BEEPURPLE - University Of Brighton

BEEPURPLE The University of Brighton’s Entrepreneurship Support Service DISCOVER 15 NEW SKILLS WORKSHOPS FOR 2017/18

INSPIRING STUDENT SUCCESS STORIES

GET 1-2-1 BUSINESS SUPPORT

FREE BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS INSIDE!

PRINTED AS BELOW, FOR WHICH WE ACCEPT NO LIABILITY

www.parkerpartnership.co.uk | reception@parkerpartnership.co.uk

Accountants, tax and business advisers to owner-managed businesses throughout Sussex

We are trained not only in compliance matters, but a wide range of areas.

Visit parkerpartnership.co.uk to learn more of the services we provide and to see some of the feedback we have received from clients.

For a free initial consultation call us on 01273 722505

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THE SANTANDER UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON IDEAS COMPETITION 2017-18 Details of the annual competition for students and graduates.

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MEET JASPREET PAUL Jaspreet has set up UniRoomie, an accommodation finder for students.

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CONTENTS

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WELCOME Find out how beepurple can support you as a student and graduate.

www.parkerpartnership.co.uk | reception@parkerpartnership.co.uk 07

MEET MARIA FOX Maria studied Graphic Design and started her business while still at university.

MEET KAREN BURRETT Karen runs her own clinic, First Foot Clinic in Shoreham-by-Sea.

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MEET CANDICE ARMAH & MATTHEW HAMBLION Candice and Matthew are opening a video game café.

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MEET THEONE COLEMAN

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Business services include:

• Business start-up • Limited companies • Business finance • Partnerships

Theone • is developing Ethical Fitness while and at university.

• Company Taxation Your employees • Sales marketing • IT and e-business MEET FAIK AKTULGA • Business regulations • Company Audits • Selling Faik’s business Wild Fangs takes exotic animals into schools and nurseries.

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NINE KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS IDEA You’ve got a business idea – but how do you know whether it’s worth pursuing?

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BEEPURPLE’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMME Find out what’s in store for 2017/18 – new workshops for those that want to develop their skills.

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HOW DO I PROTECT MY IDEAS? An overview of the four key areas of IP and the steps you can take to safeguard your ideas.

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HOW TO PLAN FOR SUCCESS Discover the Business Model Canvas – a popular modern planning tool for startups.

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Personal services include:

USEFUL ONLINE RESOURCES 24 • An websites introduction tototax Introduction Organisations, and tools helpplanning you build a • successful business. to the tax

system

• Planning aspects • Home aspects • Investments and investing • Retirement and pensions • VCT, EIS and SEIS Copyright © 2017 University of Brighton All rights reserved. For permission requests, write to the publisher at beepurple@brighton.ac.uk.

For a free initial consultation call us on 01273 722505 Produced by beepurple, Careers Service, University of Brighton, Manor House, Moulsecoomb Place, Brighton BN2 4GA. Email: beepurple@brighton.ac.uk. Phone: 01273 641220

Booklet design by Distinct Blueprint, a beepurple-supported business. Visit www.distinctblueprint.com for more information.

Magazine made possible thanks to the generous support of Enterprise Nation, Face Media Group, Parkers, Plus Accounting and Swindells Chartered Accountants.

WELCOME

If this is the first time you’ve heard about beepurple, the University of Brighton’s entrepreneurship support service, then we hope you’ll find lots in these pages to inform and inspire you.

DON’T MISS OUT ON BEEPURPLE NEWS AND EVENTS. GET THE FREE NEWSLETTER AT

Read on to discover how we aim to support you, whether you’re planning the next dotcom sensation, want to start a world-changing social enterprise or are simply thinking about going freelance.

beepurple.co.uk

But remember that beepurple isn’t just for students and graduates starting new ventures. It’s for everyone that wants to develop the key skills that will improve their career prospects.

From problem solving and creative thinking to time management, communication skills and decision making: our programme is guaranteed to improve your employability.

If you’re already familiar with beepurple, take a look at our new workshops for 2017/18. We’ve added exciting new sessions and brought back some of your favourite speakers to deliver a packed year of entrepreneurial insight.

NEED TO DISCUSS YOUR STARTUP IDEA? BOOK A FREE ONETO-ONE AT beepurple@brighton.ac.uk

Remember you can meet with us at any campus to discuss your ideas. Get in touch at beepurple@ brighton.ac.uk to arrange an appointment.

We look forward to seeing you and supporting you.

Have a great year.

Clare Griffiths & Luke Mitchell beepurple Team

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH BEEPURPLE. FOLLOW US ON

@uobbeepurple

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Full of Ideas?

Enter the Santander University of Brighton Ideas Competition 2018 for your chance to win ÂŁ2000 Visit www.beepurple.co.uk for more details

JASPREET PAUL SCHOOL OF COMPUTING, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS

MEET THE BEEPURPLER BEHIND UNIROOMIE Jaspreet studies Business with Economics and has set up UniRoomie, an accommodation finder app for students, during his studies. “We match students based on interests and preference. We don’t just help students find rooms we help them find roommates. My vision for the future is to scale to as many universities as possible.”

Being at university and being an entrepreneur has proved challenging. “My time is stretched between university work and business,” says Jaspreet.

“I’ve learnt to use my time wisely whether it was being punctual or just meeting deadlines. I started planning out my week and what I would have to get done by each day and it started to become a habit.”

JASPREET’S TIPS

Jaspreet says beepurple has helped whenever he wanted advice. “When I needed help with pitching my idea, I took advantage of a lot of the one-toone sessions and it turned out to be a success. My advice to others is don’t be afraid to fail. Try to get as much feedback as possible, and don’t feel you have to be good at everything – have the right people around you to help you.”

• • • •

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Don’t be afraid to fail Try to get as much feedback as possible Don’t feel you have to be good at everything Have the right people around you to help you

Find Jaspreet at uniroomie.co.uk

MEET THE BEEPURPLER BEHIND MARIA ALLEN BOUTIQUE Maria studied Graphic Design and started her business, Maria Allen Boutique, while still at university. “I couldn’t find jewellery that I really liked in the shops, so I taught myself to make it.

I began selling online and at markets in Brighton and the business started to grow. Starting and growing the business was all done part-time in between studying, so I didn’t have a lot of spare time during the three years of my degree! But I didn’t mind because I enjoyed it so much.” ” There is so much help out there for new businesses and it doesn’t have to cost a lot either. beepurple is my number one recommendation in terms of starting up a business.”

Maria Allen Boutique creates personalised jewellery and gifts using reclaimed British and sustainably sourced wood. The products are designed, laser cut, assembled and finished in their studio by a team. “We love to use reclaimed

wood that has interesting stories behind it,” says Maria. “The copper beech wood that we currently use for our Union Jack cufflink design is from a tree that was in Sir Winston Churchill’s garden and is over 200 years old.”

MARIA’S TIPS • • • • •

Believe in yourself Test the market to get feedback Don’t be afraid to approach new people Aim high with your goals!

Remember to step back and celebrate

“I got a lot of invaluable help and support from beepurple while I was studying,” says Maria. “I attended a lot of sessions, which covered many aspects of business, and I found being around so many like-minded people really inspiring. My favourite event was the summer school. It was five intense days in June which were just fantastic and there was never a dull moment. Every day there were new speakers covering different aspects of business, sharing their stories and I found the whole thing fascinating and exciting – it made me want to work even harder on my business and make it a success.”

Find Maria at mariaallenboutique.com

MARIA FOX SCHOOL OF ART

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KAREN BURRETT SCHOOL OF HEALTH SCIENCES

MEET THE BEEPURPLER BEHIND FIRST FOOT CLINIC Karen qualified from the University of Brighton with a BSc (Hons) in Podiatry. She runs her own clinic, First Foot Clinic in Shoreham-by-Sea. “Starting a business is not an easy choice but it’s very rewarding. It’s the freedom to work in the way you want to achieve the goals you set out for yourself.”

“In podiatry, there are several avenues of employment on offer,” says Karen, “and whilst I initially started my career as a self-employed associate, I have been running my own clinic, alongside my husband Martin, for the past five years. We provide a professional, friendly and caring specialist podiatry service to treat a wide range of conditions affecting the foot and lower limb.”

Setting up the clinic was a challenge, says Karen.

“Although we each had skills and knowledge that together could be beneficial in this process, we 8

both had a lot to learn along the way. For us, I think the biggest challenge was putting together a business plan. beepurple has been a support to us over the years.”

Karen attended UltraViolet, beepurple’s summer startup course. “I have also been in touch at times developing the business and when I had a product development idea. I was able to have a one-to-one session to discuss this with an expert in the field who gave excellent advice on the processes, cost and legalities of product development.”

Find Karen at firstfootclinic.co.uk

KAREN’S TIPS • • •

Design the working life you want for yourself Do lots of research and talk to others in the field Give great customer service and a quality product – it will build your reputation

CANDICE ARMAH & MATTHEW HAMBLION SCHOOL OF ENVIRONMENT AND TECHNOLOGY & SCHOOL OF ART

MEET THE BEEPURPLERS BEHIND HEALTH BAR “We want to open a video game café with the vibe of a legendary independent record store, where you can play games, make friends, and discover some deep cuts.” Candice and Matthew have named their startup Health Bar and have started a series of pop-ups to try their ideas out and show investors what they can do.

“We both love video games and come from a music and club promotion background. When we looked at existing video game lounges across the country, we felt they could do more to appeal beyond young, male gaming enthusiasts. Our focus is on creating inclusive, welcoming spaces for the majority of people who play video games, including first-timers, women, LGBTQ+ folk, and people of colour.”

They had a month to build a customer base from scratch before their first pop-up. “At first it was like our social media posts were all disappearing into a void. But gradually, after posting regularly and building excitement with special announcements, as well as some ‘real life’

CANDICE & MATTHEW’S TIPS • • • •

Create milestones for yourself Recognise how far you’ve come and celebrate Find events to attend and network at Enter startup competitions – we won money to fund our first pop-up

promotion, such as flyering and attending relevant events and a big video game conference, we began to get through to people. In the end, mostly everyone who attended was a stranger won over by our promotion”.

The first thing Candice and Matthew did after coming up with their idea was meet with beepurple. “We’d never started a business before, and we wanted to find out how viable it was. beepurple laid out the steps we needed to take to make our idea happen. If we hadn’t had that contact pushing us onward, our idea may have remained a pipe dream.”

Find them on Facebook @healthbarbrighton 9

THEONE COLEMAN SCHOOL OF SPORT AND SERVICE MANAGEMENT

MEET THE BEEPURPLER BEHIND ETHICAL FITNESS absorbs twice as much than regular cotton and most of all doesn’t harm the environment, animals or people in production. It’s a very exciting time.”

Current student Theone is developing a sports business alongside his studies: “Ethical Fitness is a personal training service,” says Theone, “working to create a fitness hub and online resource for ethical personal training and health advice. We believe that up-to-date, quality health and fitness advice should be accessible to all.”

Theone is also expanding into creating ethicallysourced gym wear: “Gym wear that doesn’t smell,

THEONE’S TIPS • • • • 10

Make the most of all support networks Ask all questions (especially the stupid ones) Take the good with the bad and lean into both with the same enthusiasm There are no mistakes, just lessons

He says he’s had to learn all kinds of things as a startup and needed to develop new skills. But he enjoys the freedom and opportunity that selfemployment offers: “It’s an awesome feeling to be in control of my own destiny, yet scary as I’m accountable for its success or demise. Although when you believe in something, for me, the risk is worth it.” “beepurple have provided so many contacts within and outside of the university to seek advice and support from,” says Theone. “They’ve helped me create action plans, provided advice and tools, helped to pick apart my ideas and add depth to my foundations, ultimately creating a solid platform to build a business from. As a startup, beepurple was exactly what I needed to hit the ground running”.

Find Theone at www.ethical-fitness.co.uk – he offers half-price personal training to students.

FAIK’S TIPS

MEET THE BEEPURPLER BEHIND WILD FANGS Faik studied Business Management at the University of Brighton and then took a Masters in International Event Management. His business Wild Fangs takes exotic animals into schools and nurseries and uses them to teach children about the natural world in a fun and interactive way.

“With the help of the beepurple team I was able to get things up and running. I also won a business development grant which enabled me to invest in marketing for the business.”

“We are based in London,” says Faik, “where often children do not get as much of a chance to interact with nature as they should do. This means we can provide a valuable experience in expanding children’s interest in exploring nature.”

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Be resourceful – where can you get that from? Can you get it done cheaper?

Customer rapport is key!

Take smaller achievable steps to reach a larger goal Network - ask yourself what this person could do to help you USE BEEPURPLE

mention looking after all the animals! When you get recommendations through word of mouth, it feels great knowing you are doing a good job and people are talking about your business.” beepurple supported Faik through one-to-one meetings to discuss his startup and business development.

Find Faik at wildfangs.wordpress.com

Faik is self-reliant in all aspects of the day-today running of the business. “As a sole trader I am responsible for finance, marketing, sales, admin, providing the visits to clients and not to

FAIK ATULGA

BRIGHTON BUSINESS SCHOOL

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NINE KEY QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS IDEA YOU’VE GOT A BUSINESS IDEA – BUT HOW DO YOU KNOW WHETHER IT’S WORTH PURSUING? It is actually really hard to predict whether an idea is going to work out in the long-term. However, the following nine questions will help you evaluate your idea, and form some solid foundations for your startup…

1. WHAT’S YOUR VISION FOR YOUR BUSINESS? How do you imagine your business in the future? Having a clear image of your future business is a really valuable starting point for you to then work out how you are going to realise that vision.

2. WHAT EXACTLY DO YOU INTEND TO DEVELOP? What specific products and services do you intend to offer? If you are already in business, what do you intend to develop (e.g. new products and services, processes, revised business models, technology, stakeholder engagement, or communication strategies)?

3. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS? Whatever you decide to develop, consider how your startup will benefit your target audience (i.e. your customers and end users). Once you are clear on the benefits, you will be able to communicate those benefits more effectively to your audience.

4. WHO IS YOUR BUSINESS AIMED AT AND WHO IS ALREADY DOING THIS? It is vital you know your market niche, and understand who your target customer groups are, as well as your competitors. Make sure you find out what your competitors are doing. This will help you shape your competitive advantage.

5. HOW ARE YOU GOING TO TELL PEOPLE ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS? Think about the online and offline marketing activities you could use to inform your target audience about your business.

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6. WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE WORLD THAT COULD AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS? However big or small your business is, you will be affected by the world around you – politically, economically, and via changes in social demographics, technology, legislation, and by developments to protect the environment. By keeping an eye on these drivers, your business will be more prepared to respond to potential opportunities and threats.

7. WHERE AND HOW DO YOU PLAN TO OPERATE, AND WHAT COULD GO WRONG? It is important that you think about the logistical side of your business. Where will you be based? What legal issues do you need to consider? What are the associated risks of setting up and running your business?

8. WHO’S GOING TO HELP YOU DEVELOP YOUR BUSINESS? Whatever the size of your team (it may be just you!), there will be people in your professional and social networks who will be able to support you now, and in the future. Think about who those people are, and work out how they could potentially help you.

9. WHAT MONEY IS GOING TO COME IN AND OUT OF YOUR BUSINESS? When you are exploring your idea, don’t forget to make the necessary financial calculations. How much profit do you think you will make? What are the start-up costs, and running costs, you need to account for?

Whatever stage you are at in starting up your venture, make sure you analyse your ideas carefully. This will potentially save you time and money in the long-run.

Need support developing your business? Get in touch with beepurple to arrange a one-to-one discussion at your campus: beepurple@brighton.ac.uk

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AUTUMN

WINTER

TURN YOUR IDEAS INTO REALITY

INNOVATION CHALLENGE!

Wednesday, 11 October 2017 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Room G4, Main Building, Grand Parade Learn how to generate and analyse entrepreneurial ideas and decide which ones are worth pursuing.

Wednesday, 22 November 2017 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Room G4, Main Building, Grand Parade Test your problem-solving skills and develop your creative thinking in this fun workshop with real-life business challenges.

PLAN YOUR BUSINESS

GET YOUR FIRST SALES

Wednesday, 18 October 2017 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Room G5, Mithras House, Moulsecoomb Discover how to use a business model canvas to get your plans in shape and create a profitable venture.

Wednesday, 7 February 2018 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Room G5, Mithras House, Moulsecoomb Explore the most effective ways to generate leads and secure your first sales.

MARKETING MASTERCLASS PART 1: CREATE A STRATEGY

Wednesday, 21 February 2018 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Room G4, Main Building, Grand Parade Get an introduction to funding options like grants and loans – with a special focus on crowdfunding.

Wednesday, 25 October 2017 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Room G5, Mithras House, Moulsecoomb Find out how to develop a clear vision for your business and then draw a roadmap to your customers.

MARKETING MASTERCLASS PART 2: SMART TACTICS Wednesday, 1 November 2017 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Room G5, Mithras House, Moulsecoomb Gain new ideas for your marketing campaign and learn how to get things done on a shoestring budget.

GROW YOUR NETWORK Wednesday, 8 November 2017 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Room G4, Main Building, Grand Parade Learn how to network better and start building strong professional relationships.

STARTING UP: TOP TIPS FROM ENTREPRENEURS Wednesday, 15 November 2017 5.30 pm – 8.00 pm Room LT1, 1st Floor, Edward Street Successful graduates return to the university to share the highs and lows of starting up. Meet them and learn from their journeys.

FUND YOUR BUSINESS

MAKE MONEY ONLINE Wednesday, 28 February 2018 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Room G5, Mithras House, Moulsecoomb Hear from a panel of digital entrepreneurs who are growing successful internet businesses.

SPRING

SUMMER

GET THINGS DONE

PROTECT YOUR IDEAS

Wednesday, 7 March 2018 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Room G5, Mithras House, Moulsecoomb Increase your productivity and discover the tools and systems of high-achievers.

Wednesday, 18 April 2018 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Room G5, Mithras House, Moulsecoomb Get an insightful introduction to intellectual property and how you can protect your creations and work.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS Wednesday, 14 March 2018 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Room G4, Main Building, Grand Parade Ready to take your startup to the next level?

Discover what it takes to grow bigger.

PITCH LIKE A PRO Wednesday, 21 March 2018 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm Room G5, Mithras House, Moulsecoomb Sharpen your presentation skills and gain confidence in pitching your ideas to an audience – from clients and customers, to investors and partners.

THE SANTANDER UNIVERSITY OF BRIGHTON IDEAS COMPETITION FINAL Thursday, 10 May 2018 6.00 pm – 8.30 pm Room LT1, 1st Floor, Edward Street An exciting event where shortlisted students and graduates pitch their ideas to a panel of business experts. Enter your idea and win startup funding.

ULTRAVIOLET BUSINESS STARTUP SUMMER COURSE Monday, 11 June to Friday, 15 June 2018 10.00 am - 4.00 pm each day Sharpen your presentation skills and gain confidence in pitching your ideas to an audience – from clients and customers, to investors and partners.

THE BEEPURPLE ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING PROGRAMME All evening workshops are free to attend.

Certificates of attendance available.

Go to beepurple.co.uk to reserve your place now – limited availability.

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HOW DO I PROTECT MY IDEAS? People with new business ideas often worry about others stealing or copying them. But in the UK there are laws that aim to protect intellectual property (IP) and prevent theft. Here’s an overview of the four key areas of IP and steps you can take to safeguard your ideas.

TRADE MARKS - For Brand Names You can register your trade mark to protect your brand, for example, the name of your product or service. When you register your trade mark, you’ll be able to: take legal action against anyone who uses your brand without your permission, including counterfeiters; put the ® symbol next to your brand - to show that it’s yours, and warn others against using it; sell and license your brand.

SOUND MOVE Even sounds can be trademarked. Tarzan’s yell, Darth Vader’s breathing and Homer Simpson’s D’oh are just some that have been protected by their creators.

for example contain swear words or pornographic images. It can’t describe the goods or services it will relate to, for example the word ‘cotton’ can’t be a trade mark for a cotton textile company.

It mustn’t be misleading, for example use the word ‘organic’ for goods that aren’t organic. And 3D shapes cannot be trademarked. Any phrase trademarked must not be common, like ‘we lead the way’. And no logo should look too similar to state symbols like flags or hallmarks.

You pay £100 to register a trade mark in the UK, plus £25 for any additional category (known as a ‘class’) you wish to add. You can find a list of trade mark classes on the IPO’s website.

Your trade mark must be unique. It can include words, sounds, logos, colours or a combination of any of these. Your trade mark can’t be offensive, 16

Some content reproduced under Open Government Licence v3.0

PATENTS -

For Inventions

You may have heard about patents in the media.

They are often thought of as the smart way to protect ideas. But in reality patents are difficult and expensive to get.

Patents protect inventions. The invention must satisfy three criteria: it must be something that can be made or used; it must be something completely new; and it must be genuinely inventive – not just a simple modification to something that already exists.

Examples of things you can’t patent include artistic works, ways of doing things (e.g. playing a game or following a business method), scientific theories and some computer programs and mobile apps.

If your invention becomes patented, you keep exclusive rights over it for 20 years (in the UK).

No-one else can use it or copy it. This could give your patented idea significant commercial value.

The patent application process is long and costly. Only 1 in 20 applicants get a patent without professional help, so you are advised

SPANX® PATENT Sara Blakely, the inventor of Spanx® underwear, has become a dollar billionaire through her smart use of patents. Blakely cut the feet off a pair of body shaping pantyhose to create something she could wear under white trousers. By patenting her invention she warded off competitors and protected her business.

to employ a patent attorney. With professional help, applications typically cost £4,000 and take around 5 years to be granted (which is why you often hear that “patent is pending” on TV shows like Dragons’ Den).

If you think a patent might be right for you, it’s wise to follow the IPO’s detailed online guidance at www.gov.uk/topic/intellectual-property

REGISTERED DESIGNS - For Products You can register the look of a product you’ve designed to stop people copying or stealing it.

The look of your design includes the appearance, physical shape, configuration (or how different parts of a design are arranged together) or decoration.

By registering your design with the IPO you can legally prevent others from using it for up to 25 years, though you have to renew every 5 years.

Once registered you can display your registration number on your design.

To register your design, it must be new, not be offensive (for example feature graphic images or words), be your own intellectual property,

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not make use of protected emblems or flags (for example the Olympic rings) and not be an invention. You cannot protect the functionality of a design – for example a chair that folds down quicker than others of the same kind.

Applying to register a design involves submitting illustrations. It costs £50 to register one

COPYRIGHT -

design. Your design could be the shape of the product, colours and patterns, texture and/or ornamentation, packaging, the ‘get-up’ of the product (Evian’s distinctive red oval and blue mountain range is get up), graphic symbols (such as an icon on a computer screen or a cartoon character) and typefaces.

For Creative Work

Copyright protection is automatic. You don’t have to apply or pay a fee, and there isn’t a register of copyright works in the UK. It applies to creative works.

BLURRED LINES Robin Thicke vs. Marvin Gaye (2014) The family of late soul singer Marvin Gaye alleged that Robin Thicke’s pop hit “Blurred Lines”, with its strong funky bassline and background chatter, infringed on Gaye’s 1977 “Got to Give It Up.” Thicke and co-writer Pharrell Williams were ordered to pay $7.3 million in damages and 50 per cent of all future royalties.

Examples include literature, music, film and other artistic works, illustration and photography, and original non-literary written work such as software, web content and databases.

You become the copyright owner the moment you create the work, and you can mark it with the

copyright symbol (©), your name and the year of creation. Though whether you mark the work or not doesn’t affect the level of protection you have.

The length of time you own copyright ranges from 25 years to 70 years depending on the type of creative works (film, sheet music, fiction, TV broadcast etc).

It’s your own responsibility to defend your copyright. If you believe someone has infringed your copyright, the first step is to contact them and ask them to stop or come to an agreement. If you can’t agree, you can use a mediator to resolve the dispute; the Government’s Intellectual Property Office (IPO) provides this service for a fee. The final option is to take legal action. Visit the IPO website to find out more about the process.

Note that you can license your copyrighted works, giving other people permission to use it within agreed limits and for reward. You can also give up your moral rights and allow others to use or adapt your work freely.

Need specialist IP advice? Our associate expert Dr Ian Goodyer hosts one-to-ones. Contact us at beepurple@ brighton.ac.uk to request an appointment. And look out for Ian’s insight-packed workshop: ‘Protecting You And Your Ideas’, in April 2018.

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[PLACE PRINT ADVERTISEMENT HERE]

HOW TO PLAN FOR SUCCESS The Business Model Canvas is a popular modern planning tool for startups. It’s just a single sheet divided into nine key subject areas. For many, it’s a simple and quick alternative to the traditional business plan template.

Got a business idea? Use the Canvas to analyse it. It can bring clarity and confidence. It will also get you thinking of new ideas and opportunities.

Use the Canvas for business ideas, existing projects or even to examine competitors.

COMPLETE YOUR BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS 1. CUSTOMER SEGMENTS This area is about who you will sell your products or services to. Here you should list all the types of customers you’ll have. Include brief profiles for these customer types: What are their demographics? What is their lifestyle? What do they value?

What do they need?

2. VALUE PROPOSITION Here you should detail how you’ll solve your customer’s problem. What value will you deliver to the different customer segments? What will you offer that is unique - and why will your customers prefer your solutions to others? Order these values by the priorities of each customer type.

3. CUSTOMER CHANNELS How will you reach your customers? Where will you communicate and sell to them? Here you should list all the specific channels you’ll use e.g. social media, flyers, telephone calls, events.

4. CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS In this section explain how you’ll maintain a relationship with customers over time.

What kinds of communication will you have with them? For example, will you offer them extra products or services (‘upsell’)? Will you email special offers to engage them at key times?

5. REVENUE STREAMS List all the ways you’ll make money. How do these relate to the different customer segments? Do you have mixed pricing? Do you have more than one product or service?

TOP TIP You can submit your Canvas to beepurple for feedback.

6. KEY ACTIVITIES What will your business actually involve? What are all the essential activities you’ll need to perform for your business to work? These are not just the things that generate income. List also the things you have to do to sustain the business (e.g. marketing). Look at the other areas of the Canvas and ask yourself what creates activities.

7. KEY RESOURCES Detail the resources you’ll need to create and deliver your value proposition: Office space? Computer? 3D Printer? Shop? Website? High speed internet? What people are involved in your business and what do they do? What money do you need available to run your business? Key resources are all the assets you’ll use to create your value proposition, and that includes your intellectual property.

8. KEY PARTNERS What partnerships are critical to your business? Include all partners, suppliers and collaborators. Explain the nature of the relationship (how you value each other) and how it is maintained. How do these partners relate to your key activities?

9. COST STRUCTURE What will it cost to launch and maintain your business? Think about all the things you’ll have to spend money on. Include one-off costs and repeat costs, like website hosting or rent. Look at all your key activities and what they will cost.

Congratulations – you’ve completed your Business Model Canvas! To see some examples of how others have filled in their template, Google ‘Business Model Canvas 101’ by Emad Saif. In these slides, Emad shows what a Canvas would look like for Flickr, Gillette, Skype and a lemonade stand.

Turn over to complete your Buisness Model Canvas.

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KEY PARTNERS

KEY ACTIVITIES

KEY RESOURCES

VALUE PROPOSITION

CUSTOMER RELATIONSHIPS

CHANNELS

REVENUE STREAMS

CUSTOMER SEGMENTS

BUSINESS IDEA: DATE:

Credit:www.strategyzer.com

COST STRUCTURE

BUSINESS MODEL CANVAS

GOOD INTO A GREAT

BUSINESS enterprisenation.com/welcome

USEFUL ONLINE RESOURCES There are lots of organisations, websites and tools available to entrepreneurs to help them build a successful business. Here are a just a few for starters...

gov.uk/browse/business – This website replaces the former Government-funded Business Link website. It provides lots of up-to-date information for start-ups and small businesses.

Business Support, Information and Guidance letsdobusinessgroup.co.uk – The Let’s Do Business Group is the leading provider of business advice, training, access to finance and business events in the South East. The Group deliver the Start-Up Loans scheme throughout the South of England, and lends to growing businesses, 12 months or older, through the Business Growth Fund. c2cbusiness.org.uk – The Coast-to-Capital Business Navigator Growth Hub is a web portal for businesses. It includes an online directory of business support organisations and a calendar of business events in the Coast-to-Capital region. britishchambers.org.uk - A business network that spans the length and breadth of the UK, with links to markets across the world. Find your local chamber – members speak very highly of their benefits. enterprisenation.com – Enterprise Nation has developed a range of support services for small businesses, including an online network as well as training events. They also sell practical business books via their website.

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startacus.net – Startacus is an online support network for self-starters, with a handy online toolkit and platform to help individuals develop their ideas and collaborate with each other. prowess.org.uk – Prowess 2.0 is an online service aimed at women in business, which has a blogging platform, as well as information about womenfriendly business support. mymas.org – The Manufacturing Advisory Service provides manufacturing business support for companies based in England, helping them to improve and grow. startupdonut.co.uk – Start-Up Donut provides free, online resources, advice and tools for those wanting to start a business. startupbritain.org – Start-Up Britain is a national campaign to inspire, accelerate and celebrate entrepreneurship across the UK. shell-livewire.org – Shell LiveWIRE is an online national business support organisation which has a wealth of useful information and guidance. They also offer a startup grant of £5000 each month for sustainable living inventions.

Crowdsource Funding Platforms smarta.com – Smarta is an online business support network for startups, small business owners and entrepreneurs, providing a range of free practical guides, tools and informative videos. unltd.org.uk – UnLtd offers a range of support, funding and mentors for aspiring social entrepreneurs and established social enterprises.

Funding Opportunities innovateuk.org – Businesses can apply for R&D funding in specific priority areas. Browse, register and apply for current competitions, or find out about those opening soon, via the Innovate UK website. startuploans.co.uk – Start-Up Loans is a Government-funded scheme to enable individuals to start up and develop their own businesses. gov.uk/new-enterprise-allowance – The New Enterprise Allowance (NEA) offers job seekers a weekly allowance worth up to £1,274 over 26 weeks, and a loan of up to £1,000 to put towards start-up costs.

crowdcube.com – Crowdcube is an equity-based crowdsource funding platform for high-growth ventures. The average investment is £140,000. indiegogo.com – Indiegogo is a reward-based crowdsource funding platform for individuals, groups and start-up companies who have ideas for new products, services, and community projects. kickstarter.com – Kickstarter is probably the most well-known reward-based crowdsource funding platforms, originating in the USA, for individuals, groups and start-up companies who have ideas for new products, services, and community projects. seedrs.com – Seedrs is an equity-based crowdsource funding platform for high-growth ventures. The average investment is £150,000.

Support for Economicallydisadvantaged Entrepreneurs princes-trust.org.uk – The Prince’s Trust provides business support and startup loans for people aged 30 years and under.

Funding Databases

fredericksfoundation.org – The Fredericks Foundation is a charity which helps economicallydisadvantaged individuals to set up or expand their businesses.

j4bgrants.co.uk – j4b Grants is a searchable database which provides information on all the latest UK Government grants, European grants, and other sources of funding, to help businesses, social enterprises and charities start up and grow.

enterpriseexchange.org.uk – The Enterprise Exchange specialises in helping people from disadvantaged backgrounds become selfemployed or start a business to transform their lives.

fundingcentral.org.uk – Funding Central is a smart website with a searchable database of grants, contracts and loans for the voluntary and community sector, including social enterprises.

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Legal Issues companieshouse.gov.uk – Companies House is the governmental organisation that registers all new UK companies and can provide information on legal requirements associated with registering, dissolving, and the filing of accounts for limited liability companies and partnerships. hmrc.gov.uk – HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) is the UK customs and tax department providing information for self-employed individuals and companies about tax, VAT, national insurance contributions and returns processes.

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ipo.gov.uk – The Intellectual Property Office is the official Government body responsible for granting intellectual property (IP) rights in the UK, including copyright, trademarks, design rights and patents.

Skill-Swapping, Favours and Inspiration for Ideas swapaskill.com – A community of people who want to trade skills and items from across the globe. horsesmouth.co.uk – A social network for informal mentoring, where everyone can share experiences and advice. fiverr.com – A website where people offer to carry out tasks for five dollars (such as marketing, graphic design etc). springwise.com – Springwise is an ideas database with examples of some of the most innovative products, services and community projects from around the world.

Online Networking linkedin.com – Arguably the most recognised professional online networking site for professionals, startups and established businesses.

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