about health & safety?
6) Actions - what do you need to organise to set yourself up? i.e. do you need to sort out a website, car sign, leaflets, insurance, desk, computer etc?
Hope this helps. Write down anything you can think of and then organise it into a to-do list. I think it's worth your while attending a business start-up course. We run them (our next one is in September) as do Business Link. Please don't hesitate to contact me on helen.dowling@exceptionalthinking.co.uk for more details.
Thanks
Helen
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Hello Helen, I am planning to start up a security company , could you please give me some advice on set up thank you
Posted on : 10 May 2009
Hi, thanks for your question.
The first thing you need to do really is write a business plan - a plan will enable you to really think through everything you need to do to set up a new business. The general headings are:
- What is the business and how will it operate?
- What makes you the best person to run it?
- How will you market and promote the business?
- What research have you done to make you think there is a market for your business?
- What prices will you charge?
- What are your plans for marketing on the internet i.e. will you need a website?
- How much do you need to fund the business?
- What will your costs be?
- How much money do you think you will bring in from sales?
A business plan will also set you an action plan of everything you need to do to actually set up the business. Once it's written, you will be able to use it to get money from the bank if you need to and also you'll feel confident about actually starting.
Then, when you're ready, you need to take a deep breath and actually start the business.
Hope this helps. If you need any further specific advice, please feel free to drop me a line to helen.dowling@exceptionalthinking.co.uk
Thanks
Helen
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Hi Helen,
I am confused about which business is for me ? I want to start franchies for one UK base company in India, could you please advice me what step I need to take before I start any franchies business ?
Please reply me.
Many thanks
Bijal Mehta
Posted on : 01 May 2009
Hi Bijal,
Thanks for your question. There are two questions here, so I'll answer each one separately. Firstly, about franchises, the most important thing you need to do is your research. You need to know everything you can about the company and what support the business will offer to you.
You also need to make sure that the franchise you're considering really suits your personality. People choose a franchise over starting their own business because of the support they get from the franchise, so make sure you really look into this. Know in your own mind how much support you'll need and make sure the franchise can offer this.
Make sure you shop around too. There are several franchises out there. Look at several, do your research on each and make sure the one you choose is right for you.
Your second question is about which business is for me. This is a very difficult question to answer as I'm not you and I don't know what sort of business would suit you, but chat this over with your friends and family and look at the other businesses that other people run - it might be an idea to go to a few networking events to see what businesses others are running and get some ideas about how they find being in business.
We have a free factsheet about coming up with a business idea, which I would be happy to send you if you'd like me to. My email address is helen.dowling@exceptionalthinking.co.uk
Hope this helps
Thanks
Helen
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hi helen
i have a very big problem i have an idea in me head but i have trouble putting it down on paper is there any help i can get to help me put it on to paper
Posted on : 08 April 2009
Hi, thanks for your question. Yes, putting your ideas on paper is quite difficult to do, so how about sitting down with a contact, friend or someone you trust and getting them to write while you talk? You don't have to worry about organising your thoughts at first - just get them down and then organise them afterwards.
Another idea could be to record your ideas into a dictaphone - again this would give you a way of thinking the idea through without having to write it down.
If you're still struggling, why not tear up pictures that reflect where you want to be from magazines and put them together to form a collage?
Remember unless you are needing to borrow money from a bank, you won't actually need a big formal business plan - a one-two page summary will be fine.
If you take the pressure off of yourself, I'm sure you'll be fine.
Hope this helps
Helen
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Good Evening Helen,
I created a limited company in UK about clothing and office stationery.
Registered trade mark and copyright on my own logo.
I'm moving by internet community and friends to involve as many people to wear my clothes and making my logo known in London-Rome(where I come from)-Sau PAulo and Rio de Janeiro.
I'll create a web site in short time but I'd like advices in how to move my first steps to get great results since beginning in a faster way,especially in planning properly my own business.
Kind regards
Marco Giannetto
TUNICA Ltd
marcogiannetto@hotmail.com
Posted on : 28 March 2009
Hi Marco,
Thanks for your question. It sounds like you're doing all the right things. Getting people to wear the clothes and making your logo known is great.
How about trying some PR too? PR is a great way to get your name and your brand out there. Why not write a press release and send it in to some papers or alternatively ask the press to come out and interview you?
Hope this helps
Helen
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how do I start a business plan? thanks danielle
Posted on : 23 February 2009
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hi, i may be made redundant in a few months. what grants and help is out there for me? i have heard of the "react scheme" but are there other grants to help a business start-up. i live and work in wales.
Posted on : 26 November 2008
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hi helen, I am planning to set up an online shop selling home accessories, and I am slightly unsure of the best plan of action, ie. what order to do things in. Is it best to sort out financing it first, and then look for the best deals within my budget for web design, buying goods etc, or do i need to work out all costs first and then ask for a loan? do you know any websites that give specific advice on online shops?
thanks!
C
Posted on : 16 November 2008
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HELLO SIR, I AM A 18 YEAR OLD STUDENT AND CURRENTLY STUDYING LAW, BUSINESS AND COMMUNICATIONS. I WOULD LIKE TO START MY OWN TRANSPORT, LOGISTICS COMPANY BUT I DONT KNOW HOW I SHOULD START MY BUSINESS CAN YOU PLEASE HELP. EVEN THOUGH I HAVENT DECIDED WHAT TYPE OF MARKET I WOULD LIKE TO PROVIDE MY SERVICES AND WHAT IS THE CURRENT METHOD OF CHARGES IN TRANSPORTATION BUSINESS I WOULD REALLY LIKE TO GET TO KNPOW SOME OF THE BASICS TO STARTING THIS BUSINESS. I KNOW THAT I WILL NEED A GOOD BUSINESS, MARKETING AND OPERATIONS PLAN. BUT I WOULD STILL LIKE TO GET A N OPINION FROM AN EXPERT.
THANK YOU
Posted on : 12 November 2008
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Hi Helen, I'm thinking of starting up a business which involves training people in a certain profession. what are the kind of things I need to consider when writing a business plan?
Posted on : 15 October 2008
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What's the best place to register a limited company? On the web (which sites)? In person (where, how)? Many thanks!
Posted on : 10 October 2008
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Whats the best way for person like my self who has just begun work, to increase my client base for selling marketing plans?
Posted on : 02 October 2008
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Dear Mrs Dowling,
My name is Catherine Vaughan and I have just finished my A-Levels. I have had an idea for a product for students, it's essentially a paper pad to aid revision via it's format. So how do I execute the idea for this paper pad design? What are the first steps I need to take and who to contact? Finally what should my business plan consist of as I have little experience in business; my A-levels were humanity subjects i.e. Law Sociology etc and I shall study them at University. Also I am uncertain of financial figures to have in mind; what would you suggest?
Many Thanks.
Posted on : 03 August 2008
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Hi Helen, I am an artist and am having an exheition o fexceptionally beautiful (was told so) photographs of water that appear like abstract designs some of whish dont look like water at all. Just wondered how would I go about developing those into products like cards, towels, bags, stained glass or bathroom curtains? Grateful in advance, Sol
Posted on : 23 July 2008
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I want to post a new thread om the Forum side, but allways get the odd windows error page, why is that?
Responding to a thread works...
Thank you,
Torsten
Posted on : 18 July 2008
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Hi Helen, 4 weeks ago I started Expedition Credit Management Limited with my father who is an experienced credit manager with 25 years in the industry. We provide a virtual credit control function to small and medium sized businesses. We are struggling to get our marketing message across to the right people and at present we are finding it difficult to bring in the business. Do you have any ideas on how to develop our business on a start-up budget?
Posted on : 07 July 2008
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Hi Helen. I am setting up a business in the USA and need some information. The market i am in is worth $60m with 3 competitors If my marketing, product, and pricing are all as good, and better than the competition. What should I be able to expect to turn over in year 1,2,3,4 & 5. I know this is a wide question, but I need some figures to work on. As the US embassy need me to do a business plan, and I need to document the figures I provide.
Posted on : 18 June 2008
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Hi Helen. I run a Painting & Decorating Company in London and would like to find out how best to expand my business and to gain new contracts. I'm mainly looking for Commercial projects. You can view my Company profile on: www.asperitycontracts.com Thanks in advance
Posted on : 12 June 2008
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HI Helen,
I am 36 yrs old and got 2 kids and have started ecommerce business for couple of months ago but i need to get some support like finance and advice relating to imports( i read it in the internet but still not clear about the hidden costs). I am reselling computer accessories, laptops, etc.,Do i get any interest free loan for women small bus entrepre. Where i can get these advices and i am living in Eastleigh.
Posted on : 08 June 2008
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Dear Helen, I'm running domestic cleaning company, but would like to do contracts with factories to provide them agency staff to do simple jobs such as packaging. I have no idea about contract conditions and hourly rates. I have been searching information on internet with little success.
Posted on : 08 June 2008
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Hi Helen, Your profile attracted me because I have been doing what you do for 7 years helping pre-starts and early-stage start-ups answer long lists of questions like the preceding ones. I have helped over 2000 clients through ESO's and BL surgeries. My questions to you are 1) How do we advance our practice so that it is more financially rewarding, when this customer group expect our support for free, and ESO's and BL's remunerations are so meagre? How do we get booked for seminars when they're always going to the same people? How can we attract clients who are willing and able to pay us?
Posted on : 07 June 2008
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Dear Helen Downing, 29th May.
Hope you are well.
I’m Osmond Noakes from Nottingham who saw you on the Startupcommunity website.
I wonder if you could (or someone) please help as I’m trying as many possible likely places
for pointers.
My partner who is 42 years old and artistic and therefore clever at making unbreakable dolls house furniture is very keen to get some good startup advise in retailing the furniture.
We have approached Nottm Business Venture but the advisor we spoke to isn't really able to help.
I’ve just emailed Katie at Startup Comm regarding the same.
Could you are someone therefore please give me some pointers for some good startup advise.
We are considering trying ebay but need an advisor to help get started as we have already taken a number of good photographs of some of the items.
I prefer it If you to call me my tel num is 0115 9282383 or 07906971292.
I really look forward to your reply.
Regards,
Osmond Noakes
Posted on : 29 May 2008
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Hello Helen. I have just formed a Ltd company and I'm in the marketing stage - trying to find clients. Is there any legal requirement to take out any kind of business insurance at this stage - or does this only become relevant once I am actively trading?
Posted on : 22 May 2008
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Hi Helen, My name is Sonia and I make and sell hand made greeting cards/wedding stationary.the sales so far has been among family and friends.My local florist and a shop display my cards too.I want to set up an internet shop as well as to supply to big names in the card industry, but do not know how to start.I do not have business skills/knowledge. Would you be able to help and advise.
Posted on : 07 May 2008
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Hi Helen, Like most people i want to be my own boss and run my own business. how ever like most lack security, the bank and accountants all say i have a viable business plan but due to lack of security are unable to assist with the financial help i require. Ive taken a look at most oppertunities their is and still hit a wall with lack of security. Ive studied the small firm loans scheme and find it misleading however im unable to apply for this due to the sector i wish to follow, thus being transport. please can you advise what avenues their are for me to consider, thank you. stuart scrivens
Posted on : 03 May 2008
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could you email me a copy of your 50 ways to market your business thank you
peter . I have an oppertunity to start a business importing products from china . This will be shown on a mainsteam tv documentery on three channels there will be two importand distribution experts to hold my hand and guide me through the whole process , how to source ,how to negociate and all i,ll need to know about shipping and taxes .My question is this , with this being on mainstream television and on three mainstream channels i know there is scope to advertise who would be interested in sponcering me
Posted on : 02 May 2008