Small food business of 18 months. Advice needed & 18 years experience to share.

[Sach]

Hello to all,

I've just signed up after coming across this site via Alexa.

I've joined to hopefully share experiences of running a business and therefore get some great advice and also help out others with my previous work experiences.

I have good experience in customer service programs, opening and running restaurants, coffee bars, people development, managing large teams (100+), marketing, branding, kitchen operations. Not in any particular order!

I looking for advice on finance, business growth, expansion, and in particular I'm looking for any advice on searching out some good mentoring contacts.

I run a small catering company in the South which is growing rapidly. 110% up year to date. I like to hear from anyone with a crystal ball! Failing that some sound advice on managing finance while wanting to continue rapid growth.

I'm sure like many a small business owner some days I'm happy as a pig in mud and other days I'm reaching for the Tesco's checkout application form.

If I can help anybody with any of my experiences please feel free to email me.

Best regards to you all

Sach.

[Ian J]

You have a lot of experience which I'm sure will come in useful and look forward to your input.

You are asking for advice on funding an expanding catering business. I am a specialist factoring broker so if you feel that factoring may be a route worth exploring please give me a ring and I can run through the options for you.

[Sach]

Hi Ian,

One of the perks of my business is that we have good cash flow so factoring really isn't an issue. My finance needs are more long term with expansion, new business purchases etc.

Cheers though.

Simon

[Hermes]

Hi Sach,
It seems to me you are about ready and poised to 'brand' your enterprise to the point of some cool effective promotional mix of good marketing, advertising and PR.
I'm not touting for trade, really, but you could consider looking at your medium to long-term strategy. The food industry is highly competitive but there is always room for a young energetic source like yours - provided you target customers accurately. I'm sure you will be a success. Don't worry about flyers or other stuff - talk to professionals.

Leadeship is about 'Doing the right things" Management is about "Doing things right".

[I]"Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision...never step on enthusiasm"[/I]

Go for it!

Hermes
[url]http://www.lyon.gb.com[/url]

[BIZAL]

hi Sach

Welcome to the forum. You will get lots of help for free on here and sometimes even from experts!