Starting Up in Business

This is a practical course aimed at those embarking on a new business venture or those who would simply like to know what is involved in starting a new enterprise. The course highlights the key issues to be considered, from marketing and sales to finance and legal requirements. Topics will include the psychology behind starting up your own business, processes involved, business formats, market research and the importance of cash flow. 

Tutor Info

Stuart Honey (Tuesdays) and David Curchin (Thursdays).

Stuart Honey is a sales and marketing professional with over twenty years' experience in the corporate and small business sectors. He focuses on e-commerce and new business development. In addition, as an accredited associate of the Institute for Independent Business International, he assists in business start ups and new product development.

David Curchin is a graduate of the University of Wales where he obtained an MBA in General Business.He has worked with colleges and universities in Business, Tourism, Hospitality,and Research & Enterprise since 2007 on a variety of courses.He is currently delivering the Starting Up in Business course on Thursday evenings at City University London.
Away from City University London David is the Head of Operations for the Organisation for Tourism and Hospitality Management based in London and is an independent consultant in the areas of Higher Education SME development and business start ups.

Eligibility

Participants should be keen to develop their own business idea. Anyone who has just started running their own business or is thinking of doing so will benefit from this course.

English Requirements

Formal qualifications are not required but participants who do not speak English may find this Business Start Up course challenging.

What will I learn?

• Understand the stages involved in setting up a business;
• Gather an understanding of the financial needs and legal requirements for a small business;
• Be able to construct and prepare and present a business plan;
• Understand the nature and requirements of the  market and marketing.

Topics Covered:

1. Psychology and Motivation
2. Principles of Marketing
3. Business Planning
4. Structure, legal entities and Intellectual Property Protection
5. Finance and Management Accounting
6. Branding Networking and PR Matters
7. Operational Issues including people management
8. PR and Advertising
9. Sources of Finance 
10. Valuing the Busines

Teaching and Assessment

Each week has a main subject topic and a supplementary topic depending on the level of classroom involvement. All participants are encouraged to do research in the background. Some participants write a business plan over the period of the course, but this is not compulsory. There is no formal assessment but the tutors work with participants via email and private meetings where required on a one to one basis.

Leads To...

Finance for Non-Financial Managers
Introduction to Digital Marketing

Career Outcome

This course clarifies strategic direction. Many participants go on to run their own business both in the UK and overseas.