'Research Your Market, Plan Your Business' In-Person Workshop

Every business needs to understand its market. This workshop will include market size, trends, competitors, and customer attitudes. This workshop will take you through key information sources available for free in the Business & IP Centre and elsewhere online. It will cover practical examples of finding relevant information from our databases such as Cobra, Mintel and IBIS World .

It will also cover essential field research to complement published market research. This will help find out what your customers think about your specific product or service, including how much they are prepared to pay for it. We will look at how to engage with your customers to find out what they really think, instead of the answers they think you want to hear.

We will then look at creating a business plan, using this research. A business plan gives your business a clear sense of direction, helping you stay focused on achieving your goals rather than reacting to problems as they arise. It increases your chances of success by identifying opportunities, risks, and practical strategies before investing valuable time and money.

A strong business plan can make it much easier to attract investors or secure loans because it demonstrates that your business is well thought out and professionally managed. It also helps you manage finances more effectively by forecasting income, expenses, and cash flow, reducing the likelihood of costly surprises. Ultimately, a business plan acts as a roadmap for growth, giving you greater confidence, control, and a stronger foundation for long-term success.

Presented by expert business start-up advisor, Paul Rittenberg.