Start-up consultant in Sussex & Surrey

Advice, resources and practical support

You have a great business idea. The passion and energy are there — but how do you sell what you’re offering? Is there a market for it?

You won’t want to risk learning from costly mistakes. As a start-up consultant, I have the resources and market insights which help you make the right decisions from the start.

You get my advice and practical support on everything from market research and cash flow management to the best way to structure your business — including the legal and tax implications.

Start-up consultancy, Surrey & Sussex — How it works

Start-up consultancy gives you a head start. It’s about strategic planning and practical hands-on help.

I make sure your business idea has the potential to fly. You’ll get an early warning of potential traps and pitfalls, and my support on the ground as your business takes off.

Here’s how my start-up consultancy services work:

• Market research — You’ll understand your target market and the problem you’re solving. You’ll also know where to reach the people who need your product or service.
• Company structure — We’ll discuss options on the best type of company structure, and I’ll help you set this up, both legally and financially.
• Pricing — What’s the true value of your offering? How much will customers pay? We’ll set a realistic price — a figure which will turn a healthy profit.
• Customer expectations — What do prospects expect for the money? You’ll know how to gain their trust, then continue to deliver value for the long-term.
• Processes — I help you streamline day-to-day processes to save time, effort and money. If you have skills gaps, I help you fill them.
• Marketing — It’s notoriously difficult to see your value from a prospect’s viewpoint. I’ll advise you on how to articulate the message and get it out there to the right people.
• Sales — Marketing alone is not enough. For the business to be successful, you have to close the deal. I’ll provide knowledge and guidance on how to keep making the sale. 

Why start-up consultancy is a good decision

Starting a new business is exciting. You’re the boss, finally free to make your own decisions on the future.

But here’s the problem:

It’s risky. According to the funding network Fundsquire, 9 out of 10 start-ups fail — 10% within the first year. After 3 years, it rises to 60%. The main cause is lack of planning and research. The product or service doesn’t fit the market.

Hiring a start-up consultant mitigates the risk. Here’s why:

• You get an independent, informed assessment of your business offering
• You’ll understand your business’s potential within the market
• You’ll receive valuable advice on marketing, finance and management
• You can set realistic goals and KPIs
• You can beat the statistics and become the one in ten

Unlike other start-up consultants, I’m happy to follow through to make sure it works. Think of me as an additional, expert resource for your business.

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FAQs

You’ll probably have a few questions so I’ve answered some of them below. If your question isn’t there, please feel free to call me on 07815 134 432. I’d be happy to answer it.

What kind of businesses do you work with?

All kinds of business, both large and small. This includes not-for-profits such as charities.

Over the last 20 years, I’ve worked with start-ups and established businesses in a huge variety of sectors — from financial and legal services and to tech, manufacturing and creative industries.

Put simply, no matter the industry sector, I can help you.

Does it matter that you’re not an expert in my particular industry?

Not at all. In fact, it’s an advantage because as an outsider, I can quickly see issues which may not be obvious to an industry expert.

When you’re close to a business, it’s difficult to view it objectively. It’s my job to offer a fresh perspective.

I don’t need to be an expert in your industry. In my experience, no matter the sector, the key issues nearly always revolve around people.

Which services do you offer?

My services cover four key stages in business: 

• Start-up consultancy if your enterprise is in its early stages 
• Business development consultancy when want to grow an existing business 
• Business exit strategy for control over when and how you move on

Transition coaching which helps you work through the feelings, concerns and choices you’re facing

Do you offer online consultancy?

Yes, I can deliver consultancy services online.

However, face-to-face consultancy generally works more effectively. When I’m there, seeing you in your working environment, it helps me get a proper feel for the business. It works both ways because we can build a proper relationship.

How long does the process take?

It’s up to you. Right from the start, we’ll discuss the timescale so that we’re both happy with how long the process will take.

I’m not the sort of business consultant who will stick around for the sake of it. Once the new strategy is bedded in, and everyone is happy with it, that’s my job done.

Will you tailor your services according to what I need?

Always. Each business is different, as are the individuals within it. What works for one business will not necessarily work for another, so my services are bespoke.

Do you deliver staff training?

Yes. If we’ve introduced new skills and processes, I’ll make sure everyone is fully trained and completely happy with implementing them. If there’s a change of role, I’ll help the individual make a smooth transition.

Training can include financial planning (for non-experts), communication skills, one-to-one performance coaching, leadership skills and several more that I don’t have space to mention.