Hi everyone, finally plucked up the courage to post! I joined a few weeks ago, and have been browsing sneakily in the backgound until now, but I am about to buy a business and would really value any advice and help anyone would like to give. I have been entering floral arft competitions for a couple of years and was working in a totally un-related field until November, when i finished a contract and went to help out at my local florists 'over Christmas'. I have been there ever since and now the owner is retiring and I am in the process of buying the business, together with another member of the existing staff. We are basically buying the stock, changing the name, taking on the lease of the shop and then getting on with it. We feel there is much more potential in the business and are really looking forward to getting out teeth into out own business. we know there will be long hours (there are already!), heartache, cock-ups etc etc, but we're not put off. Must be mad. My first question is, what is the best piece of advice you were given when you started out? Iam also keen to hear views on buying a van V leasing a van, is it best to try and have a separate driver or to use staff? (We use staff currently and it just doesn't seem to work, stretches us at busy periods, or is it best to be better staffed and then you won;t miss the person who goes out on delivery too much????). I have loads more questions but I think that's enuff for now... sorry!!!