[dustdees]

Hi Guys.

I have an advisor/consultant coming to see me within the next couple of weeks for one of those free small business reviews.
I have been having problems with cash flow, not making profit etc..

Has anyone else had one of these and if so what happens and did it benefit you?

All info grateful recieved.

Denise

[cleanandneat]

Hello,

I wouldn't worry,really. I had the same problems and I found and still find the Business Link meetings helpful and encouraging. As far as I am concerned you can be totally open and honest with them as they don't want to fine you or put strain on you but they want to guide you well. Try and write out questions and ideas before you see them so you won't forget to ask what you really want.

Kind regards,
Ildiko
Clean and Neat Service

[dustdees]

HI Clean and Neat,

Thanks for your reply, did it make a differance to your business.

At the moment I feel in a bit of a rut, what suggestions did they give you then?

Many thanks

[LTT Leathercare]

Business Link consultations are very very useful, we still work with an individual advisor who guides us through business decisions and strategic planning.

They work with you rather then telling you what to do and we have found it invaluable.

Stay positive and find out what they can offer in support you won't regret it.

[Lesley J]

sound like the kind of thing that I could do with, could you send me some info on how to contact them thanks Lesley

[cleanandneat]

TO DUSTDEES

As I started as a sole trader I tried to save cost on everything including business planning,accounts etc.
Business link was very good teaching me about VAT, accounts and profit margins...
The reviews are helpful as they highlight if you are able to follow the set up targets and method or you need different statics. Also I was able to discuss my plans and ideas with a professional and someone whom seen my business from a different point of view.Be honest with them they are not tax collectors or H&S officers ,they are a helpful team.

TO KEYBRITE

The local Jobcentre will be able to help you register with Business Link for an interview or alternatively 0845 600 9 006 or their very useful website at www.businesslink.co.uk will give you more details.
I also receive their regular newsletter via email and it is very up to date regarding regulations and changes in tha Law and interesting to read,too.

Hope it helps.

Ildiko
Clean and Neat Service

[wilclean]

hi

    I think this is what I need as business has been a little slow and need help drumming up more - I'll give them a call.


                                              cheers Paul

[Jan K]

i think this slow down is generally across the board as far as domestic cleaning is concerned. At the end of the day 5 Bank of England rate increases in the last year and another predicted means peeps have to cut back somewhere.......my Client base had gone from 50 to 25 in less than a year and instead of losing a few gaining and few more, i have been losing a few, losing a few more, and gaining the odd one.

After 4 1/2 years of trading, this last 6 months has been the worst for not gaining new clients and I am off looking for pastures new. I cant be doing with the stress and worry of not earning enough to pay the bills, and am quite excited about joining the ranks of the employed.........something I would never have dreamed of saying 4 years ago..........more than anything I am looking forward to leaving work behind at work and not streassing avbout last minute let downs by staff or clients not paying on time and me having to chase em up (although the ones I have left are pretty good).

Those of you who can hang in there and make a success of their business during these financially tough times, I take my hat off to ya, you are stronger, braver and more resilient than me lol.....I've had enough and am pleased I have finally made the decision to hang up me cleaning hat 

[dustdees]

Hi Jan

That's a real shame, howare you going to hang your hat then, with regards to the staff side, laying off etc?

real dam shame, you have been a good shoulder to me in the past.


Denise

[dustdees]

Has anyone else had a dealings with these people?

[kuiwik]

i have had 1 meeting with the reading based business link, they told me what i already knew but did give me a bit more confidence to find new work. I realise this might not be a great time for you but i may have a full time daytime supervisor job in reading available in the near future if you decide to call it a day.
good luck

[dustdees]

Hi Kuiwk,

Thanks for your reply.

I'm not going to call it a day to be honest as I really do like working for myself, I am limited to what I can do because of a heart conditon. So this is just right for me and to be honest I really don't think I could work to line someelse's pockets any more. No offense meant. But had enough of that!!

What is it you cover in Reading Commerical?

[kuiwik]

end of tenancies, carpet cleaning and some retail.
thats cool i couldnt work for anyone else either.
if you want some help let me know.
karl

[Art]

end of tenancies, carpet cleaning and some retail.
thats cool i couldnt work for anyone else either.
if you want some help let me know.
karl

Karl, what towns do you cover?

Arthur

[kuiwik]

hi art
we cover reading and surrounding areas, depends on the job really, travel for good sized jobs though

[Art]

hi art
we cover reading and surrounding areas, depends on the job really, travel for good sized jobs though

Karl,

Have you got an email address?

[kuiwik]

hydracleanuk@tiscali.co.uk

karl