MORE PEOPLE decide to start their own business in January than any other month, according to the home-business website Enterprisenation.com. The shock of returning to the office after Christmas, combined with New Year resolutions to take action and fulfil long-held ambitions, is the spur many people need to become their own boss.

In a survey of its members, Enterprisenation.com found that 55% said the New Year had given them the impetus to get started on making a reality of their dream of running a business of their own.

Commenting on the findings, Emma Jones, founder of Enterprisenation.com , said: “We see an increase in site traffic in January because people are back in the office but aren’t really enjoying being there. This is the best month to act. If you have a bit of spare time on your hands as everyone gets back up to speed, start researching your idea and talking it over with friends and family. I have spoken to hundreds of home-business owners and I can safely say that not one of them regrets leaving the traditional office for the home office.”

To help those wishing to take the plunge, Jones has created an online guide “New year, new starters”, showing how it is possible to be up and running with a home business for under £500 in less than five weeks.

- BUSINESS LINK LONDON, the information service backed by the London Development Agency, is offering a helping hand to budding entrepreneurs with the launch of a free e-mail course on starting up a business.

Start Quest sends a series of e-mails over a seven-week period to cover issues such as researching your market, choosing premises and protecting your idea. The e-mails are tailored to the entrepreneur’s business idea.

Start Quest is available free at: bllondon.co.uk/startquest

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