When DVD Publishers, Clearvision went into liquidation at the height of the recession, Financial Controller, Tony Cohen made the exciting (and difficult) decision to set-up his own business. With sixteen years’ experience as Clearvision’s Financial Controller and having worked previously as an accountant in various companies and practices, the time had come for him to set-up his own accountancy practice.

Tony discovered Enterprise Enfield at a job fair at the College of Haringey, Enfield and North East London. After attending a Barclays Get Ready Business Seminar and a New Biz Workshop, Tony decided to enrol on the Enterprising Libraries New Biz Programme where he received the information, advice and guidance he needed to prepare his business plan.

As part of the programme, Tony received a comprehensive Planning and Starting Your Business Workbook– an easy to use, step-by-step guide to preparing a viable business plan – which he used to work through the various elements such as how to conduct market research into a business idea, how to develop a marketing plan, creating a vision and managing accounts. At the same time, he sought advice, and guidance from Programme Director, Kevan Dunne on business planning. 

Once his business plan was finalised, Tony was able to successfully approach his bank, for start-up funding to use as working capital, Tony says:

“The free support I received through Enterprising Libraries New Biz Programme was instrumental in helping me prepare an effective business plan and raise £10,000 to kickstart start my business. Along with the workbook and advice, I also found the library online resources and ALISON courses very useful. Without this help I wouldn’t have known where to start – it has been a vital resource." 

Tony C Accounting Services is now up and running, Tony has received his Institute of Chartered Accountants Practising Certificate and has also launched his website. He aims to concentrate on offering a range of accountancy services to start- ups and established, small and medium-sized businesses – including community businesses and social enterprises.   His services include: bookkeeping, Tax and VAT advice, accounts, consultancy, systems development and a virtual Financial Director, a paperless service where everything is stored in the Cloud. 

“My advice for anyone thinking of starting a business is to go to Enterprise Enfield to make sure you get off to the right start.  As an accountant, I am obviously good at the financial side of things, but in starting my own business I needed to understand how to produce a business plan and market and promote my services.  I have learnt so much through the scheme and understand the importance of networking, knowing your market, doing market research and adding value to your services”

You can find more information about Enterprise Enfield on their website.