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When was the company formed:
1st July 2009
Company Owner: Rob Cross - Director
Please give a brief history of the business:
In June 2009, I was made redundant. I could see it coming, but was in denial about the prospect of my regular job coming to an end. I had been employed by 2 Dairy Companies over the past 8 years, and over that time, I have built up a lot of industry knowledge, and customer contacts. Therefore when I was made redundant, I knew that I wanted to do something for myself, but what it looked like wasn’t clear. All I did know was that my regular income had stopped, and I needed to replace this quickly. Therefore I began by phoning every customer contact I knew, to find out what they were doing and if I could help in anyway – I suppose a scattergun approach. And then over the next few months things started to fall into place and I was connecting buyer and seller, earning commission along the way. My contacts grew and I could see the potential for a targeted sales agent in specific areas of the market. Lots of things I have tried haven’t worked, but for those areas that have worked, I have focussed a lot of my time and effort. Going forward I have also planned a bespoke consolidation business in partnership with a large consolidator, and have used my contacts well to set this up. From the network of contacts I now have and also the customers I have contacted, word is now getting around about the things I am doing, and refreshingly people are phoning me.
If I think back, the business has evolved as opposed to being strategically planned, as a result of responses from the customers and suppliers needs. I am sure the direction of the business will continue to change over the coming years as I discover new niche areas to operate in, at least now, I know I’m not afraid to try anything.
Why did your Company approach Business Link for assistance?
I have a group of old workmates (all made redundant at the same time) and we meet up every other month for a coffee to see how things are going and to give each other ideas. Business Link was suggested by one of them as being an organisation that was going to offer some sound advice, and it was free, so why not. If nothing else I was hopefully going to meet similar like minded people to learn experiences from.
What services did Business Link provide and how did they help?
There were a number of free courses that I went on, which most of all taught me how much I didn’t know!!! As I went on these courses about 3 months after I had already started, it was an amazing eye-opener as to some glaring mistakes I had made. On a positive note, the mentoring and advice I received, meant that I was able to instantly make changes to what I was doing, and add in some long overdue structure to the business. This then meant I was able to step back from the day to day front end and look at the bigger picture. I am now benefiting massively from this, and can now use my time more wisely. Business Link has been a major help on structuring:- My business plan, Business forecasting / financial planning and Marketing.
Would you have done differently or advice you would give to others to help them avoid pitfalls?
I would whole-heartedly recommend Business Link, but go and see them sooner rather than later. Yes, they are government organisation, but they are run by teams of people who have operated in the real world, people who have tried (and failed) at businesses over many years, and so rather than reading from text books, can offer first hand personal experience and advice. They also provide a business mentor – free!!!! No where else offers such invaluable support.
‘Top tips’ for another business person in a similar situation
You are not the first person to be in your position. Talk to people, in fact everyone you possibly can and listen to what people say. Do not be afraid to ask. In reality you’ll meet a lot of people who have been in a situation similar to yourself, and they are only too willing to help as they understand what you are going through.
Also recognise it is a journey on a roller coaster, and there will be highs and lows. But above all if you stick at it, you’ll find a way that works.
Above all ENJOY IT – it’s fun and incredibly rewarding.
Quotes and comments from client / advisor
Rob says: “You can’t do everything on your own, it’s not physically possible. But search no further as you have now found that perfect organisation. Business Link is there to help you, and provided you have a rough idea as to what you want to achieve, they will support you in any way they can.”
Ian commented: “To start and build a successful business you need knowledge of product and markets, business expertise, a bit of luck, but most of all enthusiasm, drive and determination. Business training and support comes from Business Link as required, but Rob has all the other attributes by the bucket load!”
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