Many people who start a business do so with a friend or relative. Often they just start producing or selling something as an extension of this relationship. There are many benefits of going into business with a friend or relative but it can also lead to serious problems or disputes…
The noun ‘entrepreneur’ derives from the French and means ‘organiser’. Entrepreneurs are traders: some work for a corporation whereas others who cherish their independence are self-employed. Independence is therefore one way of distinguishing between different types of entrepreneur. Independent entrepreneurs are mavericks. There is something about them that sets them apart from…
As part of the hugely popular My First Million Financial Times series – Stephen Fear gives a full overview of his C.V to date, shedding light on the nickname of “The Phonebox Millionaire” and the successful and diverse history to his family business – Fear Group. Stephen is featured alongside well…
Complex regulations around tax and VAT can seem onerous to SMEs, but there is support available to help businesses cut through the red tape. Amid a climate of strengthening business growth and economic prosperity, budding SME exporters should be feeling more confident than ever about sending their goods and services…
We had a brilliant day at The British Library on WorldBook Day March the 5th 2015. Christina Gabbitas, the passionate author of children’s books, was my latest guest in my business book review series filmed within the Business & Intellectual Property Centre, or BIPC as it is better known. The…
Many start ups fall into the mistake of taking on too many overheads, particularly fixed overheads such as office space and cars. It’s tempting to convince yourself that you must have an office where people can come and see you but in reality there are many appropriate, and often free,…
For newly launched businesses, keeping control of finances is a necessity and those that act nonchalantly about expenses will often pay the price later down the line. Many start ups fall into the mistake of taking on too many overheads, particularly fixed overheads such as office space and cars. It’s…
Networking is essential for starting up or growing a business. When I speak to small business owners and sole traders, an overwhelming majority say most of their business comes from their own network or contacts they have made through an event or introduction. However a ComRes poll for the British…
Bristol Post Column Nov 10th click to see scan of article Developing a business should be fun but because of the worries associated with starting something new and which will undoubtedly affect one’s life going forward, the fun is often contaminated with worry. Young people in particular can suffer from a…
In July 2012, Stephen Fear was part of a panel of speakers for “Inspiring Entrepreneurs – From Battlefield to Business” Live Event at The British Library, London. The event focused on the achievements of a selection of inspiring Entrepreneurs who successfully started their own businesses following leaving the Armed Forces. For further details, please see…
The below article was featured in Business Matters Magazine on 3rd April 2012: Britain’s first entrepreneur to make a million in a phone-box, is set to use his unparalleled knowledge and expertise to boost London’s business, as the British Library’s official Entrepreneur in Residence. Seen as the business brains of…