Many people's knee jerk reaction to manufacturing in the UK, is that it must be cheaper to have products made in the Far East or Eastern Europe. Are they right?  Let's look at the big picture.

Consider that for many products a significant part of the production cost is the cost of labour. If we run a lean, state of the art machine and automate as much as possible to keep labour costs at a minimum, then there is no reason why British manufacture cannot be competitive on price. In addition it is only a matter of time before the Chinese labour force demand better wages.

Not only is it cost effective, there are actually advantages in local manufacture, including significant risk reduction and lower carbon footprint. 

My advice to other mums wanting to combine motherhood with a new business idea.
 
Starting a business is going to be tough. It’s going to involve a lot of juggling and compromise. You will probably feel pretty stressed out. On the other hand, it will take you into the world of grownups again, provide stimulating balance to your life, be intellectually and, hopefully, financially rewarding. So, first of all, ask yourself if you really, REALLY want to do this? If the answer is passionately ‘Yes’ – then read on.

1. Check your proposed product or service fulfils a need that can’t be met in a cheaper way – otherwise no one will buy it.

2. Invest in a babysitter for the day and visit the Business and IP Centre at the British Library. They will guide you through the whole process and equip you with all necessary skills, including searching their incredibly useful data bases www.bl.uk/bipc/

3. If you are creating something original, look at the UK Intellectual Property office website to see what intellectual property rights can be used to protect it www.ipo.gov.uk If you need a patent, don’t skimp and try to write it yourself – it’s a job for professionals. Go to www.cipa.org.uk

4. Women frequently have difficulty in talking themselves ‘up’. Even if we are brilliant at doing something, we tend to say’ I’m quite good at…’ So, believe in yourself. Go to these websites for truly female inspiration, motivation and encouragement go to www.moretolifethanshoes.com and also, www.shesingenious.org

5. Finally, make sure that you have the support of your family and friends.

6. Go for it!
And never doubt your ability to succeed....




Mandy Haberman is a successful entrepreneur and inventor. She invented the Anywayup® cup, the first non-spill cup, in the early Nineties. The cup has had phenomenal worldwide success selling millions of units a year.

Mandy has won many prestigious awards for her innovative inventions and was recognized by HM Queen Elizabeth as a ‘Pioneer to the Life of the Nation’ in 2003.

www.mandyhaberman.com

As an inventor, I know just how important it is to protect your intellectual property. I made my fortune from patents that I took out in the 1990's, using them to protect the technology that made my invention, the Anywayup® cup, unique.

It hasn’t been easy; I had to fight a “David and Goliath” legal battle to enforce my rights against a major corporation who copied my idea. But my patents were strong and I won. If nothing else, this really emphasises how essential it is to protect your IP. Without patents I would have been powerless and penniless.

No matter what profession you are in, you need to ensure that your originality is safeguarded. 

To help you understand what is best for your needs, City AM, has published today my advice on how to go about safeguarding your intellectual property from theft.

Click here to read more.