SELF EMPLOYMENT

 

Running your own business can be one of the most satisfying ways of working, in terms of independence and control over your own work. The small business sector is given lots of encouragement – advice, seminars, competitions. Grants may also be available.

It is important to spend some time on the preliminary stages of thinking about your business idea, developing it and planning how you are going to put it into action. Do weigh up advantages and disadvantages.  This leaflet will tell you where to obtain further information and advice. 

INVEST NORTHERN IRELAND (INVEST NI)

Invest NI is Northern Ireland’s new economic development agency established in April 2002. Its headquarters are in the Greater Belfast area (addresses below) with local Offices throughout Northern Ireland- see contact details below. In addition to providing information about the wide range of assistance on offer Invest NI local staff can offer valuable advice and practical business experience and provide access to a network of contacts to signpost your business in the right direction. 

Its overall mission is to accelerate economic development in Northern Ireland, applying expertise and resources to encourage innovation and achieve business success, increasing opportunity for all within a renewed culture of enterprise. 

Areas of expertise include marketing, research and development, total quality management, export marketing development and business counselling. 

The Start A Business Programme 

The Business Start Programme provides a package of support to anyone interested in setting up a business. If you have an idea for a business, your Local Enterprise Agency can assist you in the business planning and research process. The Programme is free and is delivered throughout Northern Ireland. 

You cannot join the Start A Business Programme if you have already started trading. 

What the Programme offers 

The Start A Business Programme offers three key components:- 

A business advisory service - You will be provided with the services of an expert business adviser who will work with you on a one-to-one basis, helping you prepare for
your business and meeting with you once the business has started.

A training course - The course comprises 10 modules focusing particularly on: 

• sales and marketing
• financial management
• legal and statutory issues
• general business practices

It also features IT support. Previous experience of computers is not essential. The option to develop a web page for your business is also available plus an additional six hours of one to one mentoring on using your PC. 

The training is modular, however all sessions must be attended. Evening courses are offered in at least one venue in each region. 

Financial planning service - You will be helped to assess how much money you need to start your business and explore all potential funding options. Once you complete the training and prepare your business plan, you will be eligible to apply for the financial support on offer i.e. grant and loan. 

The Start A Business Programme is funded by Invest Northern Ireland in association with Northern Ireland’s 26 councils and the European Social Fund. 

For more information on Invest NI's local offices and their services see below:-

Local Offices

Eastern Local Office
Bedford Square
Bedford Street
Belfast
BT2 7ES
E-mail: elo@investni.com
Tel: 028 9023 9090
Fax: 028 9043 6536 

North Western Local Office
Building 1
Ulster Science & Technology Park
Buncrana Road
Londonderry
BT48 0JB
E-mail: nwlo@investni.com
Tel: 028 7126 7257
Fax: 028 7126 6054

Southern Local Office
Drumalane Mill
The Quays
Newry
Co. Down
BT35 8QF
E-mail: slo@investni.com
Tel: 028 3026 2955
Fax: 028 3026 5358 

Western Local Office
Kevlin Buildings
47 Kevlin Avenue
Omagh
BT78 1ER
E-mail: wlo@investni.com
Tel: 028 8224 5763
Fax: 028 8224 4291 

North Eastern Local Office
Clarence House
86 Mill Street
Ballymena
BT43 5AF
E-mail: nelo@investni.com
Tel: 028 2564 9215
Fax: 028 2564 8427 

Coleraine Office
Science Innovation Centre
Cromore Road
Coleraine
BT52 1ST
E-mail: nwlo@investni.com
Tel: 028 7028 0055
Fax: 028 7028 0088 

Craigavon Office
Oracle Conference Centre
Upper Bann Institute
36 Lurgan Rd
Portadown
BT63 5BL
E-mail: slo@investni.com
Tel: 028 3839 0140
Fax: 028 9043 6536 

Fermanagh Office
INTEC Centre
36 East Bridge Street
Enniskillen
BT74 7BT
E-mail: wlo@investni.com
Tel: 028 6634 3942
Fax: 028 6632 8337 

ADVANTAGE NI (Formerly Shell Livewire)

THE PRINCE’S TRUST – NORTHERN IRELAND 

The Prince’s Trust helps young people to overcome barriers and get their lives working.  It gives young people a chance in life. 

Through practical support including training, mentoring and financial assistance, it helps 14-30 year-olds realise their potential and transform their lives. 

The Business Programme provides finance and support for unemployed young people (aged 18-30) to start their own business. 

Support available to young people includes:

• Test Marketing Grant up to £250 to carry out market research.
  
• Start-Up Grant up to £1,500 in special circumstances(Up to a maximum of £3,000 where there are 2 or   more partners).
  
• Start-Up Loan up to £4,000 for a sole trader and £5,000 for a partnership.

Repayable up to 3 years at an interest rate of 3% per annum.

• A voluntary business mentor is assigned to each young entrepreneur to support them for up on 3 years. 
  

Additional support includes web presence on a virtual business park, free corporate stationery pack consisting of business cards, letterheads, flyers etc. IT advice and training, marketing advice and a 24-hour free legal helpline. 

For further information contact:-

The Prince’s Trust, Block 5, Jennymount Court, North Derby Street, Belfast BT15 1JP. Tel: 028 9074 5454 Fax: 028 9074 8416 

BUSINESS INSTITUTE

The University of Ulster Business Institute has a well-established and internationally recognised facility for encouraging enterprise and the growth and development of business of all sizes. It currently provides management training and development activities for local, national and international markets.

As a world-class leader in business and management development activities for small businesses, it has a well-established portfolio of programmes for business owners and key managers. Programmes are tailored for individual businesses according to their stage of development, some are designed for specific industrial sectors and others are offered on a cross border basis. 

It also offers a range of initiatives aimed at internationalising small businesses through examining best practice, identifying new market opportunities and developing the potential for collaborative business ventures. In addition to its management development
activities, it offers a range of professional certificated programmes for the small business support network including business advisers, trainers, accountants, consultants, bankers and other support agency staff. These programmes have been delivered locally and
internationally. 

Start-up and Young Business

Women in Enterprise Programme 

Business Advisers and Trainers

Business Advisers Programme 

Developing Businesses

• Developing Managers Programme

• Business Leaders Programme 

The Business Institute also offers a range of in-company accredited programmes tailored to suit the development needs of the entire management teams of large organisations.

Contact:-

Ms Edel O’Neill, Director, Business Institute, University of Ulster, Shore Road, Newtownabbey BT37 0QB Tel: 028 9036 6417 Fax: 028 9036 8053
E-mail: e.oneill@ulster.ac.uk 

Professional Advisers

If you intend to buy an existing business or start a business from scratch you will need to seek professional advice from the following:– 

Solicitor will advise on the drawing up of contracts and company law and he will also advise on the advantages as well as the disadvantages of the different types of business unit – sole trader/proprietor, partnership, private limited company. 

Accountant will provide advice on day-to-day book-keeping, basic records you should set up and on National Insurance Contributions, VAT and Income Tax. 

Bank Manager will advise on business finance and on raising capital such as an overdraft or bank loan. Never be tempted to invest money in any project or scheme until
you have carefully thought the whole thing out and discussed it with experts. Do not sign or enter into any business agreement without taking expert advice.

Areas of Self-Employment 

Below are some suggested areas in which self-employment is possible – this is not a comprehensive list.

• Retail – selling either goods or a service – you will need capital for financial investment in stock and equipment. 

• Farming and Market Gardening – you will need capital and the capacity for hard physical work. Land, equipment and buildings are expensive. It is also important to have
experience, training and know-how. 

• Hotel and Catering – one of the largest employing industries in the UK covering a wide range of establishments from large hotels to small guest houses and a vast number of pubs and clubs.  Hours can be long and irregular and great energy and commitment is needed. It is possible to enter the industry on a small or part-time basis e.g. providing  a service for private functions, baking, takeaway lunches, and private waiter service. 

• Entertainment – most people go into the entertainment business on a part-time basis. Talent, self-confidence, perseverance and dedication are necessary qualities. Expect to work unsociable hours. 

• Media and Communications – people who have training, experience or talent in writing, broadcasting, design, research, editing etc can work on a freelance basis. Success depends on enterprise, flair and making contacts. 

• Arts and Crafts – people can work from home either on a full or part-time basis. Considerable skill and talent are required.  

• Construction, Building, Maintenance and Repairs – Plumbers, joiners, bricklayers and electricians are in constant demand. So also are those who can do small jobs in the house repair area. Established firms often charge high rates so there are opportunities for those who are prepared to work for a lower rate, especially if they offer prompt, efficient service. 

Industrial Relations 

If you are thinking of employing staff you will need to know what rights individuals are entitled to regarding their employment. For further information please contact the Labour Relations Agency, 2-8 Gordon Street, Belfast BT1 2LG. Tel: 028 9032 1442 Fax: 0289033 0827
E-mail:info@lra.org.uk  Website:  www.lra.org.uk 

Training

Local colleges and adult education centres run many evening classes, some of which could help in providing training – e.g. catering, dressmaking, photography, computer skills etc. You can obtain further details from your local college.

You could contact The Association of British Correspondence Colleges (ABCC), P.O. Box 17926,
London SW19 3WB Tel: 020 8544 9559 for a list of appropriate correspondence training courses.
Email:  Info@HomeStudy.org.uk 
Website:  www.homestudy.org.uk 

Further Information

“Working for Yourself” – The Daily Telegraph Guide to Self Employment by Godfrey Golzen. Published by Kogan Page Ltd, 120 Pentonville Road, London N1 9JN Tel: 020 7278 0433. Fax: 028 7837 837 6348. 

NI Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Commerce House, 22 Gt Victoria Street, Belfast BT2 7BJ Tel: 028 9024 4113  Email: mail@northernirelandchamber.com
Website:  www.northernirelandchamber.com  

 Local Enterprise Agencies (LEAs) 

 

Acorn The Business Centre 2 Riada Avenue Garryduff Road Ballymoney BT53 7LH Tel:  028 27 666133 Fax: 028 27 665019 E-mail: Enquiries@acornbusiness.co.uk	Banbridge District Enterprises Banbridge Enterprise Centre Scarva Road Banbridge  BT32 3QD Tel:  028 40 66260 Fax: 028 40 662325 E-mail:  info@bdelonline.com	Craigavon Industrial Development Organisation Ltd CIDO Business Complex Carn Ind Area Portadown Tel:  028 38 333393 Fax: 028 38 350390 E-mail: info@cido.co.uk
Antrim Enterprise Agency 58 Greystone Road Antrim BT41 1JZ Tel:  028 94 467774 Fax: 028 94 467292 E-mail:  admin@antrimenterprise.com	Carrickfergus Enterprise Ag 8 Meadowbank Road Carrickfergus BT38 8YF Tel:  028 93 369528 Fax: 028 93 369979 E-mail: kelli@ceal.co.uk	Down Business Centre 46 Belfast Road Downpatrick BT30 9UP Tel:  028 44 616416 Fax: 028 44 616419 E-mail: business@downbc.co.uk
Ards Business Centre Ltd 19 Jubilee Road Newtownards BT23 4YH Tel: 028 91 819787 Fax: 028 91 820625 E-mail: postbox:ardsbusiness.com	Castlereagh Enterprises Ltd Dundonald Enterprise Park Enterprise Drive Carrowreagh Road Dundonald BT16 0QT Tel:  028 90 557557 Fax: 028 90 447448 E-mail:  enterprise@castlereagh.com	Dungannon Enterprise Centre Ltd Dungannon Enterprise Pk 2 Coalisland Road Dungannon BT71 6JT Tel:  028 87 723489 Fax: 028 87 752200 E-mail:  admin@dungannonenterprise.com
Armagh Business Centre 2 Loughall Road Armagh BT61 7NJ Tel:  028 37 525050 Fax: 028 37 526717 E-mail: info@abcarmagh.com	Coleraine Enterprise Agency Loughanhill Industrial Estate Coleraine BT52 2NR Tel:  028 70 356318 Fax: 028 70 355464 E-mail:  info@coleraine-enterprise.co.uk	East Belfast Enterprise Park 308 Albertbridge Road Belfast BT5 4GX Tel:  028 90 455450 Fax: 028 90 732600 E-mail:  info@eastbelfast.org

Ballymena Business Development Centre Ltd 62 Fenaghy Road Galgorm Industrial Estate Ballymena BT42 1FL Tel:  028 25 658616 Fax: 028 25 630830 E-mail:  info@ballymenabusinesscentre.co.uk	Cookstown Enterprise Centre Derryloran Industrial Estate Sandholes Road Cookstown BT80 9LU Tel:  028 86 763660 Fax: 028 86 763160 E-mail: info@cookstownenterprise.com	Enterprise North West 16c Queen Street L'Derry BT48 7EQ Tel:  028 71 279191 Fax: 028 71 371938 E-mail: info@north-westmarketing.com
Fermanagh Enterprise Ltd Enniskillen Business Centre Lackaghboy Ind Estate Tempo Road Enniskillen BT74 4RL Tel:  028 66 327348 Fax: 028 66 327878 E-mail: info@fermanaghenterprise. com	Moyle Enterprise Co Ltd 61 Leyland Road Ballycastle BT54 6EZ Tel:  028 20 763737 Fax: 028 20 769690 E-mail: enquiries@moyleenterprise. com	Ormeau Business Park 8 Cromac Avenue Belfast BT7 2JA Tel:  028 71 279191 Fax: 028 71 371938 E-mail:
Glenwood Business Centre Springbank Industrial  Estate Poleglass Belfast BT17 0QL Tel:  028 90 610311 Fax: 028 90 600929 E-mail: office@glenwoodbc.com	Newry & Mourne Enterprise Agency Enterprise House WIN Business Park Canal Quay Newry BT35 6PH Tel:  028 30 267011 Fax: 028 30 261316 E-mail: info@nmea.net	Ortus – The West Belfast Enterprise Board Curragh House Twin Spires Centre 155 Northumberland Street Belfast BT13 2JF Tel:  028 90 311002 Fax: 028 90 311005 E-mail: hq@ortus.org
Larne Enterprise Development Co Ltd LEDCOM Ind Estate Bank Road Larne BT40 3AW Tel:  028 28 270742 Fax: 028 28 275653 E-mail: info@ledcom.org	North City Business Centre Ltd 2 Duncairn Gardens Belfast BT15 2GG Tel:  028 90 747470 Fax: 028 90 746565 E-mail: mailbox@north-city.co.uk	Roe Valley Enterprises Ltd Aghanloo Ind Estate Aghanloo Road Limavady BT49 0HE Tel:  028 77 762323 Fax: 028 77 765707 E-mail: info@roevalleyenterprise.co.uk

Invest NI Local Offices

Eastern Local Office, 25 – 27 Franklin Belfast BT2 8DT Tel: 028 9024 2582 Fax: 028 9024 9730
E-mail: elo@investni.com 

North Eastern Local Office, Clarence House, 86 Mill Street, Ballymena BT43 5AF
Tel: 028 2564 9215 Fax: 028 2564 8427 E-mail: nelo@investni.com 

North Western Local Office, 13 Shipquay Street, Londonderry BT48 6DJ Tel: 028 7126 7257
Fax: 028 7126 6054 E-mail: nwlo@investni.com  

North Western Local Office, The Northern Ireland Science Park, University of Ulster Campus,Cromore Road, Coleraine BT52 1SA Tel: 028 7028 0055 Fax: 028 7126 6054 E-mail:
nwlo@investni.com  

Southern Local Office, The Oracle Conference Centre, Upper Bann Institute, Lurgan Road, Portadown. BT63 5BL Tel: 028 3833 5050 Fax: 028 3026 5358 E-mail: slo@investni.com  

Southern Local Office, 6-7 The Mall, Newry BT34 1BX Tel: 028 3026 2955 Fax: 028 3026 5358
E-mail: slo@investni.com

Western Local Office, Kevlin Buildings, 47 Kevlin Avenue, Omagh BT78 1ER  Tel: 028 82 245763. Fax: 028 8224 4291 E-mail: wlo@investni.com 

Western Local Office, Intec Centre, 36 East Bridge Street, Enniskillen BT74  7BT  Tel: 028 6634 3942. Fax: 028 66 328337 E-mail: wlo@investni.com