UK Relocation: I Need Business Ideas

We would be no where if everyone agreed with everyone


On a student visa its illegal to be self employed
On a resident visa its tricky being self employed
The only visa you can start a company (legally) on is a business visa more info here http://www.workpermit.com/uk/entrepreneur.htm or as a UK citizen.
No ones saying it can't be done. What I'm saying is that his goal should not be to start a business in england, it should be to start a business in Nigeria.

It costs £15 to register a LLC with company house. At least £500 to rent an office. Even online companies need atleast £30 per year to host their website. You need at least internet connection (the worlds on the web) and a phone line which will cost you (with BT) £10 per month. No capital? Really?

The UK is currently suffering from redundancy (Norwich union let go about 2000 employees becomes the work is going to india). There are as many businesses as they are people. Look at sectors in Nigeria that have potential here

Advise doesn't come free, and I've given you my 2 pennies. Its your decision to take it or leave it. Being positive is good, but expect the worse and you'll never be taken by surprise - being a cynic has its advantages. But in everything have a good balance, I'd hate to see you end up working permanently as a cleaner for TFL. Like the majority have advised you have to be lead to learn to lead, so work for someone for at least 2 years meanwhile read books you don't need qualifications these days, you need a good portfolio and references. I work for a design agency (top 30 in the UK) with lots of project managers trust me I know. I'm currently doing an MSc, its tricky doing an MBA with no experience - I know most univerisities ask for 2 years at least. When you do get your visa (and like most Nigerians I'm sure you'd end up in london) let us know.

p.s. 80% of the people who come on dragons den walk away with not a penny. Is that where you want her to get business ideas from?! Ideas should come from your heart/head not other peoples. So at this point I think what you need is some more learning (not necessarily in a school) read a few books - The world is flat, Thomas Friedman. Freakonomics, Steven D. Levitt,Stephen J. Dubner by Steven D. Levitt. Rich dad poor dad Robert T. Kiyosaki and perhaps some fiction/art. You need to stimulate the left side of your brain - the creative/innovative/eclectic side.

I am not a student visa but i know this is incorrect

_{the dragon's den is actually a good place to learn, the no nonsense attitude of the investors will tell you if your business idea adds up or not(remember they are there to make money from your business too})

to be honest the type of business you do would depend on the city you are based in. I was a student in edinburgh for a year and if there's one thing that i am sure will fetch you money in edinburgh, it is selling foodstuffs. The african community in edinburgh is getting bigger every year because of the fresh talent initiative. Believe me african food is so expensive i practically went to London to get my supplies, i asked people i know who are permanently based in edinburgh they all go to London as well. There's nowhere to even buy fish except supermarkets which we africans don't buy.  For example in london a box of yams with about 12 to 14 tubers will cost you around £24 in london, a single tuber we tend to buy for £7 in edinburgh do the math and £24 is the price we buy it i am sure you will get it cheaper if you buy from the suppliers. If you are say in somewhere like essex and u sell this same thing u should do well because i still know a number of people in this area who come to Peckham to buy their supplies, however almost everything african in England is oversubscribed, if you are in Scotland or wales have a look around there's sure to be something african you can sell. Don't worry about taxes if you don't intend to cheat your way out you will be fine. As someone said however you may have to do the 9 - 5 first. Goodluck

and @ Seun as a staunch capitalist that  u claim to be i am quite disappointed

Babygal, you got a very great idea. I can't say every bizness idea for yu comin to uk is bad. but the truth is that yu got to ask GOD (thas if yur a believer) what He wants for yu.
generally speakin, THE GRASS LOOKS GREENER ON THE OTHER SIDE.

that site is unusable. it can't even locate my street in lagos

ok

Sharon,
Learn this : Small people attract big problem. while, big people attract small problem. Always support business minded person but you have to set your priority. Am in Nigeria, have never being to USA. I import my goods from US and am doing very fine. Its all because i ask for divine direction.
Every business has its own peculiar problem so don't ever give up your dream. Keep pressing on either Uk or anywhere.
Take care
lexyl

I know there people who buy snails and grasscutters here in Nigeria processed and dressed them for on  ward shipment through courier companies to Nigerians in UK.You may think in that line if you are interested.

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