The first steps to starting any business include refining your business concept and doing research. It is always advisable to put together a strong business plan as this will help you identify your needs, as well as force you to look at the business idea intimately.
Before you actually put pen to paper you will need to do an extensive amount of research about your company. You will need to look at the existing market and how existing competitors operate, as well as the need or ‘gap’ in the market you intend to fill.
You can also speak to industry experts and suppliers who already operate in the sector to gain a better understanding. If you can find a similar business which operates in a different area to you, you might be able to gain some insight from them.
This research is critical as it will give you a better understanding of the business, its industry and what you will need in order to start a sustainable business.