Become your own boss the easy way

POTENTIAL business owners in Oldham can attend free advice workshops at Voluntary Action Oldham on Wednesday — and a two-day business planning workshop next Wednesday and Thursday at Earl Mill in Dowry Street, Hathershaw.

“Exploring Enterprise” takes place at Voluntary Action Oldham in Manchester Chambers on West Street at 10am.

Business support group Blue Orchid, which has seen a sharp increase in inquiries from people wanting to become their own boss, is hosting the sessions.

Blue Orchid managing director Heather Hayes says the majority of business start-up queries are coming from workers who have been made redundant over the last six months.

She said: “The workshops are aimed at people from all backgrounds who are thinking about starting their own business or want to gain a clear idea of what becoming self-employed entails.

“The three-hour session will provide an overview of the key issues from whether being your own boss is right for you to finding the right markets for your business, customers and pricing.

“The two-day business planning workshop will delve deeper into the mechanics of setting up your own business and goes through all aspects of business planning including financial control techniques, market research and writing a business plan.

“Our workshops provide a progression for prospective business owners and if they want to go forward we can then offer one-to-one expert advice to hone their business ideas and get their product or service right before trading.

“Setting up in business is a giant leap of faith which requires guts and clear thinking. We are here to help people make their business dream a reality.”

The workshops are part of a wider campaign of business start-up advice being rolled out across Greater Manchester by Blue Orchid.

Mrs Hayes added: “Our message is that whatever your circumstances if you need advice on setting up in business then contact us.

“Our advice is publicly funded, free and available to anyone living in Oldham. We have a team of hugely experienced advisers and mentors who can offer advice and support throughout the journey of becoming self-employed.”

For further details email start-up@theblueorchid.co.uk  or call 0161-341 0245.