3 replies to this topic

[project mini chris]

Hello.. Well I have just finished my induction into Year 12, and one of the Activities the school suggested we could get involved in is, is running our own "Business" in small groups, in a Young Enterprise Scheme to have something positive to go on our references and stuff.
Being the typical Mini Enthusiast I suggested doing something associated with Mini's and/ or Classic Cars, and my Friends thought this was a good Idea. However I cannot think of any specific's to base it on... and this is where I would like people's opinions!
Initially I thought about doing something in terms producing designs that could be printed into Item's of Clothing, Stickers or Wood related items? As we will have the use of CAD and Printing/ Laser Cutting machinery. But I thought that this may be a bit too common, and already widely used as a basis for a "Business"
Then we thought about creating a service... Such as Welding or something similar? Thinking out of the box!.. As I have experience in Metal Work and Fabrication, use of a Welder etc?
Basically, I would just like some Idea's from people about what they would want.. As TMF has a great host of Idea's and Advice, and many people on here would have great pointers into what they would want! Any suggestions would be welcome, whether Related to my Idea or not!
Thanks!

[rally1380]

I'm sure there is an almost endless supply of minis and classic cars out there that do require welding, so thats a good idea - would there be any issues regarding public liability insurance and qualifications needed?

Seeing as you've got access to printing and laser cutting, how about some sort of custom dashboard panel idea? would be simple to make and scope for loads of variations and custom graphics - how about the potential for the customer to upload a graphic, or photo or whatever, and then you print it out onto a dash panel - or anything for that matter as you can do pretty much anything with vinyl wraps.

I'm sure there are loads of ideas out there better than my lame one, so come one peeps.....

[Lee_bash]

How about keeping it simple, invest in some decent waxes and polishes etc and run a detailing/valeting service?

[Merryck]

With young enterprise you really want products as opposed to services. You need to be able to say "Right, this is how much we've made, if we sell it for this much we've got x amount" If you're running a service, particularly welding for people you've got more of a long term commitment to them. Plus, how many of you can weld to a professional standard?

You'll have one person doing all the work. If you can weld do it by yourself on a Saturday for people and don't share your profits! You'll encounter some people who won't pull their weight and you don't want to let them.

I'd say use your CAD/Laser cutting capabilities while you have them. Dashboards are a good idea, but you can do almost anything, aftermarket badges, speaker covers, clock faces etc. Also if you can print stickers perhaps you can get in on the sticker bomb scene and find some that you can legally reproduce without paying. OR even find some that you can even pay royalties for.

I would also say if you can get access to a bar bending tool then you might be able to create some fog light bars, particularly the italian job one, the three light ones. There's loads of things you can do.

I'm like Johnny ideas all up in here, I'll have a think and let you know if I come up with anything.