I am in a frustrating period where I half finished studying to HND and messed around in call centres and not getting anywhere. I want to do something productive and start working for myself.I have some safe contacts abroad who are willing to export to me and as time goes on, I can build my supplier contacts. But this kind of business seems to be not too good in the current climate. With the Pound weakening against major and minor currencies amongst other economical factors, this kind of business seems at a very higher risk category than it might once have been.Plus I would have to work hard to penetrate the markets here as the items which I can get hold of easily are not unique and markets and niches have long been established, so I would just be joining in a full house.I am prepared to take risks, but is it at all sensible?any ideas and thoughts on this welcome. thanx..--Answer1:I run my own business, now in its 40th year, and the current situation has made me re-think about carrying on. I would not start a new business at the moment its far too risky. Plus getting a bank to take you on will be difficult as loans and overdrafts are rare at the moment..--Answer2:Without a full plan can not give you a very good answer but in general there is never a bad time to start a business. If you look at the current conditions and consider everything you see as an obstacle as a possible opportunity then you will do fine. Success is going to go to a hard worker with a good plan. No matter what the general business climate is doing it is not going to effect a good idea..--Answer3:It really depends on your current situation. If you have the financial backing and think you could establish yourself in your market, then I dont see why not..--Answer4:I think if big companies like MFI and Woolworths cant make it work with the economic climate as it is you may struggle.Good luck!!.--Answer5:If you have a lot of start up capital...go for it, otherwise wait a while and see if things improve..--Answer6:Although it is a good time to learn why other businesses fail, take those mistakes and learn why the businesses are still in business and take those skills and apply it to your businessIn fact now would be really Risky but RISK=REWARDBest Wishes.--Answer7:Depends....in one way its a very bad time because businesses and people are on lock down with their spending....but on the other hand, capital is cheap and you should be able to get funded more easily....the government is also trying to spur growth which will mean now is the best time to get in if it works....next year may be too late....If you want to reduce your currency exposure, trade futures to hedge yourself.....--Answer8:with the economy going down it is probably not the best idea if you are looking for other people to sell your product to people are trying to cut back on spending so if you are selling some kind of junk product dont because no one will buy it.--Answer9:No its a bad time for you to be negative.--Answer10:If you had to nominate any worst time in the last 10 years for starting a new business, the present time would be it!Think of it - credit crunch, heading into recession, pound at all time low, cash getting tighter all round - not exactly a bright picture is it..--Answer11:One of our businesses imports from the eurozone. At the moment were being hit really hard because of the exchange rate. Naturally, any business abroad is happy to export to the UK because the currency situation favours them.To start a new business with the added complication of currency fluctuations sounds like taking extra risks over and above those of starting any business.Dont get me wrong, Im all in favour of starting in business - were about to launch another business ourselves - but you need a lot of help and support to get yourself off to a good start. Dealing with the exchange rate is something thats outside your control.How you market your business and decide the scale of your operation are all things you have greater control over.Contact your local Business Link for free help and advice on starting in business. Theyre pretty good on imports and exports as well as having information on a lot of specific businesses.Good luck!