Business Women takes on Dragons Den

Trading Network founder Susan Perry is giving Dragon's Den a run for it's money with an opportunity that could ultimately change a lot of lives - for the better.

"Trading Network is a website that allows communities to access information about their area and browse entertaining articles, sell property and seek advice from experts," says founder Susan Perry. "It's a useful place for business owners of any size or type to advertise their products and services at reasonable rates, and over the next few months we will be introducing a host of new additions, including a business section."

To compliment the website, Trading Lifestyle - a glossy mag to rival many of the nationals - is delivered to homes in the local area. "Unlike a lot of free magazines, our magazine has all the features you would expect from a paid for national glossy, from 'A' List celeb interviews, to fashion articles and true life stories," says Susan.

Susan set up Trading Network in the hope that it would give her more precious time with her family, and it has. Now she can work from home and care for her children at the same time, juggling working hours around family commitments, and watching her children grow up in a much more hands on way.

"More and more people want to leave the rat race and become self-employed but for the majority, this is only a pipe dream," she says. "Years ago, if you wanted to become self-employed, you had to have four things, money, a great idea, hard work and a lot of good luck. Now with the introduction of popular franchises, self employment is much more accessible. Nowadays, success is easily achieveable with hard work, available funds and a little luck!"

But still the franchise concept remains beyond the average person's reach with the average investment required for UK start-up sitting at a hefty £166,000.

"With Trading Network, we're closing the gap between those who can't afford a franchise and those who can. Anyone willing to work hard can achieve great things with us, because we not only provide the cash, but also the innovative idea and full support."

Susan joined forces with a magazine publishing group to make her site extra special. "I wanted our websites to be real local community sites where people could read fantastic articles and celebrity interviews, and at the same time have access to a range of useful features, such as event listings, classifieds and local business information. At the same time, we wanted to make franchises much more accessible by keeping the cost down."

She continues: "Who hasn't dreamed about working for themselves at some point? Self-employment has so many advantages, potentially offering a better standard of living and more quality time for families. Lots of people have the skill, dedication and other essential qualities to successfully run a franchise, but they lack the funds. That's where we can help."

Trading Network are offering interested candidates the opportunity to run a franchise for a year as 'an agent', during which time they will hold the reins to a community website and glossy magazine, during which they can sell advertising space and write compelling articles. All printing and design is taken care of and paid for by the company, and there's no need to source content as that's taken care of too.

"This is a real chance for people to improve their lifestyle. Our support is there for as little or as long as they need," says Susan.

Trading Network aim to have 100 local websites and magazines up and running by April 2008, providing communities with access to a wealth of local and business information at their fingertips, and all in one easy to find place.

"We want to encourage more people to become their own boss, to plan for the future and boost their confidence. Our ultimate plan is to produce a lot more successful entrepreneurs than Dragons Den!" Susan laughs.

"All agents stay in regular contact with the editor of the magazine, who will help them write outstanding editorial and be on hand for any advice needed."

Agents also gain access to a successful life coach who will work with them on issues such as confidence, goals and motivation, focusing on positive areas and building on them to push clients towards fulfillment of their dreams.

"We want to make the UK a country full of Entrepreneurs, which will in turn create more jobs and bridge the gap between rich and poor. Isn't it time we were all on a level playing field? Enough of the rich person poor person divide. Let's live and work together to put the great into Great Britain and give everyone a future."

For more information about Trading Network, visit www.tradingfareham.co.uk or email: susan_perry@btconnect.com.

For more information phone Susan Perry, please phone 02392552026