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link to andrew hoare’s market research survey

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Help withMarket Research Survey

I am posting my market research survey here on the ready to start blog, because i still need to determine whether there is a potentional market for my business.

my business idea is to provide a platform on the internet via an e commerce website that links togother people who to buy and sell disability aids at discounted prices.

I would extreamely grateful if other ready to start Entrepreneurs could complete the enclosed short market research survey.

Thanks Andrew Hoare

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Food fit for a prince!

Hi all,

I just I want to share some good news with you and to let you know of one of my biggest achievement to date. It is fair to say that I have been given so many opportunities and have had many life changing experiences however, this is the greatest one so far. I know I am going on and you must be wondering what it could be so here it is!

Last week not only did I cater for Prince Phillip but I got to meet him in person and have a laugh with him. Can you imagine me Adrian Carter got to rub shoulders with royalty!!

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Woman Aloud - the C in me

Tracy de Gietelink

woman-aloud-flier

Pierced earrings, tweezers, tattoos, body piercings, toothbrush, the metal teeth on a cling film box… my blood is highly infectious, but everyone around me is safe… because I know I carry the virus and I make things safe. Approximately 20% of sufferers in this country know they are infected - that leaves 80% gaily unaware, and therefore not taking appropriate precautions.

My goal, pure and simple, is to raise awareness of Hepatitis C. Once you understand the virus you can take simple, yet life saving steps/precautions to prevent cross-infection - either way.

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The Power of Radio

The Power of Media

I was listening to BBC Essex online and they were asking for responses to retiring. I sent an e-mail to say I had been made redundant, had no intention of being put out to pasture, went to Exeter and did the clock course and set up my own business servicing and repairing clocks

Good old Graham Bannerman said on air he received my e-mail and mentioned Tiptree Clocks and the web address several times. To pay for that sought of exposure on air would normally cost a fortune but to get the company mentioned several times in less than a minute was an excellent piece of free advertising?? Now wait and see if anything comes of it.

Less than two hours after being mentioned on BBC Essex I had a phone call from a potential Client who has a striking clock (that doesn’t strike at the right time?) he wants repaired. He will phone me next week

So try getting your name mentioned on the radio. Getting just one customer from it makes it worthwhile.

Jim

Tiptree Clocks

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Make Your Business Succeed event London Thursday 12 March

Make your Business Succeed

Thursday 12 March 2009
10.00 - 16.00
British Library Conference Centre
96 Euston Road
London NW1 2DB

This is a one-day conference for people with a disability who are interested in setting up a business or working for themselves, run by the British Library Business & IP Centre and Leonard Cheshire Disability.

The event includes a tailored programme of workshops and one-to-one advice sessions to help you get started. It will give you an overview of the different aspects of running a business which you need to be aware of, and the opportunities and support available to you, such as the Ready to Start programme. You will have the chance to network and make contact with like-minded people with similar aspirations and concerns. You might also find potential customers, business partners and suppliers. Bring business cards and leaflets advertising your own business. There will be display space for you.

During the event you can attend a workshop and have a one-to-one advice session with business and information experts from the British Library, Business Link for London, HM Revenue & Customs and the Ready to Start programme, which will give you the chance to ask specific questions and gain expert advice. Jobcentre Plus will be giving advice about in-work benefits and how they can help you make the transition from benefits to work.

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Mobility Might

Already Started

RTS entrepreneur Stephen Collins recently featured in a case study of disabled entrepreneurs produced by RTS project.

In recent times life has moved at a pretty fast pace for Stephen Collins, founder of Lazarus Mobility. Stephen has lived with disability all his life due to his cerebral palsy and was facing the strong possibility of losing his house through unemployment and a frustrating lack of job opportunities. Yet, today, only a year from when he began trading, Stephen employs three members of staff, has moved into new business premises and has really turned his disability into a business advantage.

Lazarus Mobility supplies mobility aids and everyday products for disabled people. “I reckon that my disability gives me a unique insight into what equipment works best for disabled people”. To enhance his offering, where possible, he is looking to employ people with disabilities who can offer good service to customers. Stephen has big ambitions and is hungry for success.

Stephen’s entrepreneurial talent has got him some high-profile attention in the business world. He so impressed Duncan Bannatyne of Dragon’s Den fame that he agreed to provide funding and advice to Lazarus Mobility for twelve months. A further highlight came with news of the company making it on to Startups 100, which lists the most exciting and innovative emerging small companies predicted to become the big businesses of tomorrow.

Stephen enjoys a mutually supportive relationship with Leonard Cheshire Disability through the Ready to Start programme. The charity has provided introductions and networking opportunities of which Stephen has taken full advantage. His drive and determination have seen him through the difficult times. “If you believe in what you are doing, don’t give up”.

www.lazarusmobility.com

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What is Ready to Start - RTS?

Dear All,

Ready to Start is a unique programme that provides the right training, sign-posting and support to enable disabled people to start their own business.

The programme is being provided by Leonard Cheshire Disability in partnership with Barclays.

Please view the following links to learn more……..

About Ready to Start…..
www.readytostart.org.uk/pages/about-the-programme

RTS - Ready to Start are you eligable?
www.readytostart.org.uk/pages/are-you-eligible

Case Studies
www.readytostart.org.uk/pages/case-studies

These are just a few links to get you started on your road to success.

Peace, Love and Light to all
Lorraine

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