This timeline may give a rough idea of the chronological order of events and a possible timescale
What do you want to do?
If the idea's been floating round your head, catch hold of it and think
about turning your dream into reality
When do you want to do it?
A week later and you've latched onto your idea, now's the time to start thinking about when you're going to do this. Be rational and make sure that the time is right
Research
It's time to do your homework. Find out as much as you can from resources such as the internet, your library, your local business venture office and trade associations. Allow a good few weeks to do this
Roll your sleeves up
This is where things start to speed up. You should approach agents about properties and also start working on your business plan. With any luck you should also find your premises
Contracts
This is the period during which your solicitor will thrash out the details on your contract so that you get the best deal. Click here for our directory of solicitors.
Signed, sealed and delivered
Your offers been accepted, now there's just the final tweaks to be made and the documents to be drawn up. At the end of this, the keys to your business should be in your pocket
