Understanding customers' needs is key for new businesses, Nwes column, Lynn News

By Paul Gardner, business consultant for Nwes

A few weeks ago I started working separately with a couple of potential new offshore fishermen who were looking to apply for funding under the Government’s Start Up Loan scheme.

Both had ambitious and exciting plans to start different businesses in the Norfolk fishing industry and thankfully Nwes were able to support both of them, as well as helping them obtain the funding they needed for their initial start-up costs.

As one client explained, with Nwes’s assistance he can now embark on a life-changing career and get on the right tracks with earning a living doing what he loves most.

Stories like this are not uncommon. Everyday businesses start up because an entrepreneur has an idea and the motivation to make a new business. When channelled in the right direction new businesses can thrive but it’s hard work and can be a steep learning curve.

I’m often asked what is a good business to start! Based on my experience the answer is less about what you want to do but more about how you do it. Yes, there are sectors that are popular and on-trend but successful start-ups appear in all kinds of sectors. Really understanding what your customers want and the price they will pay you is the key. History is littered with start-ups providing solutions for problems that don’t exist but get it right and you can taste success.

So you don’t have to be restrained by tradition but do be realistic!

Starting a business can appear quite daunting so Nwes’s monthly two-day start-up course at KLIC (next to the A47 bypass) will help you discover if your business could be viable by working through a series of tried and tested steps. It's open to all and free to attend, thanks to the programme being fully funded. For more details and to reserve your place visit www.nwes.org.uk/events

If you’ve ever considered starting a business or going self-employed, help is just a couple of clicks away. Alternatively, contact the Nwes team on 01553 970970.