What does a consultation cost?

A consultation with GEA is free. It is not however a substitute for professional advice which most business start-ups should undertake.  

Can I get information about Contracts of Employment?

The States of Guernsey, Commerce and Employment Department has many useful Guides to this legislation on the www.gov.gg web site. Click the link to find out more.

How do I open the Financial Spreadsheet on the Guide CD you gave me?

Several people have asked how they can open the free Financial Planning Spreadsheet on the CD we frequently give out to clients.If you do not have Excel you will need to Open the Works suite contained on most systems. In the spreadsheets section open a blank document. When you have a blank spreadsheet on the screen click open as if opening an existing spreadsheet, link to the one in the disc and it will tell you you can’t change it unless you rename it. You will also have to make sure you click on files of type and then click on the excel option (xls). You then get a list of sheets and the spreadsheet should be on sheet one.Once you have it on the screen save it to whatever you want to call it on your own system and you can use it as you want.If you have any difficulties or would like a copy of this CD, call Tony Brassell at the Agency. You can also download a copy from our GEA Tools page.

Is a consultation confidential?

The discussion you have with your consultant is completely confidential to the Guernsey Enterprise Agency team. Your idea and identity will not even be revealed to the management team of the agency and no details of your plan will be passed on to any other party without your agreement.  

Where are your offices?  

We are based in the Visitor Information Center on the North Plantation. If you go through the main entrance with the Batif Currency Exchange office on your right, our offices are straight ahead of you at the end of the corridor past the main information desk. Go through the double doors and turn immediately right and you will find our offices there.

Do I have to follow suggestions made during the consultation?

Your business idea is yours to pursue as you wish. The Agency may give ideas and suggestions but the ultimate responsibility for your business is you. You may accept or reject any ideas from the discussion.

What is the normal format of a consultation?

An appointment is made and typically a consultation takes about one hour. Follow up sessions may be required. Some clients have already prepared business plans which they would like to discuss , others have only an outline idea which they would like to discuss.

What is the main benefit of talking to the agency?

The agency will give honest impartial advice which you may not get from a spouse or friends. We will help you check that you have thought about all the different aspects of setting up a business.

Can you help me write a business plan?

The Agency can give you information to help you write your business plan and will be pleased to review your business plan but will not write one for you. If you have prepared a plan to show a bank we would be pleased to review it before presentation to the bank.

Can you arrange finance for me?

No. We can direct you to possible lenders but cannot raise funds or find investors for you.

Can I have more than one appointment?

Yes. You may have new or unanswered questions or a new business idea. You are welcome back.

Will visiting the Guernsey Enterprise Agency save me from lawyers and accountants fees to set up a business?

No. You will still need to take professional advice on legal and financial aspects and pay for these in the normal way. The agency is not an alternative to these service providers.