The cases outlined here are all based on actual experience, and explore the issues and problems facing would-be entrepreneurs. They offer step-by-step advice on the processes involved in starting a small business and demonstrate the wide range of business opportunities available. First published in 1982, this is a detailed and practical guide, particularly applicable to those who find the idea of establishing a small business of their own appealing.

Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. The Dream: Seamach Engineering 2. The Choice of Partner: Light Engineering 3. The Deal between Partners: The Box 4. Evaluating the Business Plan: Continental Trucking Ltd 5. Fitting the Product to the Market: Lingua Franca 6. Barriers to Entry for a New Service: Girogift - the Airmail Voucher Service 7. Subcontracting v. Manufacturing: Precision Engineering Industries 8. Moving from Managing a Business to Setting up a New One in the Same Market: Eurobond Laminates Ltd 9. Forming an Export Business: N & Z European Hi-fi (Discounts) Ltd 10. Importing: Leather Imports 11. The Deal: The Great Button Bonanza 12. The Joint Venture: JVC Ltd 13. Finding the Right Marketing Strategy: Pamal 14. Matching Marketing and Production: The Omniclock 15. The Technological Breakthrough: RES Components 16. Capitalising on Different, but Associating, Products: Cowpact Ltd 17. The Break-up of a Partnership: Steel Fabricators Ltd (SFL) 18. The Management Buyout: Certikin 19. Translating the Dream into a Business