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BIS MAGAZINE/BIS Business: Networking: The key to success/more articles ' The before you buy guide to running a bar'
The Before You Buy Guide To Running A Bar! Have YOU ever wondered if you REALLY COULD run a Bar In Spain? Last year alone, a record number of Brits left the UK for a new life abroad, and of the 191,000 people who upped and left their British homes, 75,000 of them bought properties in Spain, a figure which is expected to rise to 100,000 in 2005. Many people who move here dream of buying a bar and while many do go on to run successful businesses, some find the dream a little bit harder in reality than they expected. We maintain that anyone can fulfill this dream, but it´s a good idea to be prepared before you sign on the dotted line. So to help you? here is our Before You Buy Guide to running a bar?. Or the five things you must make sure you?ve considered before you hop on the plane to start your new life. Are you committed? Just as with a relationship, it´s no good having a commitment phobia if you plan on running a bar. Like marriage, this is a long term commitment, and if you find your eye starts wondering towards something else, or you get bored after the first few months? then the relationship between you and your bar could turn sour and as with a divorce, getting out could be an expensive move! It is important to be realistic about the amount of work involved in running your own business, especially a bar, pub or café. Many people who have been to Spain on holiday dream about owning a bar, sipping beer or cocktails on the beach, sunbathing and chatting to friends, but somehow overlook the amount of hours that are involved in setting up the bar, stocking it, creating and serving the food and drinks, organizing entertainment and managing part time staff. If you´ve never worked in this industry before and have come from a 9 ? 5 desk job you could be in for a bit of a culture shock, and don´t forget any free weekends and holidays will have to be carefully planned in advance. But the good news is it´s a lot of fun as well. And as long as your expectations are realistic everything will be fine, and don?t forget 'creating' your bar is a very rewarding experience!
There is one huge difference between Spain and England. In England it will get done today and in Spain it will get done tomorrow! It is important to allow yourself time when making the move to Spain. Time to move and time to settle in a new country and time to find and complete all the legalities involved with your business. Don?t be frustrated by the 'Manana Manana' Syndrome, it is actually well loved here by many and has it?s plus points, but remember Spain?s laid back attitude to time can take some getting used to, especially if you are used to efficiency! Setting Up Home
Allow yourself time to relax and organize your new home when you get there. Take time to plan the moving of your family, pets, belongings, cars and possessions overseas and don?t forget to take things like schools, local amenities and organizing paperwork into account. The key word here is 'time', things will take time and some things will move at a faster pace than others, but when you get here and start your new life all the waiting will be worth it! Living and working together You may be considering buying something as a husband and wife team, or perhaps two families or friends buying and running a business together for the first time. Romantic as this sounds, successful businesses need bosses and do not run so well based on democracies?..but who will be the boss? If both partners have worked independently before and are used to running a business, serious thought must be given to 'who wears the trousers'. Similarly, if as according to the saying ´the man is the boss at work and the woman in the home`?. who is the boss when work and home merge? While for some couples running a bar together will be a harmonious bonding experience and will strengthen the relationship, for others the marriage could turn into a battleground. Living and working together needs serious thought before making the move and it is important any decision to move country and buy a business is unanimous and that careful thought is given to what and who you are leaving behind and how you and they may feel in a few months time. Ask The Experts Always, always, always seek advice on matters that you have no experience of. So many people have come to Spain in the past and have bought a house or a business without using a reputable real estate company and/or a reputable lawyer. The Costa Del Sol is not called the ´Wild West´ for no good reason! So be careful! Consult experts too about the costs, apart from the obvious start up costs, take some time to research as much as possible what your costs will be to make the move to Spain. A little bit of forward planning can make all the difference to a new business. Take some time to really prepare. Make a business plan, it doesn?t have to be a work of art but prepare something you can work to. The laws relating to buying and running your own business in Spain, such as licensing for example, vary dramatically from region to region, town to town and even street to street. Dealing with the complexities can be daunting but don?t let this put you off. The most important thing is to take advice from someone reputable, honest and knowledgeable in this area, and to ensure you have expert advice and help every step of the way.
By ensuring you're fully prepared mentally and physically before hand, you are simply cutting the risks of problems and upping your success rate 100 percent. And if you think you can do it ? You probably can!
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Don?t forget buying your business is just one part of your new life. It?s important to allow time for relocation of your family and home as well. Selling your home in the UK can be a lengthy process, timing is everything and negotiating a move to another country can be very stressful.