10 reasons to do it

You may think it takes a certain type of person to start a business. Think again. It's just about having heaps of drive and resolve to see it through. If you've got the right approach, there's no limit to what you can achieve as your own boss.

It's all too easy to take the easy route and follow the crowd into a 'safe' career. But being different doesn't have to be scary - not when there's so much help and advice on offer in Wales. You can find out about grants, how to market your business and lots more. You will be amazed at what you'll be able to achieve, with the right help and a bit of self-belief.

After all, who wants to spend their life waiting for the perfect job, when you can just create it yourself?!

10 reasons to do it…

1. Independence
2. Flexibility
3. Great opportunities
4. Enjoying life!
5. Freedom to do what you want
6. No limit to what you can achieve
7. Prove yourself
8. Earn what you deserve
9. The chance to fulfill your potential
10. You are the boss

They did it - so can you!

We spoke to Robin and Ffion, who have both started their own business in Wales. They've both been through their ups and downs, shared fears and concerns, but one thing's for sure - they wouldn't have changed it for the world.

Robin Wealleans
The Picture Works Ltd - a video and music industry business set up in 1996.

Robin Wealleans has been his own boss since he left school at the age of 19 to set up his own business in a room at his mother's home. Already interested in music and video, Robin decided to take the leap after seeing U2 at a concert in Cardiff back in 1993. However, youth didn't seem to be on Robin's side. Being so young was a major drawback for him, as the banks didn't take his business idea too seriously.

"Good video equipment is extremely expensive and buying it remains our biggest challenge. Luckily I had some support from my family and friends and a lot of faith from our customers. All I can say to anyone wanting to start a business is to pursue your dream. It's not all rosy but it's definitely worth it for the experience alone. You will need a realistic business plan and nerves of steel but enthusiasm is the most important factor."

Within a year of establishing his business, Robin was working on events all over the world with Ministry of Sound, the first one of which was to 10,000 people in Indonesia. The business has also led him to work on events with some of the UK's biggest artists, including Fatboy Slim and Super Furry Animals.

"In the beginning we were doing low-key club shows but things quickly grew beyond our wildest expectations. We've worked in over 40 countries, were involved with the Manic St Preachers' huge Millennium Stadium show and last year we met the Queen! The pressure and the long hours are intense, but the job satisfaction you get far outweighs any downsides you may experience along the way - just go for it!"

Ffion Jones
Opened 7Twenty - an extreme sports shop set up in May 2003.

"I was working as a professional snowboarder out in the French Alps but due to increasing global warming I found that the ski seasons were getting shorter - four months at the most. I had worked away from home for a number of years and always knew that I wanted to settle down back home. So I came back to Ruthin and did the rounds looking for jobs but found that there just weren't any that I could see myself doing.

"I'm definitely not a 9-5 desk person. Turning my hobby into a business seemed a natural progression and now I can't imagine myself doing anything different. As well as skateboards, BMX's, mountain bikes, snowboards and surfboards, I decided to really go for it in a big way and sell fashionable branded clothes, such as Billabong and Quicksilver.

The shop has done much better than expected and last year I even started putting together extreme sports package holidays which proved very successful. When I decided to go for it, I really didn't know where to start. The help and support I had from the WDA was so beneficial, from knowing how to access grants to having help with getting a trademark.

"Being my own boss is so rewarding, sometimes I find myself looking around the shop at what I've achieved and thinking 'Well actually I've done alright for myself!'. I set up 7Twenty for the sheer love of extreme sports and I have never looked back. Each day I come up with new ideas for expanding the business - I literally can't wait to see what the future holds."

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