Re: Looking for a Investor
 

A lot of things can work in Spain, but many forget that 8 out of 10 people fail. It could work, but a bit of market research is not enough and this point also worries me: I would love to return to the sunshine. The question is also if you want to target Spanish people or tourists? When looking at premises, I would ask myself why the premises are empty.

Re: Looking for a Investor
 

I think a lot of responders to this thread have missed the point, the OP hasn't asked if its a viable plan or not, he's already decided it is, he asked for investors to back him thats all.

Re: Looking for a Investor
 

Well that's what this forum is about. When he's signed the papers, it's usually too late, so at least some people are warning him. I also doubt that BE is the right place to find an investor + why not ask the bank for a loan if it's such a secure business plan? I would like to see him make it work, but so many people have failed and didn't do enough research. To find an ideal location and really see how Spain works, you need to be living there a bit longer and what will the 15 year old be doing? It's the worst age to move and it would be better to finish school first. One thing to look out for is that there are many premises empty for a reason. If your relying on tourists, you need to be in a top location. They will try and sell you anything these days, so if it's not a frontline business, don't sign.

Re: Looking for a Investor
 

I am not here to destroy your dream but to try to help and in a positive way. My experience is based upon the UK France (for donkeys years) and Spain.

Before 'doing' what I do now I was let us say a Corporate Lender for a bank in the UK - University then upward. I did nothing else but corporate lending.

In the UK at the top end you have Raymond Blanc and the like all with 'under cover' investors which are based upon 'tax' reasons.

France which is supposedly the pinnacle of haute cuisine and there are restaurants and cafe/brasseries closing down daily due in part to the economy and high taxes. An example in our village a lunch for the 'workers' nine euros 95 and for five courses and to include wine. He wants to sell but cannot.

Now to Spain and only my experience of Javea. Go to the port area huge competition and the margins are tight at best. Then to the old town tapas and at cents. Marbella might be different I would not know but very seriously it is a huge quantum leap for you from where you currently live to Marbella.

You ask for an investor. Whilst in banking if someone say needed £75000 for a new project I would expect them to contribute at a high level to demonstrate their commitment I would also for an untried business like to have some charges on the family home. That was in a more fluid time than today. Thus UK.

Now you are looking for someone to take with respect a risk and on an untried business and in Spain. Risk is relative to reward and I can only say that in my opinion you are unlikely to have a bank who will go with you and for an investor. Please think this through. Why and unless the returns are copper bottomed would an investor take the risk. Better leave the money where it is.

You are undoubtedly talented and well experience at what you do. However Spain is not the UK and the economy is very much struggling as is much of Europe.

Seriously take some time out and think all of this through.

I do not wish to scupper your dreams but I just say that life in either France or Spain is not brilliant. Now is the time to consolidate in the UK and build up a nest egg.

Yes UK and all of that weather etc etc and its current positioning. But boy or boy I would stay where you are for a little while.

Please feel free to shoot me down but I have to caution you as a fellow human being against embarking upon a less than well-thought through project.

In banking it would with respect not get through my in-tray. I am not being disparaging that is not the man I just am giving you not my advice per se but as well experience of both France and Spain.

Whatever wish you well.

Re: Looking for a Investor
 

Well said. When people are unhappy, they always think going to Spain will solve their problems. We all have dreams, but we also have to be realistic and especially when it comes to children. There are plenty of good areas to start a business in the UK too and you have a lot more security. Money will be the biggest issue, unless you have a chunk of money to invest. If it's the weather that bothers you, it's cheaper to invest in a sauna or hot tub back in the UK, rather than throwing your life + your kids lifes away.

Re: Looking for a Investor
 

Spot on.

And no, (to the poster who followed mfh's comment), this Forum need not be about critical analysis of an underlying idea, people could simply limit their comments to the directly relevant, i.e. no, I am not going to invest and therefore will not comment.

Sadly, whenever somebody comes here looking to move to Spain with the need to make a living, the enlightened souls here find it necessary to point out that the economic situation is tough and unemployment is high. Here's a startling revelation folks, most people living anywhere in Europe know about the economic situation in Europe. It's everyday news.

Re: Looking for a Investor
 

Horlics your views and I have the utmost respect and indeed your right to comment. However and with respect whilst this positing is about investors it cannot and should not be dealt with in isolation.

Here a question for you if I may. Based upon what you see as a business plan and with your knowledge of Spain would you become an investor. Be it negative or positive I would like to see your response if might be helpful. Your reasoning would perhaps be of assistance to the original posting? For it is easy to say 'no' but surely if someone is not interested in being an investor their thought process might help the OP re=draft his plan

with best wishes and on something we can agree upon the weather here is dismal. That is the UK

Re: Looking for a Investor
 

Well you aren't an investor, or did I miss something:confused: Yes we all know that the economic situation is tough, but there's a big difference between Spain & the UK, especially if you're not Spanish. People are just giving advice and don't want someone to rush into something. It would be the same if someone on this forum said they are unhappy with their life and looking for someone to jump of a bridge with them. Why comment if you don't want to jump yourself. People just want to be helpful and actually do care.

Re: Looking for a Investor
 

I would seriously doubt the OP will find an investor on BE, and would seriously doubt an investor would take a chance on a restaurant. This why the ecconomic situation in Spain becomes a factor. 10 years ago in Spain, before the bubble burst, restaurants were opening and closing every season. We used to go to one, the meals were very good, and not too expensive but he only lasted a year before he had to do a runner because he couldn't afford to pay taxes, lease, suppliers etc At the lower end, in one year a coffe shop/cafe changed hands 3 times, and another one had to extend opening hours during the summer months so he could make enough money to live through the winter, staff costs were not a problem for him as the staff were all family, and that is how many of the restaurants work, staffed by family, wait staff all paid 'on the black' so no need to pay minimum wage, in fact I knew someone who took a job at one thinking they were getting €5 an hour, at the end of the evning her pay as €5, it was for the whole night!!

Re: Looking for a Investor
 

Brits with the weather:rofl: Depending on location, some parts of the UK would get more sunshine than parts of Spain, Germany, France, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland, Austria etc.

They all get on with their lifes.

Re: Looking for a Investor
 

Moses I am sorry I do not follow you. What I was trying to establish not that I have a hang up on weather for I have lived north south east west in France and being Welsh I know what rain is about.

I obviously failed in the mission in that the point I was making badly was that I disagreed on the project but maybe we today yes today not yesterday or the day before could agree that the weather in the UK is dire. Fact Moses.

As a point of interest are you an investor or not? If no why not that might be helpful to the OP

Re: Looking for a Investor
 

Just saying that Brits always moan about weather and forget that it isn't that bad. Of course some parts would see more rain, but you still have sunnier locations in the UK. There will always be a place with so called better "weather" and it is winter at the moment (Fact). It depends on the location, food, concept & return. At the moment I would see more potential in Reykjavik for a restaurant, but if it's the most amazing thing that Spain has ever seen and the OP is willing to pay a higher rent for a front line location when his children have finished education, I might consider investing some money. The question would be how much money he would be investing himself?

Re: Looking for a Investor
 

Absolutely at least 50:50 would be equitable and with an exit position. Again wish the OP absolutely well. Not for me I am afraid. I invest in wine and old French cookery books enough for me.

regards and best wishes

Re: Looking for a Investor
 

:goodpost:

Re: Looking for a Investor
 

They forget that the weather isn't that bad, just like those who forget that 8 out of 10 fail.

Thankfully Moses, all of us forgetful people have you to rely on for the much needed reminders of the absolutely obvious.

Jeez.

BTW, I am in England right now and the weather is shit, and it most often is.