Impossible to go self-employed

TheNewEntrepeneur

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Nov 10, 2009
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Yes you do. And you need to be fully conversant with the 1988 Copyright Designs and Patents act and understand what can be a fairly process in obtaining the appropriate licences.

IP management is one of the least well understood and most problematic aspects of producing any kind of media/internet product...

Yes, I went on a training course for the purpose of this business which involved copyright and IP, they basically said you'll need a lawyer.
 
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Yes, I went on a training course for the purpose of this business which involved copyright and IP, they basically said you'll need a lawyer.

Then they were talking cack! Managing IP is a central part of any creative producer's skillset and training! Sounds like you need to go back to college!

:rolleyes: The media law unit we teach at Stow is only 40 hours plus three 1.5 hour exams... No problem at all really...
 
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TheNewEntrepeneur

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Nov 10, 2009
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Re read Steve's post. Take his advice...

I'll be blunt and say that in reading much of what you've written I get the impression you're working very hard to convince yourself this won't work......

So... Off you go, down to the Buroo tomorrow and see where they can point you!!

They won't point me anywhere because there's never anyone there and when there is they all get it wrong.
 
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Mpg

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Aug 18, 2009
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So my concerns really have been narrowed down to website law which doesn't seem to be much of a problem, copyright and intellectual property rights, registering as a data controller and getting a PO Box address if necessary.

And then declaring and proving my income to benefits agency. What actually constitues proof of my income though? Are my accounts sufficient for that purpose?


You need to keep a record of all income and expenditure. then give it to an accountant with your Business bank statements and he will work it all out for you. If you keep good records it will prob cost £400 ish but chances are he will save you more than that.
 
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Tej

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Oct 26, 2008
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Full marks to all you guys trying to motivate the OP in bettering himself.. finding a job.. starting a business etc

He is not interested..making all kinds of excuses not to get off the benefits...... too comfortable ( as admitted by him) in getting his benefits and whingeing about the system.

He has more chance being struck by lightning than coming off benefits ...

He will still be on benefits 3/6 months from now...

Thats the reality it seems... would like to be proven wrong.
 
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TheNewEntrepeneur

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Nov 10, 2009
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Full marks to all you guys trying to motivate the OP in bettering himself.. finding a job.. starting a business etc

He is not interested..making all kinds of excuses not to get off the benefits...... too comfortable ( as admitted by him) in getting his benefits and whingeing about the system.

He has more chance being struck by lightning than coming off benefits ...

He will still be on benefits 3/6 months from now...

Thats the reality it seems... would like to be proven wrong.

Go somewhere else child, I'm getting somewhere.
 
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TheNewEntrepeneur

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Nov 10, 2009
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LOL.. you aint going anywhere.. but to the benefit office:)

So many people trying to help you..and you have not come up with one positive vibe.... you are just a loser.

sad:(

No, it seems to me that you're the pathetic little loser, after all you've got nothing better to do than post on forums criticizing people for trying to do something with their lives, what you're saying is totally backwards, you're just psychologically twisted.
 
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No; Audio and Video material can be very complex because in itself it's a composite work with several layers of rights to be considered...

Oh, ok, well like i said, you'll have to look into it... although we got some video from a stock website, it'll depend what you want to use... industry specific.

I am also starting to get the feeling your not really wanting to go for it... therefore i am going to enjoy my new xbox 360! woo hoo!

Good luck and Really, it is only YOU that can make it work. its up to YOU!!!!
 
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Tej

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No, it seems to me that you're the pathetic little loser, after all you've got nothing better to do than post on forums criticizing people for trying to do something with their lives, what you're saying is totally backwards, you're just psychologically twisted.

What are you doing with your life?

interesting?

If my post makes you get up off your arse and do something for your kids and family.. I would have achieved something...

Unfortunately.. you aint gonna get off your arse as you are too comfortable making excuses
 
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TheNewEntrepeneur

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Nov 10, 2009
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Well, if all the info in this thread is true then it will be quite easy to go forward and do this and I should have no problems. However, most of you have just destroyed my faith and trust in you with your attitudes, so I think I'll seek advice from more mature respectable sources that actually know what they're talking about.

Many thanks to the others who posted sensible replies.
 
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I think I'll seek advice from more mature respectable sources that actually know what they're talking about.

... So, 23 years in business, invited to sit on SQA qualifications design teams, 10 years lecturing experience. :rolleyes: I believe many others who have tried to advise you hear could demonstrate similar levels of respectability and proven competence.

Obviously we don't meet your high standards so perhaps you're best left to it! Sorry we could only come up with what you needed to hear rather than what you wanted to hear!
 
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ethical PR

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  • Apr 20, 2009
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    If you are serious about starting up a business

    1. Go on a business link course on starting up your own business and marketing/PR for your business so you have a plan to get customers through the door and build you business from day one. They will also advise you on what grants might be available for business start up in your area and legal/financial requirements.

    But if you are serious think about whether your business model is viable, there are so many 'website designers' out there it's such a crowded market place - might be better to look at something that uses your chefing skills. How about asking at a local college to see if you could use their kitchens to run cookery sessions for those on a low budget or for men who can't cook, or cooking for dinner parties in people home's - will just need some good knives.

    2. Get an appointment with your job centre on Monday and if the adviser can't help ask to see a manager who can. There is a scheme to help people get off benefits and into self employment. I have a friend who is a single dad to two kids who came off benefits and went on this scheme in the last six months and is now supporting his family.

    3. If your children are at school see if you partner can get part time work to fit in with school hours to help with the family income Boots, M and S, schools, local government, supermarkets, NHS and many other employers offer family friendly hours.

    4. You don't need a lot of money to start a business legally, you just need an address (no cost), register as self employed (no cost) appropriate insurance (just start with doing web design and you will just need PI), design your website, brand, stationery (you can do this), ask business link to help you with template contracts and T and C's (free)
     
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    Why not change your Forum name from The New Entrepreneur to The Next Excuse?

    Would you like all these posters to come round and run the business for you too? Why haven't you found the answers to your excuses already? People have genuinely tried to help, but you're not prepared to help yourself, and I've got two kids who need their backsides wiping without you joining in too.
     
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    Beachcomber

    I have to be honest, having re-read this thread it seems to me that (unless this is a big wind up, which would be a shame) that the OP is suffering from depression.

    Given his situation and circumstances it is understandable - and the responses in this thread all indicate classic text book depression to me. Having lived and worked with this condition I know I'm no expert but all the signs are there.


    Please, shelve the plans for a little while as I previously mentioned, get to the doctors, talk it all through and get the support you need.

    You will be amazed how much the fog clears when you get the help you need and you will be able to regain control over your life. This is not a veiled insult so please don't take it as such - it's genuine advice.
     
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    vox

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    Sep 12, 2009
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    Personally I don't think its depression, its a lack of motivation! The life is too good when you get benefits. Image you would not get them at all - you would surely behave other way and you would find a job or would take that risk to open your little venture! Good luck!
     
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    Matt1959

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    Sep 8, 2006
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    surely any state benefits are dependant on earnings and in the case of the self employed - net profits. So, if you run the business and invest profits back, you'll be deemed as earning nothing with your benefits therefore unaffected - maybe I have this wrong:|
     
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    I started to read this thread, but there is way too much lol.

    A few things came to me:

    1) Steve Gibson is asking the questions I was thinking about, why not ask at the benefits office? There are people they can put you in touch with who can help.

    2) The Job Market, ask in there about start-up schemes, there is always some help available for unemployed people who wish to start up themselves.

    3) Citizens Advice Bureau, they might have some info.

    4) Local Business Link

    5) Local Council Offices

    There are loads of places to go ask for help, and somebody at one of them will put you in touch with the right people.

    In NI here, we have little 'local enterprise agency's in most towns, and these help startups and new businesses in different ways, not sure if you have the same over there.

    I read the first few pages of this thread, and tbh I liked the attitude shown by the OP, he just needs pointed in the right direction. If you keep the same attitude when you actually do start up, you'll already have a head start on a lot of others.

    Good luck.
     
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    The more I think about this the more convinced I am that the man's at the end of his tether and on the verge of loosing the plot....

    My own background I've explained. They're about to demolish the Red Road Flats. 20 years sine I made my final escape there's not been so much as a lick of paint. And even back then there were the middle classes benefiting from the poverty industry...

    I've some sympathy/empathy for this guy. But to escape the system you need to help yourself. Not easy; especially with bairns in tow. but they'll learn from the sacrifice; trust me I did! But yeah; the OP needs to snap out of the pattern of finding good reasons to fail. And lock on to fighting for success...

    What can I say? I'm a skyscraper We'ane. And I've a Porsche at the door, a Rolex on my wrist and a Mont Blanc in my pocket despite it!
     
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    Okay I am going to be rude to the OP and all who contributed but at least I am warning you.

    What makes anyone think that someone who cannot get a job is going to make it in business:|

    Yes I know lots of you on here think you are unemployable because you are lone wolves and run businesses but I would suggest the odds on someone who cannot get a job making a business work are tiny.

    The essential skills of getting and producing satisfactory or better still exceptional work in the employment market are are requirement for running your own business for the vast majority of people.

    OP , see my other posts reference getting work it is hard but it can be done.
     
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    Okay I am going to be rude to the OP and all who contributed but at least I am warning you.

    All who have contributed? Shurely shome mishtake Peter? :p

    Oddly i have a PAYE job as well as my businesses! Which is a surprise to me! Dr Bob (my gaffer) will tell you I'm off my head but invaluable. And My line manager visibly recoils when I walk into his office with 'that' face on.. :)

    Many people who run businesses are 'employable' by only the very very brave. And knowing what little I do about yourself Peter I suspect you're only half a step behind me on that score... ;)

    But where there is at least a glimmer of ambition surely there's a glimmer of hope?
     
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    J

    jasonnoguchi

    Okay I am going to be rude to the OP and all who contributed but at least I am warning you.

    What makes anyone think that someone who cannot get a job is going to make it in business:|

    Yes I know lots of you on here think you are unemployable because you are lone wolves and run businesses but I would suggest the odds on someone who cannot get a job making a business work are tiny.

    The essential skills of getting and producing satisfactory or better still exceptional work in the employment market are are requirement for running your own business for the vast majority of people.

    OP , see my other posts reference getting work it is hard but it can be done.

    It is tough in business and only 1 out of 20 makes it past their first 10 years. But almost 100 out of 100 makes it in employment so.... its not really a case of "if you dun make it in employment, you dun make it in business". Most of the time, you won't make it in business even if you made it in employment. :)
     
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    All who have contributed? Shurely shome mishtake Peter? :p

    Oddly i have a PAYE job as well as my businesses! Which is a surprise to me! Dr Bob (my gaffer) will tell you I'm off my head but invaluable. And My line manager visibly recoils when I walk into his office with 'that' face on.. :)

    Many people who run businesses are 'employable' by only the very very brave. And knowing what little I do about yourself Peter I suspect you're only half a step behind me on that score... ;)

    But where there is at least a glimmer of ambition surely there's a glimmer of hope?

    I am on my own as many are on here, survive or fall by the efforts we put in. However, wife, kids, bills to pay therefore if my business interests did not pay I would be back in the work place and nothing wrong with that. I know many , many people in the work place who would do better in business than many business owners. Both are required in society and I hope I can jump between both roles if needs be;) So far I have been lucky but that may not last .
     
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    Tej

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    Okay I am going to be rude to the OP and all who contributed but at least I am warning you.

    What makes anyone think that someone who cannot get a job is going to make it in business:|

    LOL.. so whats new!!... something similar been said about 8 hours before your post!!... and whats with the warning:D

    Guess you have not had time to read the whole thread.. :)
     
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    You should not worry about the problems you facing currently. I suggest you to be patient and work hard a time will come when you will achieve your goal. Keep working that's the only principle of success. Work for every thing best to your side and then let the things to GOD. Good Luck
     
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    Gillie

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    Ok, to start with, yes having children means you worry and wonder where the next penny is coming from and yes it then takes balls to make the next step away from what at present is a secure knowledge that your kids are housed and fed.

    Some here, either have no brats, or have forgotten the feeling of being scared the first time.

    So if you are convinced you have what it takes to make this business work, then as suggested, you need to go to the Job Centre and speak to one of their advisors.

    There are various options open to you and they will sit down with you and work out which is the most viable.

    Be aware that if you go self employed, you will qualify for more child tax and working tax credit, but if you income is zero and by income its classed as profit - you can claim some if not all to start with, your council tax and rent being paid, then when you declare various amounts of income, this will fall as your profit rises, same as the child and working tax credit.

    They are merely around to ensure you have a base income to house and feed your family.

    Then when you have got all this sorted out, head to HMRC and tell them you are self employed and get on with running your business.

    If you find you can't make a living out of it, whats the worst thing that can happen?

    You end up back at square one ... your kids will not starve and you will not become homeless.

    So guess the next step is down to you, if you want it enough ...
     
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