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1. At June 26, 2008 9:21 AM, Chris Sabin wrote:

This is probably down to the same reason as why applicants to arty types of colleges/uni's in on the rise.
Reality Tv. The likes of Britain's Got Talent etc has caused an increase in applicants to try and hone their skills.

The Apprentice/Dragon's Den is maybe convincing people it is possible to go out there and succesfully setup a business? I might be wrong but this country does seem to be fueled by wanting to be *and i use this loosely* a "Celeberity".

Might be helped by the Credit Crunch and Banks thinking that a new startup company with a future is a wiser investment at the moment?

Or maybe these 98,000 people know something the rest of us don't and will all make alot of money!

2. At June 26, 2008 11:49 AM, Heather Greig wrote:

Having started my business (Virtual Personal Assistant-NI) in September 07 I was apprehensive about what the future held - however all the talk about the 'Credit Crunch' has actually given me a glimmer of hope.

I know that Companies are always looking at how best to use their precious funds - so by offering professional secretarial and administrative services on a 'Pay-As-You-Need' basis they can be guaranteed a good return on their outlay whilst leaving them more time to generate new business.

Also many existing Companies are having to change and adapt to the 'Credit Crunch' whilst the start-ups are entering new territory - so I would say YES now is the time to take the plunge!

(www.vpa-ni.co.uk)

3. At June 26, 2008 12:32 PM, Nicola Steel wrote:

What is Chris talking about?! Setting up a new business has nothing to do with being a celebrity. I set up my business in 2006 when there wasn't the "credit crunch" but it was a lifestyle choice so that I could care for my one year old daughter. Although I am not a celebrity and have no desire to be one, I make more money and get to see more of my daughter than working for a large corporate. Dragon's Den/ The Apprentice is interesting TV, and good luck to the people who enter it, but it would be my personal idea of hell!

4. At June 26, 2008 1:52 PM, 'Razor' Ramone wrote:

"There have been 98,000 new startups in England and Wales in the first quarter of 2008."

That's a great statistic. Can we now have data regarding how many sign-ups there were in the first quarter of 2004, say, before we hit our current downturn?
Again, statistics without a basis for comparison are virtually worthless.

5. At June 26, 2008 5:58 PM, Simon Hill wrote:

98,000 new start ups, but no mention of how many have been declared bankrupt or in receivership. There are far too many people who simply "bump" their company and start up the next day with a slightly different name. I wonder how many of the 98,000 are these type of people?

6. At June 26, 2008 10:37 PM, Matthew Barraclough wrote:

I've been around the new start up industry for over 15 years and it is no doubt true that whenever the latest credit crunch, inflation scare, housing drop, recession occurs and you would expect people to be holding on to their money it infact stimulates them to look for a better way to earn a living. www.workfromhomeuk.com

7. At June 27, 2008 1:51 PM, Mike Norie wrote:

Looking at the above comments, i do belive i was very foolish in taking on a business, that was on its last legs. That being a pub in a very affulent ares.
What a chalange this will be, in the presesnt credit climat, the first to go will be eating out, but as i say WHAT A CHALANGE.
Mike Norie The Trout In Barlow.
ph 0114 2890893.

8. At June 27, 2008 4:48 PM, Carl Richardson wrote:

What aload of rubbish ! it doesnt matter what the outlying conditions are like if someones got a good idea , a bit of support from a bank then there is no stopping them in going it alone , its all about beliving in yourself.I started Communication Consultants 7 years ago after having a row with my (then) boss.Its been a tough haul but I dont care at all it works for me and I got NO help from any type of government agency or from a bank but you just clear the obstacles out of the way as they appear. People will always try it if they belive whether its a credit crunch or whats on TV etc - its a purley personal thing with me.I am old enough to remember 1984 when I left school - everyone was on the doll there were no jobs a lot worse than now but where do you think the millionares of the 90s started from?.
Carl
www.commsconsultant.co.uk

9. At June 28, 2008 8:44 AM, Andrew wrote:

Although I am not a celebrity and have no desire to be one, I make more money and get to see more of my daughter than working for a large corporate.
http://names-n-brands.com/

10. At June 29, 2008 5:07 PM, Lewis Davison wrote:

From an economic viewpoint it could be argued that the main variable is the type of industry of these start-ups, rather than the core figures. In an economic downturn, businesses producing/marketing inferior products are likely to do a lot better than those promoting luxury products. It wouldn't surprise me if Lidl/Aldi etc are all reaping the benefits. Businesses therefore need to accomodate the spending patterns of consumers in relation to economic circumstances.

11. At July 2, 2008 10:25 AM, John Holt wrote:

I agree with "No.10 above, "Lewis Dawson". People do change their spending habits and shop more wisely for their money. That's why Businesses like ours "Aintree Liquidation Centre" should be thriving. But it is a fine balance between high outlay in advertising costs and trying to keep our selling prices as low as possible. We sell a lot of End of Line bargains at up to 50% off the rrp, we also sell goods bought direct from the manufacturers to keep prices as low as possible and are still struggling to find the necessary custom to make it work, though spending large amounts on advertising.

Great Business idea, good for the general public, but high advertising costs stop us getting the message "we are here" out there as much. Any comments on cheap/free advertising welcome to "aintreelc@btconnect.com"

12. At July 2, 2008 3:44 PM, Chris Sabin wrote:

"It wouldn't surprise me if Lidl/Aldi etc are all reaping the benefits"

Well i must admit, their fruit + veg is far fresher/tastier/cheaper than Tesco etc. I know what i'd rather have to be honest.

They have found a niche market and are maximizing their full potenial. You are right that they will probably be reaping the benefits but just because they are "cheap" doesn't mean they are going to be inferior products.