Entrepreneurial mind sets This programme has been funded with support from the

European Commission

Getting it rightModule 8

Lock down the legals

Like it or not, if you’re looking to start a business, at some point or another you’ve got to start thinking about legal bits and pieces.

Yes - the red tape. Boring? Daunting? Whatever your thoughts are, it really needn’t be as bad as you think.

Lock down the legals

From the off there are some basic things that have to be considered, such as:

What type of legal structure will the business have?

And of course once you’ve figured that out, then there’s the whole matter of protecting what you’ve got. Yes, the rather fancifully named Intellectual Property...Copyrights, trademarks, patents and the like.

How do you protect your designs, brand, photos or creations?

Lock down the legals

Then there’s the rules. Whether you are setting up a craft shop or an online retail platform there are rules and regulations that you’ve got to adhere to.

Are there local government regulations?Are there national or even international rules that apply? This guide will help you get to grips with all this stuff, pointing you in the right direction of the people and the places that can help you do the legal equivalent of dotting those i’s and crossing those t’s.

Types of enterprises to set up

There are a range of legal structures available to businesses and choosing the right one depends largely on the type of business and on the personal preferences of the owner.

Types of enterprises to set up

Freelancing and self-employment are the most frequent types of employment in the creative sector and there are particularly large concentrations of small enterprises and sole traders in music and the performing arts, film, TV and radio.

Enterprises tend to remain small-scale because of the creative nature of the activities involved; ‘artist-entrepreneurs’ need to have control over their creativity and the integration of innovation into their practice. The dance sector, in particular, has a large number of individual solo artists and dance companies also tend to be small, often touring, companies.

Most artists, designer makers and freelancers are sole traders

Types of enterprises to set up

The rapid growth of the internet and the digital distribution of music, the emergence of on-line music businesses using the latest technology, have more recently led to an increasingly significant entrepreneurial role in the main growth areas of the music industry. New markets, new business models of music distribution in new media are opening up, enabling more artists to work as cultural entrepreneurs themselves, independently of record companies and management, retaining their own copyright. A stronger independent SME music culture and networks to support it are springing up and similar trends are also beginning to affect the fi lm and broadcasting industries

Types of business structure available to businesses are:

SoleTrader

A business that is owned and

controlled by one person

Examples: Photographers,

journalist, performing arts,

web designer, DJs, artists,

graphic designers

Partnership

A business that is owned by two or

more people.

Examples: Consultancy

company and digital marketing

company

Limited Company

A company whose shares are held privately by a small group of

people.

Examples: Solicitors,

accountants and dentists

Franchise

Franchising is when you buy

into an existing business and

acquire the right to use an existing

business idea

Examples: McDonalds,

Costa Coffee, The Creation Station and Jo Jingles Ltd

Social Enterprise

Trades for a social purpose.

The profit generated is

usually reinvested in the

company or community

rather than being distributed to

shareholders and owners.

Examples: The Big Issue and

Jamie Oliver's restaurant ‘15’

Advantages and Disadvantages

There are advantages and disadvantages with each type of legal structure for a business.

If you are starting a business, seek professional advice when choosing a legal

structure/status.

Types of Enterprises

Advantages Disadvantages

Sole Trader

• Easy to set up• Don’t have to share profits• Be your own boss• Accounts not available to the public

• Personally liable for debts• Solely responsible• Limited access to capital• No one to share problems with• Difficult to get sickness cover

Partnership

• Shared responsibilities & workload• Combine skills & resources• Increased sources of capital• Shared risk• Mutual support

• Shared ownership & control• Shared profits• Disagreements• Reaching decisions may be harder

Limited Company

• Limited liability• Tax advantages when profits are

higher• Separate legal existence• Can sell shares

• Harder to set up• Legal restrictions• More paperwork• Set-up costs• Accounts are made available to the

public

Advantages and disadvantages

Types of Enterprises

Advantages Disadvantages

Franchise

• Recognised product/brand name• Training & support• Marketing support• Established practices and policies• Proven track record• Possible exclusive territory rights

• Initial & ongoing fees• Restrictions of the franchise• Relies on the success of the franchise• May be difficult to sell a franchise• Control of the franchisor• Profit sharing

Social Enterprise • Meeting a social need• May have access to additional

sources of funding• Can utilise local skills and resources• Potential volunteer support• Growing trend of ethical

consumerism

• Profits are reinvested to achieve the social mission

• No personal gain• Stakeholder scrutiny• Might be viewed as providing an

inferior product or service• Accountability and transparency

Advantages and disadvantages

What’s in a name… Business / Self-employed / Freelancer

It’s important to be aware of the term ‘business’. Some people refer to themselves as being ‘self-employed’ whilst others may lay claim to the term ‘freelancer’ which really means working for companies as a ‘sub-contractor’ rather than as an ‘employee’ for set lengths of time, hours, days, weeks, months, etc. When you are properly employed by an organisation or business you are covered by employer’s insurance policy and your income tax and national insurance contributions are deducted at source. When working as self-employed or freelance you are responsible for paying your own tax, National Insurance and insurances.

Taking the plunge

Stepping into official 'trading status' can be a big step. From the moment you decide set up a business or become self-employed, it can be a good idea to allow some time before commencing; this is called the 'pre-start-up' period and could last between 8 and 12 months.

This time can be used to undertake research and attend business courses.

NOTE

Organisations such as local authorities, arts

organisations, creative firms, agencies, shops, galleries, schools and

colleges cannot legally pay artists and designers

unless they have self-employment status.

Taking the plunge

Registering as self-employed with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC - aka the Tax Man) is relatively straight forward, though you need to fully understand the process. Registering as self-employed shouldn’t be rushed into unless you have started to sell work, or be paid fees for any other freelance work such as undertaking workshops, commissions or assisting others.

Technically you should register with HMRC, which is free by the way, as soon as you start spending money on your business, such as buying materials, making samples, paying for business start-up courses, photography, setting up websites, printing market materials, etc.

Taking the plunge

You can register as self-employed with HMRC online by visiting:www.gov.uk/new-business-register-for-tax

NOTE

HMRC also run webinars with Art Media and Design

businesses in mind.

Legal and regulatory issues

Whether you are setting up a craft shop or an online retail platform there are rules and regulations that you’ve got to adhere to.

Some legal regulations include:• Intellectual property• Consumer rights• Distance selling• Health and safety• Insurance i.e.

public/product/employers’ liability, motor vehicle insurance

• Employment legislation• Disability legislation• Data protection• Food safety• Environmental protection• Lease agreement

KeyResources

Premises - Find a Space to Create

You can •work from home or your local café or library•rent a studio space, hot desk or unit•hire a studio space•work at your client’s office or studio Many creative businesses have started out from a kitchen table, small office space or garden shed. Working from homes means you will save money on transport and renting premises, and you may be able to deduct a proportion of your home costs as a business expense from your tax bill.

Premises - Find a Space to Create

If you decide you want to work from premises, think about the specific needs of your business. Key factors to consider •Business needs i.e. purpose, size, layout, length of tenure, security•Financial i.e. rent, rates, alterations, utility bills, fixtures & fittings•Marketing i.e. location, image/branding, customer convenience•Legal and regulations i.e lease agreement, planning permission, building regulations

Finding premises

Tapping into networks will help you find specific types of creative workspace, shared space or temporary hires. Consider sharing a working space with others. A property search on Gumtree may help with finding smaller studio and office spaces. The local council should have information about vacant properties within your surrounding area. Find premises by asking other creatives, or check in local papers or on property websites i.e. local estate agent websites or Property Pal.

People

Though many people start a business on their own, they may need to work alongside other people from time to time to help them run their business efficiently: •Entrepreneur(s)•Family and friends•Staff i.e. marketing, administration, production•Professional services i.e. accountant •Subcontractors and associates

Build a personal network of peers

The creative process for artists and entrepreneurs alike can be lonely. Building a community of people who will support your creative endeavours can be game changing. Networking can present opportunities to prevent isolation and to share ideas and resources. You seldom ever get anything meaningful or genuinely creative done all by yourself. Besides offering connections to potential customers or investors, a strong network can become a boundless source of support, accountability, and fresh ideas to test out and build on.

Build a personal network of peers

Last but not least, hanging around with other creative people is enjoyable. For many people, ‘networking’ is a dirty word, but luckily in the creative sector most people on the scene tend to be interesting to talk to, either because of what they do, who they are, or both. A key skill is finding a balance between creative independence and qualities allowing mutually beneficial networking There are a range of business support networks that creative entrepreneurs can tap into. These networks are increasingly forming online (social media platforms, forums etc) and in local communities.

Mentoring

Mentoring is freely offering advice, support and guidance by one person to another. It should be a non-judgmental relationship, encouraging them to move confidently through a range of new experiences. It can be on a 1-2-1 basis or carried out in a group session. Mentors can be many things - a positive role model, an adviser, an experienced friend. Somebody from outside a person's immediate circle taking a special interest can make an enormous difference. Young people can learn so much by working with more experienced mentors in their sector.

Collaborative working

Combination of individualism with collaboration – individuals develop core skills (as a songwriter, musician, actor) but often then need to collaborate or work in teams. Working as part of a creative community, in networks of collaborators – bands need videos made, for instance. Artistic communities and ‘creative clusters’ can promote intense and fruitful rivalry between artists, as well as collaboration.

The process of collaboration and competition at a local level sometimes also fosters knowledge and expertise within in a local cluster, stimulating new trends.

Collaborative working

One of the best things about being a creative is getting to work with interesting creative people. The more talented and trusted people you know, the better your chances of assembling the perfect team. Individuals/businesses can work collaboratively in order to meet a wide range of aims and for a variety of purposes, but what all these options have in common are that they involve an exchange that is of mutual advantage to the Individuals/businesses involved. Collaborative working involves a unified way of improving a current practice and moving forward together. Arts working together should engage in discussion and share ideas, experiences and advice and not be afraid speak up when things aren’t working out.

Collaborative working

The old saying, "two heads are better than one" has been around for over four centuries for a reason. More effective problem solving happens when you combine resources in talent, experience, finances and infrastructure. Learn, learn, and learn some more! Each time you collaborate with others you optimise your capacity to extend beyond your comfort zone, grow, and in turn, stretch your boundaries.

Collaborative working

Benefits:•more efficient use of resources•financial savings and a better use of resources•knowledge and information sharing•sharing of risks in new projects•shared skills and expertise between individuals

Collaboration NIThinking of setting up a social enterprise and want to know more about working

collaboratively?

They will offer free support to help you explore your ideas further.

Visit www.collaborationni.nicva.org

Collaborative Working - Donegal Designer Makers The Donegal Designer Makers are a network of studio based makers from all over Donegal working in a broad range of disciplines from ceramics, fashion and textiles, jewellery, metalwork, batik, print, and painting.

The design network was established in 2010 by members of the Donegal Craft Guild and the group has grown rapidly with a membership of 24 full time makers. Membership comes through a selection process meeting certain criteria. The network’s main focus is to give assistance, raise the profile of the Donegal designer makers, access and share information, exhibition / trading possibilities, PR and general support systems.

CASE STUDY

Collaborative Working - Donegal Designer Makers Already establishing itself as a recognised brand producing contemporary high end, innovative and original works, the Donegal Designer Makers are one of the largest craft networks registered with the Crafts Council of Ireland. As a highly motivated collective there is constant planning for creative projects and collaborations and so the network’s structure depends on the participation of all its members. The Donegal designer makers Design & Craft Shop located at Main St, Ardara, Donegal has been steadily gaining a reputation as one of the best outlets for locally produced handmade craft/design in Donegal. On display are a range of beautiful ceramics, paper craft, photography, batik, jewellery, wood-turning and much more available at prices ranging from €5 to €500.

CASE STUDY

Collaborative Working - Donegal Designer Makers

More information - www.donegaldesignermakers.com

CASE STUDY

Equipment

Sourcing the right equipment can be challenging. Business equipment includes computers, machinery, tools, furniture and vehicles. There are number of key factors to bear in mind when selecting equipment e.g. the business needs, financial considerations, suppliers and what happens in the event of a breakdown.

There are legal issues to consider e.g. health andsafety regulations and environmental issues. Plan carefully when sourcing equipment and shop around. Ask for discount where possible and be aware of companies who may try to sell more than the business actually requires.

Equipment

Examples of equipment •Tools•Machinery•IT/computers•Office furniture•Vehicles•Fixtures and fittings

Equipment

Financial Considerations Costs, new or second hand, maintenance, depreciation, hire purchase

Supplier Who, payment terms, discount, reliability, delivery, quality

Legal Issues Health and safety, environmental legislation, regulations

Business NeedsPurpose, function, features, capacity, space requirements, reliability, future needs

Stock and supplies

Managing stock is an important part of business operations and involves purchasing, storing, controlling and handling stock. One of the most important tasks in stock control is maintaining the right level of stocks. The aim is to keep stock levels as low as possible so that costs are minimised whilst at the same time ensuring there is sufficient stock levels to meet demand. Examples of stock•Materials•Parts and components•Packaging•Consumables i.e. office supplies and stationery

Stock and supplies

Other key factors to consider:

•Price•Shelf Life•Quality•Reliability•Delivery timescales•Suppliers•Planning & Stock Control•Credit Terms

Suppliers

Goods and services can be sourced by using:•Online marketplaces

– eBay www.ebay.co.uk– Gumtree www.gumtree.co.uk– Esources www.esources.co.uk – Alibaba www.alibaba.com

•Internet i.e. company websites•Attending trade fairs and exhibitions•Auctions•Advertisements in magazines•Retailers•Networking •Directories•Contacting trade associations

Suppliers

When choosing a supplier look for criteria such as:•reliability•delivery timescales•cost•quality•credit terms If possible, try to negotiate discount and trade credit and ensure service levels are agreed. It is important to habitually compare suppliers in terms of price, quality, credit terms etc.

Intellectual property

What is intellectual property?

If you’ve spotted an opportunity or thought of an idea, you need to think about Intellectual Property. Music. Books. Computer software. Products we use in our daily lives… each is a product of human creativity, and that creativity is protected. It is creations of the mind, once expressed, that make up intellectual property (IP). The crucial word here is “expressed”. There’s no IP protection in the UK for ideas or concepts, only for expression of those ideas or concepts. IP is a very difficult and grey area but if you create/invent/design something it automatically belongs to you.

Protect your intellectual property

The most common types of IP protection for certain types of activities are: •Patents and Design Rights - technical solutions, new inventions and products•Copyright - for literary, artistic, dramatic and musical works•Trade Marks - for brand names, words, sounds and even (very rarely) smells i.e. Coca Cola, McDonalds, Starbucks, Nike

Protect your intellectual property

Creative organisations are rich in intellectual property (IP) that might have to be protected from illegal copying or use (‘infringement’ or ‘misappropriation’). The risks are even greater in a world dominated by digital media. It is a complex area in which you might well need advice from IP lawyers or specialist agencies. In business, everything from your own designs, software, brand, packaging and logo should be protected. In a nutshell, all of your mental and creative outputs can be transformed into tangible commodities so that you can license, sell, trade, divide or retain your rights to those commodities.

Roger Vs Koons

Photographer Art Rogers shot a photograph of a couple holding a line of puppies in a row and sold it for use in greeting cards and similar products. Internationally, renowned artist Jeff Koons ran across Rogers’ photograph and used it to create a set of statues based on the image. Can you build upon another’s work to create your own original piece?

CASE STUDY

Intellectual property – The basics • Any creative output is protected by various

intellectual (IP) property rights

• Copyright is automatic on any of your creations as long as you haven’t copied somebody else’s work or taken a substantial part of it

• Design right protects the appearance of a product resulting from its shape, colour or material, but not its function

• Creative Commons provides an easy-to-use licensing system which enables users to share copyright-protected work online without asking the owner of copyright work for permission first

Intellectual property – The basics • Trade mark is any sign capable of distinguishing your

goods or services from other goods and services

• Patents – if your idea or innovation has an industrial application, you may wish to consider applying for a patent

Top tips

Keep drawings, write ideas down and date them. Some people even post the drawings to themselves so it has a dated post mark. In the event of someone using your idea you can then prove you thought of it first.

A very good place to start when thinking about how to value and protect IP is the UK government’s Intellectual Property Office, which has produced several free online guides and tools.

Further sources of support

Here is a list of organisations and links to help you move to the next stage. Creative Entrepreneurs This initiative is aimed at inspiring young people to start their own creative businesses, and offers an online platform full of advice and resources that are relevant to budding entrepreneurs across music, TV, design and theatre. The website brings together and organises, in one place for the first time, the business resources, advice and inspiration people need to get their creative ideas off the ground. Visit www.creativeentrepreneurs.co

Further sources of support

Shell LivewireIf you are under thirty years old, contact Shell Livewire as they can assist you in the research and funding of your enterprise. Visit www.shell-livewire.org. The Princes TrustThe Princes Trust is focusing on helping people with low academic achievement who are under thirty years old However they may still be able to help you if you are in difficult circumstances or have a disability. Visit www.princes-trust.org.uk.

Further sources of support

UnltdThrough their competitive awards programme they offer support for social entrepreneurs at various stages of their journey. Visit www.unltd.org.uk.

Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT Ltd)Established in 1995 in response to decreasing grant support from government and the difficulties experienced by community organisations in accessing commercial loan facilities. The organisation now stands as the key provider of social finance, free advice, business support and mentoring to the social economy sector in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Visit www.ucitltd.com

Further sources of support

Advantage NIAdvantage is a leading company specialising in economic development and entrepreneurship for young people. They work with clients in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors and apply their expertise to promote starting a business as a realistic and viable career option to young people aged 16-30.

Through the programmes they have designed, they engage with over 20,000 young people in Northern Ireland alone each year and can offer each one, individual, bespoke information, advice and guidance on starting, running and growing a business. Visit www.advantage-ni.com

Further sources of support

Young Enterprise NIYoung Enterprise NI is a charity developing the entrepreneurial skills and aspirations of young people aged four to 25 to prepare them for the new economy. They develop the skills of young people to ensure they leave education prepared for life and work. Working in partnership with education and business they engage with 100,000 young people each year.

With support from the Department of Education their programmes address the skills development requirements of the NI curriculum. Their methodology has been recognised by EU research as the best practice approach to developing entrepreneurial skills in young people. Visit www.yeni.co.uk

Further sources of support

Enterprise agencies Enterprise Agencies, some of which are creative industry focused, can offer free training and advice to start-ups. A small number even distribute small funds or offer loans. It is highly advisable that you contact a business advisor or attend a training course at an Enterprise Agency before you consider starting up a creative business

You might not appreciate the generic or corporate nature of the workshops. If this is the case you might wish to contact a local creative industries Hub or enrol on a business start-up course more tailored to your needs. A list of Northern Ireland Enterprise Agencies can be found at www.enterpriseni.com/lea-office-locations.

Further sources of support

Citizens Advice BureauIt is worth contacting your local Citizens Advice Bureau to discuss benefits and welfare entitlements such as housing benefit, Tax credits, job seekers allowance etc. Visit www.citizensadvice.co.uk.

Creative mentoring schemesMuch valuable experience can be gained from creative mentoring schemes that run periodically.

Further sources of support

CollaborationNIThey offer bespoke collaboration support and help organisations in the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector to collaborate. Any VCSE organisation interested in collaboration can access free support from CollaborationNI irrespective of size, geographical location or type of work.

Their focus is on supporting ‘collaboration of the willing for purpose’ - whether you are exploring an idea, seeking a partner, developing an existing collaboration or driving forward an agreed project, CollaborationNI can help. Visit www.collaborationni.nicva.org

Further sources of support

Digital CircleDigital Circle represents digital content businesses in Northern Ireland. Visit www.digitalcircle.org CultureTECHAn epic festival of digital technology, media, music and art. Visit https://twitter.com/culturetechfest or www.facebook.com/culturetechfest Generator NIGovernment-backed music business development programme. Visit www.generatorni.com

Further sources of support

Craft Northern IrelandThe champion for craft in Northern Ireland. Visit www.craftni.org NORIBICBringing good ideas to fruition and improving aspects of business. Visit www.noribic.com HoneycombA trans-national support programme to maximise the economic potential of the creative industries sector. Visit www.thehoneycomb.net

Further sources of support

NI Design AlliancePartner group of the UK Design Alliance, which aims to invest and develop Northern Ireland's design talent. Visit www.nidesignalliance.com

Oh Yeah CentreA dedicated music centre for BelfastWebsite – www.ohyeahbelfast.com

Nerve CentreThe Nerve Centre is Northern Ireland’s leading creative media arts centreWebsite – www.nervecentre.org

Further sources of support

NI Theatre AssociationDeveloping Theatre in Northern IrelandWebsite – www.nitatheatre.org

Arts & Business NIWorks to build a partnership between business and the arts to benefit our society in far reaching...Visit www.artsandbusinessni.org.uk

Further sources of support

Arts Council of Northern IrelandThe Arts Council of Northern Ireland is the development and funding agency for the Arts in Northern Ireland. They distribute public money and National Lottery funds to develop and deliver a wide variety of arts projects, events and initiatives across Northern Ireland.

From theatre and literature to art in the community, they work in partnership with hundreds of artists, arts organisations and venues.

Visit www.artscouncil-ni.org

Further sources of support

Arts Council of IrelandThe Arts Council of Ireland is the Irish government agency for developing the arts. They work in partnership with artists, arts organisations, public policy makers and others to build a central place for the arts in Irish life. Visit www.artscouncil.ie. Arts Council EnglandArts Council England champions, develops and invests in activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to digital art, publishing to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. Between 2015 and 2018, they will invest £1.1 billion of public money from government.Visit www.artscouncil.org.uk

Further sources of support

Arts Council of WalesThe Arts Council of Wales is the country’s funding and development organisation for the arts. Their principal sponsor is the Welsh Government. We also distribute funding from the National Lottery and raise additional money where we can from a variety of public and private sector sources. Their priorities are to distribute Lottery funds, provide advice about the arts, grow the arts economy and encourage more people to enjoy and take part in the arts. Visit www.arts.wales

Further sources of support

Creative EnglandCreative England invests in talented people and creative ideas, supporting the country’s richly diverse games, TV, film and digital media industries, with direct investment, loans and business mentoring. They’re building strong, long-term relationships with industry and their partners.

They provide practical support for film and TV production; organise networking and events; provide mentoring, information and business advice. They connect and combine local knowledge with national and international reach.

Visit www.creativeengland.co.uk

Further sources of support

Creative ScotlandCreative Scotland is the public body that supports the arts, screen and creative industries across all parts of Scotland. Its funding is focused on strategic sectoral growth and is delivered in partnership with Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, which each have a focus on supporting individual businesses.

They enable people and organisations to work in and experience the arts, screen and creative industries in Scotland by helping others to develop great ideas and bring them to life. They distribute funding from the Scottish Government and The National Lottery.

Visit www.creativescotland.com

Further sources of support

Northern Ireland ScreenNorthern Ireland Screen is the government backed lead agency for the film, television and digital content industry, with the aim of promoting international expansion. It provides funding for feature films, TV drama, factual and entertainment TV, animation and digital content.

It also offers a free information service helping you with all aspects of filming in Northern Ireland; budgeting, studios, crew, locations, permissions and services, ensuring that filming happens as easily and effectively as possible. Northern Ireland Screen also provides funding for script development, feature documentaries and short films via the Lottery Fund, and production funding via the Irish Language Broadcast Fund and Ulster-Scots Broadcast Fund. Visit www.northernirelandscreen.co.uk

Further sources of support

British Film CouncilBritish Council Film is the link between UK films and filmmakers and new international audiences. Together with the British Council’s global network overseas they work to profile the innovation, diversity, creativity and excellence of British films around the world, and work to find opportunities for creative exchange between UK filmmakers and international counterparts.

Visit film.britishcouncil.org

Further sources of support

Irish Film BoardThe role of the Irish Film Board (IFB) is the national development agency for Irish filmmaking and the Irish film, television and animation industry, investing in talent, creativity and enterprise. The agency supports writers, directors and production companies across these sectors by providing investment loans for the development, production and distribution of film, television and animation projects.

The IFB also supports and promotes the Irish screen industries at major international markets and festivals. The agency provides a strategic vision for industry training through Screen Training Ireland. Visit www.irishfilmboard.ie

Further sources of support

Royal Television Society NI A leading forum for television and related media. Visit www.rts.org.uk/about-northern-ireland

Further sources of support

Council of Irish Fashion Designers - Their aim is to:•build an aspirational brand for the premium sector of the Irish fashion industry•speak with a strong voice on behalf of its members to government, state agencies, media, business associations and the public at large•create a forum for the dissemination of information of interest to members through a program of formal lectures, guest addresses or informal discussion•To provide a facility for the sharing of commercial information of benefit to members•develop co-operative promotional strategies and events within the Membership and with other industries where common purpose can be served

Further sources of support

Council of Irish Fashion Designers - Their aim is to:•establish a basis for informal contact and support between members•actively encourage and nurture new entrants to the Irish fashion industry

Visit www.irishfashiondesigners.com

Further sources of support

British Fashion CouncilThe British Fashion Council is committed to developing excellence and growth in a sector that is a significant contributor to the British economy. We nurture, support and promote British fashion talent to a global market. Visit www.britishfashioncouncil.com Creative and Cultural Skills - Their mission is•To give young people opportunities to work and learn in the creative industries•To ensure that employers benefit from a skilled generation of talent•To help the creative industries continue on a course of economic growth.Visit www.ccskills.org.uk

Further sources of support

Creative SkillsetIndustry body supporting skills and training in key sub-sectors of the creative industries.Visit www.creativeskillset.org

Further sources of support

The-Dots•The UK's fastest growing professional creative community where you can:•Promote yourself or your business•Network and collaboration•Connect with commercial opportunities

You can easily create a free profile - each profile acts as a professional website and includes your creative portfolio, show reel, full resume, clients, experience, recommendations and skills.

Visit www.the-dots.co.uk

Further sources of support

University for the Creative Arts As a specialist creative arts university, they have created a unique community for their students, where like-minded people can share in the creative process and inspire one another.

Collaboration between courses is encouraged, with fine artists studying with budding filmmakers and fashion designers working alongside architects. In this way, their students benefit from exposure to a range of disciplines. Choosing to study with them will give you the freedom to discover your own personal style through a winning combination of industry-focused courses, state-of-the-art facilities, and inspirational expert staff. Visit www.uca.ac.uk

Useful links

UK Intellectual Property Officewww.ipo.gov.uk Ireland Intellectual Property Officewww.patentsoffice.ie NI Business Infowww.nibusinessinfo.co.uk HMRCwww.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-revenue-customs

Irish Tax & Customswww.revenue.ie

Health & Safety Executive (UK)www.hse.gov.uk Health & Safety Authority Irelandwww.hsa.ie Rules & regulations for Irish based businesses www.businessregulation.ie

Congratulations you have completed Module 8