Returning to work after the Christmas break can be a real struggle.

But for some, this seasonal annoyance has prompted them into making a truly life changing decision as the thought of returning to an unfulfilling job combined with the dream of 'becoming your own boss' has made January the most popular time when people look to start their own business.

Leading regional business support agency, Business Link is used to this seasonal upsurge in enquires, when the first quarter (and January in particular) can often be as busy as the rest of the year put together.

"We see a massive increase in uptake of our services in January' comments Donna Watkins, Gateway Supervisor. 'For many it is all about making a fresh start for the new year and getting round to fulfilling long held ambitions to becoming one's own boss."

Business Link is often the first port of call for those looking to set up in business in the region. Its Gateway service can provide advice and information on all aspects of staring a business whether as a sole trader or limited company, in fact Gateway provides exactly what it promises - a gateway to a host of information, services and organisations that can provide support to a business throughout its life.

Two Midlands based entrepreneurs looking for business success are Kevin and Nicki Hannaford. The couple who live in Halesowen are due to open PopIns a caf bar and takeaway which also offers a comprehensive corporate buffet menu to cater for the business community in and around Halesowen.

Opening a catering business had been a long held dream for Kevin and Nicki and when Kevin was offered redundancy after a 20 year career in the insurance industry, the opportunity seemed just right. However despite them both coming from a long line of caterers, Kevin and Nikki were keen to get as much advice as they possibly could.

"We had wanted to open our own catering business for a long time - in fact coming from Halesowen I knew that the unit we had identified was the perfect spot set on a main road, in a busy commercial area. When that became available just at the time Kevin had decided to take redundancy, the timing seemed just right, but we knew we needed some help - somewhere to go for some objective advice - thankfully Business Link was able to provide this." Commented Nikki Hannaford.

This last point is an important one. Setting up your own business can be an emotional process and being too close to a situation can give rise to decisions that may, on occasions be made by the heart and not the head. Business Link's advisers can provide a valuable service, acting as a sounding board for ideas and offering advice which is objective.

"When people come to us they are really enthusiastic about their ideas - which of course is something they have to be,' comments Bob Howard, Business adviser. "However we have to remain objective and look at all the issues that people may not have wanted to think about too much in their enthusiasm to get started - is there a market, are their figures realistic, can they afford the repayments on their loans- that sort of thing.

"We would never tell people not to go ahead as that is not our decision to make, but occasionally we do have to remove what can be extremely rose tinted spectacles from our clients," adds Bob.

And despite the fact that some advice may not be what a budding entrepreneur wants to hear, it can pay tangible dividends. Business Link put Kevin and Nicki Hannaford in touch with a consultant who was able to save them more than £15,000 after just one session - a significant boost to any fledgling business.

Kevin and Nikki have balanced their enthusiasm with a keen sense of reality. They know it will be hard to begin with, but with their experience and the exhaustive research they have undertaken, they have given themselves and their new business the best possible start.

PopIns is just one of fledgling businesses that will start on the road to success in the Black Country this year. The harsh realities are that some will fail and some will struggle to establish themselves in increasingly competitive markets. However for some, the dream of running their own business will come true.

"No matter what your background or experience, good advice is the one thing that can make a difference if you are setting up on your own. Business Link's Gateway service can not only put you in touch with good accountants, solicitors and a host of other professional organisations essential to a fledgling business, but as all our advisers have a background in business themselves they can provide advice which is objective and which is based on having been in the same position themselves at some point in the past," concludes Donna.