getting started

[Lee_Y]

Dear Mr/Mrs expert,

I was just wondering if you could offer me any adivce on entering the food/catering industry.

I am currently studing a Bs in actuarial science in england, but as i am quite eager to try and set up something while i am in a position of limited responsibility, i decided to try and learn as much as i could about setting up a small business.

I have already had an idea for a take away, which i have designed a usp for. I have also designed a product range, logo, decided my target market etc, and have done a limited costing sheet and worked out my pricing in accordance with my competition.

Just so you know i have alot of faith in the product, but i am not too sure about the market and my lack of experience. For one thing i have already researched some of the food licencing laws in england and talked to a few managers in the industry and there is an overwhelming amount of red tape. It was then that i had the idea of creating the product but going to an small but highly established resteraunt and trying to sell my idea to a few of them with a pitch that no one else in the market will be able to offer them the same product.

I want to do this and try and get it out there, but i really want to carry out with my studies, at the momnet i am thinking about buying the company name but i would really appriciate any advice or and direction you could point me in.

thank you for taking the time to read this, and best of luck in what ever it is you are doing

Lee

[BizGuy]

Hi there Lee,

Sounds like your working on an exciting project.
Have you put together a business plan and some full color marketing materials that would assist you in conveying your ideas to others?

I think that its important that you are able to create a visual for your audience of potentially interested 'buyers'.

Approaching the restaurants could be a good idea. You may want to try and find a smaller restaurant to start with, therefore you can listen to the potential questions and if necessary 'tweak' your answers before approaching some of the bigger and more prominent restaurants.

Keep in touch with me and hopefully I can be of assistance to you along the way!

Good luck and keep on posting here on YE!