Team
Freda Waite
- Current / Previous Job
- Now retired but formerly a small business owner. Press and PR Officer and Lobbyist for Small Business Organisation.
- Date Joined Board
- 17/12/1991
- Other Boards / Positions
- Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary
- Position
- HR, Property, Strategy and Risk Sub Committees
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Why did you decide to become a Board Member of Antrim Enterprise & what does your role as a Trustee entail?
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I was asked to join the steering committee of Antrim Enterprise when it was being set up because of my knowledge of the small business sector. I then became a board member, then a trustee.
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For anyone considering starting up what advice would you have for them?
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Research your markets thoroughly. Don’t lose sight of your cash flow situation particularly, making sure you make provision for tax, NIC and VAT costs from the start so the bills don’t catch you unprepared.
Try to get best credit in terms from suppliers while getting your customers to pay promptly
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What are the main issues and barriers facing developing businesses today?
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Very competitive markets
The burden of government legislation e.g. personal tax, VAT, employee legislation, health & safety
Lack of capital
Fear of the future i.e. giving up a job to risk starting a business
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Life outside current job/position on AEA board
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Walking my three Yorkshire Terriers, one of which is a rescue dog, animal welfare- I volunteer at Mid-Antrim Animal Sanctuary, reading and gardening.