There's little doubt that this year will be remembered as one of uneasiness in certain areas of business, writes Carla Fox.
Even though the run-up to the referendum was a period of concern for many, 2013 saw the largest number of company incorporations in Scotland since 1997, when Companies House records started.
It's not surprising. Scots have a long history of innovation and a strong work ethic - the ideal combination for a successful start-up business, and with confidence in the economy increasing this is the time to take that notebook full of ideas and put them into action.
Businesses that are already established also need to foster their growth. However, it can be easy to take the collective eye off the ball when the day-to-day running takes over.
A successful start-up requires planning and the correct advice, but growing an existing business needs continued support and consultation with experts. Finding the time can be difficult to bring all the necessary strands together, so it's worth looking out for opportunities to get everything required under one roof.
At the SECC in Glasgow on November 13 and 14, there's the New Start Scotland Exhibition to provide that, with over 100 seminars and workshops, and 150 exhibitors to provide start-up assistance as well as continuing support.
Business planning requires bringing together its diverse strands including financial planning, bookkeeping, and efficient tax organisation. There may also be financial assistance in the shape of grants or loans to investigate.
No company can function without technology and business tools, but making the right investment during the start-up period is crucial. And, of course, growing businesses rarely function with one person, so recruitment of staff as well as their training and development should be in the plan.
Sales and marketing advice is also crucial for businesses at every stage, particularly new forms of promotion such as social media. Networking is also vital, building that wider base of contacts and clients. This networking element can be something that those new to business find difficult to initiate but at New Start Scotland this year, there will facilitated sessions as well as relaxed coffee areas to make starting those conversations a little smoother and more useful.
Add in time management, legal, and customer service and it's clear that an opportunity to bring the process of business planning under one roof makes what could be a long, drawn-out procedure more cohesive and straightforward.
Further details of what the programme offers over two days are available at http://www.newstartscotland.com/ as is a link to order tickets, which are free and can also be booked by calling 0800 1577950. Everything at the event is free, including all seminars and workshops. There will also be over £25,000 worth of giveaways and discounts to save much-needed start-up and investment cash.
Any business should be planning ahead for the next year at least, and speaking with those who have made their own way in business is absolutely the best way to find out exactly how that is done.
Many successful people at the top of companies that they have built from scratch will point to specific times at the beginning as a turning point. New Start Scotland could be yours.
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