Dear all,
I'm already planning starting this year my own business in London. This was always a dream and I think I have the profession and the ambition to just get it up and running.
As it is my first own business, I need help and advices in any possible section!
The business will be a live Music Venue/Bar/Pub in the young, lively and very busy area of Shoreditch in London. This area has already established a very good entertainment and music scene where up-and coming bands started etc.
I have chosen this area wisely, as for a bar it is all about Location. The young people there are enjoying the nightlife and the creativity within this area.
Anyway, I have already researched the market and properties. I don't like the idea of buying/renting a leasehold pub, where I have to give away 70% of my earnings and can't create my ideas into reality as the engagement is very strict.
I would like to buy a retail property (price between 20.000 - 80.000) and create an individual and trendy atmosphere. I need live music and of course alcohol/spirit liscence, health and safety etc pp.
Many busy bars in Shoreditch have just been converted as there were many retail shops before.
I know the music scene in London very well and due to many contacts in the business I'm experienced enough to get live entertainment up and running. The young people will love it! The music will be from Punk 80's, Indy etc to Electronic. There will also be DJ at the weekends.
The property doesn't have to be a big venue. As long as I can convert it in a characterful, alternative, stylish laid-back bar where the people like to spend the whole night. I know the area quite good and I haven't seen any pub or bar which is not packed in the night.
I have also planned involving young creative students/professionals to showing their work to public (like video animation during DJ set or Paintings, frames with artwork hanging down from the walls or just decorating the rooms). The artist will change every few weeks.
So far so good, everything is in my head and the business plan hopefully done in the next 8 weeks...
I need a property and eventually a driven and motivated partner who shares the same interest of music and entertainment, who knows the area and the customer as well and just maybe experienced in service.
I have studied Media and Social Science (B.A.). Worked for TV and Newspaper. I'm also an advertising expert (trained) and do work for Sony Entertainment. The Music Industry would be my life and I just want to get the best out of the business, will work very hard and using my professional skills to get the right customers and exciting entertainment.

Any help and advice is highly welcome!
Thanks for your attention reading all this.
Kat