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Self-employment in Scotland

How would you feel about being your own boss? 

Self-employment, whether you are thinking of setting up a new business, or buying an existing one, isn’t for everyone. It’s hard work and can be risky, but it can also be tremendously satisfying to be your own boss and see your dreams become a reality.

All you need now is a good idea, a sound business plan and the money to get started! 

Fortunately, a number of different organisations specialise in providing information, advice and practical support to those considering setting up in business for themselves.

In 2011, the Government launched the New Enterprise Allowance (NEA), part of the Get Britain Working measures introduced by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). It is aimed at Jobseekers who have been unemployed for over six months. Contact your local Jobcentre Plus office for more information. NEA will include:

  • a volunteer mentor to help you prepare a business plan and cope with your first months as a trader
  • optional access to a loan of up to £1,000 to help with start-up costs
  • a weekly allowance for up to 26 weeks worth up to £1,275. 

In business, preparation and planning are essential so make sure you find out as much as you can before launching your new career.

Here are some useful contacts.

Business Gateway - http://www.bgateway.com/ – practical help, advice and support for new and growing businesses throughout Scotland. (Tel: 0845 609 6611)

Prince’s Scottish Youth Business Trust - http://www.psybt.org.uk - provides essential finance and professional support to young people in Scotland aged 18-25 or between 26 to 30 with a disability. (Tel: 0141 248 4999 - regional contacts on website.)

Shell Livewire - http://www.shell-livewire.org/ – helps young people under 30 years old start up their own business. (Tel: 0191 423 6229)

The British Franchise Association - http://www.thebfa.org/ - for those interested in buying into a franchise where you trade under a brand name, such as Domino’s Pizza. Runs franchise seminars in Scotland. Annual Scottish Franchise Week, usually mid-May, includes exhibition. (Tel: 01235 820 470)

Young Business Net - http://www.youngbusiness.net/ - is a series of projects led by Enterprise Development Worldwide (EDW), the international arm of Wandsworth Youth Enterprise, which have been running since 1999. They aim to encourage the spread of youth enterprise in the UK and mainland Europe. (Tel: 01382 229 521)

Young Enterprise Scotland - http://www.yes.org.uk/ – provides learning programmes for young people, 5-25, interested in enterprise, through schools, colleges and other institutions. (Tel: 0141 202 6050)

You may also be interested in attending New Start Scotland, a business event for people who are interested in starting up their own business. The event usually takes place in November at the SECC in Glasgow. For more information visit New Start's website at www.newstartscotland.com. If you sign up early enough you may be able to get free tickets.