| In England
or America it will get done today and in Spain it will get done tomorrow!
It is important to allow yourself time when making the move to Spain. Time
to move and time to settle in a new country and time to find and complete
all the legalities involved with your business. Don’t be frustrated by
the "Manana Manana Syndrome", it is actually well loved here by
many and has it’s plus points, but remember Spain’s laid back attitude
to time can take some getting used to, especially if you are used to efficiency!
The working day here still operates very much on the Siesta system, so
you need to remember you´ll need to do all your administration before
2pm when most offices close for the day. The shops tend to open again in
the evening, but the middle of the day is largely for family and friends.
Of couse for bar owners this is a massive plus point, especially if you´re
planning on serving lunch!
Setting
Up Home
Don’t forget
buying your business is just one part of your new life. It’s important
to allow time for relocation of your family and home as well. Selling your
home can be a lengthy process, and then there is the whole logistical process
of moving your family, pets, belongings, cars and possessions overseas.
For some, a useful option is to rent furnished accommodation while setting
up their new business and ensuring all is going to plan. Once you´ve
settled, got used to the Spanish way of life and chosen the right area
to live long term, you can find a property to buy in your own time and
then move your possessions over at your own pace.
Living And
Working Together
You may be
considering buying something as a husband and wife team, perhaps two families
or friends buying and running a business together for the first time. Romantic
as this sounds, successful businesses need bosses and do not run so well
based on democracies... but who will be the boss? If both partners have
worked independently before and are used to running a business serious
thought must be given to 'who wears the trousers'. Similarly, if
as according to the saying 'the man is the boss at work and the woman
in the home'... who is the boss when work and home merge?
While for
some couples running a bar together will be a harmonious bonding experience
and will strengthen the relationship, for others the marriage could
turn into a battleground. Living and working together needs serious thought
before making the move and it is important any decision to move country
and buy a business is unanimous and that careful thought is given to what
and who you are leaving behind and how you and they may feel in a few months
time. Don’t be put off though, living and working together ultimately proves
to strengthen rather than weaken most relationships. Just make sure you
put aside a little time for yourselves and ban shop talk!
Plan Ahead
A little bit
of forward planning can make all the difference to a new business. Take
some time to really prepare. Make a business plan, it doesn’t have to be
a work of art but prepare something you can work too. Take advice from
friends and talk to those who have already made the move. Do a little research
into how much money is going to be required long term and what the timescales
are for meeting your objectives. We recommend that if possible clients
have sufficient reserves to cover their living costs for at least six months
after the move... twelve months is even better! Remember unless you´re
really lucky you won´t start making a profit on day one, and many
clients like to spend money on redesigning their bar, ordering new equipment
and hiring new staff.
When looking
at businesses in Spain, try to do something that you have some experience
in or try to get some experience before making the move. Perhaps working
in a bar in your home town for a short while would provide you with valuable
insight into running a bar yourself, or perhaps come out to Spain, rent
for a while, get a feel for the different areas, the people, the weather,
the work and the language before making a final commitment
Enjoy!!!
Well here you
are... in Spain. You have made the journey and settled into your new surroundings,
enjoying the 330 days a year of sunshine, the beautiful blue skies and
stunning scenery. The drinks on the beach, the barbecues around the pool
or just relaxing on the golf course whilst enjoying the sunsets. And you
have your dream bar in the sun! So remember, just as with a relationship
it takes hard work to succeed, along with commitment, time, planning ahead,
gaining some experience, accounting for the future and seeking advice from
those in the know!
Enjoy your
business and take the time to nurture it and before long you will reap
the excellent rewards that come with owning a bar in Spain.
Bars in Spain
S L was set up in 2004 by Lorena Fairweather and husband David. The company
specialises in every aspect of owning and running a bar in Spain from initial
enquiries, client visits, relocation, legal and financial advice to helping
with the development and day to day running of your business once you have
found your dream bar.
If you are
thinking of moving to Spain and would like to find out more about buying
a Bar or Business, or would simply like more information on Bars in Spain,
contact Bars in Spain on +34 952 499 400 (Spain), visit www.barsinspain.com
or you can email info@barsinspain.com |
