Is this for me?

What specific skills will I need?

As well as a range of softer personal attributes that will help you run your business, it is advisable to have some knowledge of the market in which you intend to work. Relevant skills include:

• Professional qualifications - as some trades require professional qualifications or standards from people working in that field, you must check that you have the necessary qualifications in order to obtain licences or accreditation. A good starting point to research this is the Sector Skills Development Agency website at www.ssda.org.uk.
• Business skills, such as bookkeeping or knowledge of employment legislation, may be useful. If you have no prior experience of running a business, it may be worth taking a business start up or management course. Learn Direct provides information on courses aimed at new entrepreneurs: see www.learndirect-business.co.uk for details.