New year, new business: 10 entrepreneurial tips from North West business leaders

As part of our recent North West Christmas convo series, we spoke to MDs, partners and CEOs from across the region about how their enterprises fared in 2015, quizzing them over the biggest challenges they faced and finding out what they have planned for the next 12 months.

As January is a time for new beginnings and a fresh start, we’ve pulled together some of the best entrepreneurial advice we received during the course of the series to help budding entrepreneurs on their way to a fantastic 2016.

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“While inspiration is important, there is no substitute for perspiration!”

Mark Hirst, senior partner at law firm Bromleys.

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“Try not to build a business that is solely based around you – we all do this to begin with but if it continues you can never grow or ever take a proper holiday.”

Louise Pollard, sales director at co-working office space company WorkPlace.

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“If you have a plan or a business idea, think commercially and get your numbers right to back it up. Investors in particular look for two things – whether they can work with you and whether you have a solid business idea. If you tick these boxes, you have a chance of succeeding.”

Paul Bolton of Salford Professional Development

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“Never give up. Always believe anything is possible. And be prepared for a bumpy ride.”

Vilayte Essa, managing director of internet marketing agency SearchQuest Europe Ltd.

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“Trust your instincts. I am a big believer in following your gut - if you have a feeling, good or bad, you need to follow that instinct as it usually will be right.”

Arran Rice, the founder of digital venture Wizzed Media.

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“Surround yourself with the right people. Everyone has their own strengths, you can’t do everything yourself and having a strong team that you can rely on will help you reach your goals.”

Chris Mather, managing director of design consultancy Mather & Co.

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“Don’t just leap in. Spend time researching and preparing your business plan.”

Nick Taylor, managing director of Widnes-based timber firm Silva Timber Products.

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“To succeed you must have passion for what you do. It can be a highly overrated term in business but I genuinely believe that if you don’t have passion for what you do, how can you expect others to get ‘passionate’ about it?”

Anne Jackson, CEO of cancer charity North West Cancer Research.

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“Persevere – whatever you choose to do it is important to stick at it and don’t give up. Running a business has a lot of ups and downs and there are some industries, like radio, that are more cutthroat than others. It is important to carry on through adversity but always remember the lessons learnt.”

James Mulvany, founder of digital firm Igniso.

“Stand your ground but adapt when necessary.”

Ian Waxman, managing director of Manchester-based residential sales and lettings agencyPad Residential.

What tips would you have for someone about to launch their own company? Let us know in the comments below or tweet to us @BdailyNorthWest