New Hands

Thanks for the eagle eyes out there...

Mea culpea...some photos did get mixed up and Agnes' trolley was labeled as being in programme 5. Thanks to everyone who has pointed out this mistake. However, today you can hear all about Agnes' amazing trolley.
This is the last in the present series...

Agnes McInnes and her trolley , next week March 29 at the usual time.

Agnes is not your typical entrepreneur.  She's 84 and suffers from tendonitis.  When she couldn't find a trolley to help her with household tasks, she decided to invent one herself.  She's spent a small fortune on it but is still nowhere near getting it to market.  Lesley gets on the case and finds out why Agnes has been led a merry dance by so-called advisers and Old Hand patent expert Gilbert Perry, puts Agnes on the right path.

Associated websites.
Intellectual Property Office

Launchboard for Launchboard Games - New Hands 22 March

Andrew and Will are graduates from Abertay University's Games Technology course and they're desperate to come up with the next Grand Theft Auto. They're not short of ideas but they're short of cash.  To give them the leg up they need, Lesley introduces them to games supremo Chris Wright who shares some valuable trade secrets with them.

Associated web sites:

Launchboard

Games Consultancy

Chris Wright's column on Pocket Gamer

Anthony Wright of Barrhead Leather Bags - next week's New Hand

What does Anthony, a 7th generation tanner, do to diversify and, hopefully, save his company?  He sets up a business making deerskin handbags, of course. But how does he brand them?  Lesley calls on the services of marketing guru Suzanne George to offer her pearls of wisdom.  Will Anthony take her advice?

Check out ;

The Barrhead Leather Company

Denvir Marketing

You can listen again or download New Hands

Go over our sister site and you will see the first episode of this series of New Hands and it's free to listen or download.

Has Burns' burns been burnt ? Next week's New Hands

Gary Burns is on a mission to save the world's carpets from burn marks with his docking station for hair straighteners.  But the business advice he's been given in the past has been contradictory. Should he find a manufacturer or license his product to a major company?  Lesley tracks down Old Hand Ron Hamilton who's been there and sets out Gary's options.

Programme 2 - Iain Gillespie Scottish Graduate Recruitment Website

Iain Gillespie employs his son and a family friend in his company. He's had problems dealing with partners and managing staff in the past. Is he ignoring his past problems by only working with family and friends? Lesley matches him up with Old Hand Heather Sims who's on hand to deal out some hard-hitting advice to help Iain rethink the way he deals with people.

You can check out the photos that accompany the series here. And the here are links to the websites.

Scottish Graduate

Space Unlimited

New Hands - Denise Purdie programme - a word from the producer..

If you listened to the first programme in the new series of New Hands broadcast on Radio Scotland this Sunday and you've come here to find out Denise Purdie's tips for starting up a business with no money - many apologies. Not only did Denise not do her business plan, but she didn't tell us her tips either! So, I've had a search about on the web and come up with the following sites that you may find useful that offer practical and FREE advice.

The Business Link - Real Help with Finance Now

Business Opportunities and Ideas - How to start a business with No money!

Prime Initiative - a UK Charity that helps over 50s set up businesses 

As ever,the New Hands team are always happy to hear your ideas, thoughts and comments - please feel free to share them with everyone by using the comment form below. Looking forward to hearing from you !

The final update from 1st Series...Jim the painter

Jim was running a profitable painting and decorating business on his own with one or two employees when he needs them. He wanted to expand and, hopefully, take on ex-prisoners.

We are happy to say that Jim is still in business and doing well but much to his regret has not taken on ex-prisoners or contacted the local prison visiting committee as he hoped to do as part of the social enterprise idea. He did manage to have brief meeting with Scottish Enterprise to discuss this but has not pursued it due to his increased workload. He still feels that it’s a good idea and will hopefully look at it again this year when his workload eases.

Purdie's Scottish Soap

In the face of adversity, Denise Purdie set up her own business making soaps and toiletries and she still manufactures her products at home in the wilds of Argyll. Can she expand and still retain her cottage industry ethics? Lesley brings in Old Hand Elie Chilton to give her much-needed advice but can she bear to let anyone into the family business to lend a hand? Tune in at 10.31am on BBC Radio Scotland to find out.

You might also find these websites of interest;

Purdie's Scottish Soap

Company Creators

Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Business Gateway