From Crew to Captain

Making the transition from working for a big institution, to working for yourself

by David Mellor

With 50% of small businesses not surviving their first year and 80% not surviving their first five years, starting out a business can be a scary process.

But David Mellor has been through that process. "I want to put the odds in your favour," he says, "And if you decide to follow suit, that your business venture brings you everything you wish, and that prosper rather than merely survive."

Our journey with David takes us through three important phases:

1. Reflecting - what does it take to make this transition - and is it for you?

2. Planning - how do you go about preparing to launch your business?

3. Doing - what attributes are going to be really important in the early days postlaunch?

With practical hints, tips and personal stories as guidance garnered from the 'University of Life', David helps make sure that the transition from working for a big institution, to working for yourself runs smoothly and successfully.

Since 2001, David has developed a portfolio of activities which derive principally from 25 years of commercial and investment banking expertise with HSBC and Deutsche Bank. He works with existing and aspiring entrepreneurs, providing one-to-one and group mentoring. He is a recognised expert in his field, regularly speaking at conferences and running seminars and workshops.