Big Brother inspires business website

TWO Notts entrepreneurs say they are about to reinvent the world of business advice by taking inspiration from Big Brother.

Toby Reid, supported by Andrew Springhall, has persuaded three fledgling firms to have their every move in business filmed for all to see.

They will take a starring role in a new website, Business in a Fishbowl, which aims to show people thinking of going it on their own what it's like to run your own business.

Fishbowl is being run by a duo who already know what it takes to succeed in business.

Mr Reid was one third of Heath Reid and People, the business which gave professionals new to Nottingham a ready-made social life based on organised events and retail/leisure discounts.

Mr Springhall made his money through electricity company Power on Connections, which he sold for more than £20m in 2008. He is now the co-founder of Turning Point LLP – an organisation which helps to fund small to medium growth or struggling businesses.

Mr Reid is now heavily involved with Growth Investment Network East Midlands, which puts early stage business in touch with potential financial backers, and he was posed with the challenge of identifying an innovative new way to help business start-ups.

He said: "After observing many of the lessons learned from starting up a business, I'd often hear experienced entrepreneurs say, 'if only I knew then what I know now!'

"This frustration triggered the Business in a Fishbowl concept. I wanted to develop a way of answering the question how you can learn the lessons of starting a business, before you start."

Mr Springhall said: "So many people go through the process of starting a business and one thing you always hear is a lack of decent support outlets available. Business in a Fishbowl is a unique website which sets to remedy that.

"Starting a business is a truly daunting experience. Business in a Fishbowl will act as an interactive support guide for any budding entrepreneur wanting to start their own business."

The website – www.inafishbowl.co.uk – will profile three businesses. Matt Stockman runs a unique online record label and music management business, which helps to creates a cult following for independent bands and artists by generating music events.

The website will follow Matt in his quest to start a business in an industry in decline by using a business model that reflects current market trends with the hopes of revolutionising the music industry.

Joining Matt in the Fishbowl is Head & Griffiths, an online company that produce tailored, designer bespoke suits by up-and-coming British talent.

Viewers will be able to see first-hand the challenges, dos and don'ts of setting up a business in the fashion market.

Rico Mexican Kitchen is the third business and produces a range of authentic, home cooked Mexican food products sold through stores in the UK.

It was set up Mexican native Marcela Flores Newburn and viewers will live through her experience of dealing with buyers and distributors at department stores, and the reality of running a business based on homemade production.

Over time each business will receive advice from celebrity entrepreneurs, business experts and the public.

Mr Reid said: "This is an exciting time for new business start-ups as they get to live through other people's experiences via the website.

"Everyone involved in the project has started their own business, so we know the difficulties involved in the process. The service is designed to provide empathy, learning and motivation to others in a similar position."