Launching a Business

Introduction

Starting up a business on your own can be daunting even if it’s your dream or passion – we should know because it’s exactly what we’ve been through!

To save you some precious time, money and stress, we are sharing our top tips for setting up and launching your start up over a series of weekly articles:

We have lift off!

You’ve been busy, in the background you’re ready, you have a Name, a Logo, a Website, you’ve got all the admin and financials sorted, there’s nothing left to do now except go for it, get your business out there and launch!

Great you say, but how do I actually do that?

Honestly this can be the most daunting part of a start up – until now bringing your dream to reality has largely been achievable behind closed doors and possibly from the comfort of your armchair office! However, now it’s time to meet and greet your business audience face to face!

Top Tip

  • Go prepared: take a mini portfolio, examples of your work, and clear fee structures.
  • Go armed with your business cards and any promotional flyers – give them some to pass on!

Caffeine rush

Now is the time to be brave and embrace networking, whether in groups or on a one to one basis.

You are your business’s best ambassador so you need to be sure that you are consistently active in promoting what you do – so make a plan, make lists of contacts pertinent to your line of work, research local business networking groups. Start with your immediate location and over time spread your net wider, reaching neighbouring towns and across the region your business hopes to cover.

It’s time to send personal invites for ‘a coffee and catch up’ to the people you have identified who you hope to work with, who might recommend you or who might want to use you themselves.

Network into net worth

Blow that trumpet – no one else is going to do it for you, but also be honest, don’t overstate what you can offer! It’s worth remembering that most people will want to help you and will be excited for you in your new venture!

Networking is not a job that ever really gets ticked off your to do list, this is an ongoing way of business life, so remember to allow some time each week to include it, so that you continue to nurture the growth and reach of your business potential.

Advertise Advertise Advertise

Advertising is a massive subject and there are so many different ways and places to advertise your business, from billboards to papers, website banners to sign writing your vehicle, locally and nationally, the choices really are huge.

What remains consistent across all advertising though, is what it costs against reach/audience and conversion to actual business.

A good starting point is to look for an advertising method that reaches the areas and or audience you are interested in, then do some research into the costs versus reach.

Response to advertising depends on so many variables, including what your advert looks like and how it is worded. An easy and cost effective way to work out what to put in your ad is to look at other ads within your field to see what catches your eye, ask a few friends for their opinions too, then base your ad around your findings.

If you’re not good with design, appoint a graphic designer – this is your shop window and should project the ethos of your business for example professional, efficient, approachable etc.

The best bet is to keep your advertising on the same scale as your business, i.e. if your start up is small and local then advertise in a small, local way.

Top Tip

Always negotiate on the headline prices shown on an Advertisers Rate Card and ask for extras such as:

  • Free Editorial
  • Extra Discount for a Series of Ads
  • Reduced rates for last minute advertising space

Top Tip

To help draw customers in why not advertise a special offer, such as the Free 1 Hour Design Consultation that we are currently offering!

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Dorset, BH23 1DP

info@studioarkell.com

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Interior Design

We can also assist with interiors specifications — for example, kitchen layouts, bespoke joinery, finishes, and fittings.

We can prepare a tailored quote based on the level of detail and input you’d like from us. The more information we specify upfront together, the smoother the build process will be, and the more accurate your contractor’s costings will be, helping to avoid unexpected costs.

This scope would be agreed under a fixed fee.

Pre Application

If the proposed scheme is particularly large, complex, or potentially contentious, we may recommend submitting a pre-application enquiry to the local planning authority before proceeding with a full planning application. This can help clarify requirements, identify potential issues early, and improve the chances of a successful outcome.

This scope would be agreed under a fixed fee.

BREGs

After planning approval, the final stage is Technical Design, where we create detailed Building Regulation Drawings (BREGs).

A few important notes:

  • You’ll need Building Control sign-off for the build. This can be done through the local authority or privately, with fees paid directly to Building Control.

  • We can introduce you to trusted local structural engineers, or we’re happy to collaborate with any chartered engineer of your choice. Their fees are separate and payable directly to them.

  • We can also introduce you to reputable builders we regularly work with, if needed.

Our fees are split into two payments: 50% upon instruction and 50% upon issue of the drawings to Building Control.

Planning

Once you’re happy with the proposed design, we’ll prepare your planning application pack.

A typical planning submission includes:

  • Location & Block Plan

  • Existing Plans & Elevations

  • Proposed Plans & Elevations (including coloured elevations)

  • Proposed Site Plan

  • Design & Access Statement

We’ll handle the submission on your behalf and liaise with the council throughout, keeping you updated every step of the way.

Our fees are split into two payments: 50% upon instruction and 50% upon submission of the application.

Concept

This is the exciting part — shaping a design that’s perfectly suited to you.

After our initial consultation, we’ve prepared a brief and a list of drawing deliverables. Here’s how this stage works: We start with a site survey to produce accurate existing plans and elevations. We then develop proposed design drawings based on the agreed brief. Once ready, we’ll invite you to our office for a design review. We’ll refine the design based on your feedback and issue a final drawing pack for you to sign off. Our fees are split into two payments: 50% upon instruction and 50% upon issue of the drawings.