 Not sure if this is an acceptable subject but here goes.
To cut a long and sordid story very short, it looks like I'm going to lose my job for refusing to do something unethical.
I've been quietly putting together an outdoors-related business idea of my own for some time now, but it's going to need some investment.
No. I'm NOT asking members to invest.
But can anyone suggest ways forward, possible sources of funding etc? My local Business Link have been worse than useless. (I don't want to set up an IT business so they don't want to know.)
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 Sorry Neil I have no experience with this sort of thing but it sounds like you deserve good fortune for acting on your principles, not many people do.
Good luck
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 Well, if it was me I'd start by putting up a website......
.....but I guess that's not what you wanted to hear. Sorry :(
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Actually the website's in development.
And thank you both.
Re: doing the right thing, I can't claim any sort of excessive virtue, but there are some things you can't give ground on and this was one of them.
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 Well done Neil.
Business Link are usually quite good. You must have met a bad lot.
You need to investigate 'Venture Capitalists' and 'Business Angels'.
The VCs come in many sized and flavours; unless you have a large venture like perhaps an MBO then avoid large companies like 3i and stick to smaller ones. Some prefer various market sectors over others. An internet search may help here. They will need to see at least a comprehensive business plan and short-, medium- and long-term projections taking into account various degrees of start-up success.
Not sure what else you need to know at this point.
HTH
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Jeannie please swap "Reverend" for something grander. I like the sound of Business Angels, 'cos I'm definitely (for the next few days anyway) working for the other side.
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Like this, you mean?
(not sure it suits me)
;o)
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Oh no, it looks lovely on you. You could try "most" instead of "very". That'd look nice.
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 Right Reverend's good and alliterates too.
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How about being 'The Right Reverend DJ' then, Dave? Heaven knows I'm not terribly Godly...
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If you're cleanly, as I understand these things, you're near to godly.
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Yeah but you obviously haven't been backpacking with me then!!
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I thought Godly was a small village in Cheshire.
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 Neil
Depending upon your age, try the local Princes Trust. They offer loans at ridiculously low interest rates as well as start up grants for people who have generally been refused business grants/loans elsewhere. You'll also be given a business mentor free of charge who you can use to assist with the problems experienced by business startups.
Generally once you've got a grant/loan like this, VC's and banks will be more interested in talking to you and offer more cash!
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Thanks Alan, alas I'm too old. (B*st*rds, I think the grey hair makes me look manly and distinguished.)
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 Is your business based on retail or instruction?
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Neither! Ha Ha! fooled you all!! Sorry Bob. Having a stressful day. It's based round walking holidays.
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