AS PART of the joint campaign between the Daily Echo and Business Link, we now focus on starting a new business - turning your business idea into reality.

Touching on some of the key issues involved, we speak to local entrepreneurs and identify where help and support is available.

Over the Christmas break, individuals across the region had the chance to get away from work for a few days and tune back into their personal aspirations.

For many with a burning ambition to be their own boss, this was a time spent poring over cashflow forecasts and business launch plans.

Barclays research reveals that over 12,600 people across the south-west started businesses in the first three months of 2007 - more than at any other time in the year.

The entrepreneurial bug can bite you whatever your age.

Last year across the south-west over 15,000 businesses were set up by people over the age of 45 - over 5,000 of these firms were established by people over 55 - drawing on years of experience.

Record numbers of young people are also setting up in business.

Famously, Bill Gates set up Microsoft, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, Google and Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook - when they were under 25.

Last year there were some 3,000 businesses established by entrepreneurs under the age of 25 across our region.

Personal Objectives Whatever your age, an individual must select a new business idea that reflects their interests and lifestyle.

Business Link Start Up adviser Mike Donner said: "You need to be clear in setting your personal objectives for starting a new venture.

"Tremendous determination and commitment are needed to get a business off the ground and through its crucial early years.

"To find the motivation to succeed you need to do something that you really enjoy."

Key issues the Start Up Team think should be considered are: l Do you want a people-orientated business? Is this your strength, do you enjoy meeting and spending time with people? Are you good at making people like you quickly?

l What about work-life balance? Are you prepared to work long hours in building a business quickly? Or would you rather take a lifestyle approach, with more modest ambitions?

l Are you willing to take risks? For example, could you sleep at night if your house was used as collateral to fund the growth of an ambitious business? Or should you find a safer option?

Developing your plans Once you have carefully captured your motivations in setting up a business you can start to develop your plans.

The Start Up Team has provided the following checklist of things to consider in shaping your business idea: l Is there a market? - A need for the idea, and customers who will pay for it?

l How big is the market, and how will you reach it?

l Who will be your main competitors?

l What is special about your idea, making it different from similar products or services already out there?

l How will you fund your idea?

l What might go wrong?

l What is it that you will personally bring to the business in terms of relevant experience and expertise?

"Setting up and running your own business can be an incredibly exciting, fun and challenging experience," said Mike Donner.

"However, intelligent, careful planning at the outset is vital to the long-term success of the business - our new podcast will help people carry this out in a clear, structured way."

Setting up a business online The internet makes it easier than ever to launch a new business.

To start, all you need is a PC, an internet connection and something to sell.

You can work from home, keeping your overheads low.

Initially, there is no need even to build your own e-trading website - online auction sites provide a convenient and immediate alternative, making it easy to generate sales.

There are also real benefits for cashflow - the lifeblood for small businesses, in turning to online trading.

"With online auction houses you only pay for products that you have sold.

"Payment is always in advance - no longer do you have to wait 30, 60 or even 90 days for your creditors," said Mike.