I have worked with a number of Olympic athletes who want to set up their own businesses when their years of competing come to an end. My role is to help them to plan their business strategy and to help them to appreciate their transferable skills.

I am often asked what makes a good idea a good business idea; and how to turn it into a successful start up. Every business starts with an idea or an opportunity that fulfils a need or a want. Preferably both.

Last year, I launched a competition which saw hundreds of you sharing your DO IT! OR DITCH IT stories with me. A heart-felt thanks to each and every one of you who submitted an entry. I was really touched reading all of your tales of DO IT! or DITCH IT situations.

For many people January is a time for reflection. Another year has passed: we have lived for 365 days since we last made a resolution – but what exactly have we done with the time we’ve been given? On New Year’s Eve did you find yourself saying, “Gosh – where did that year go?

When I first started out in business I had nothing more than a phone, a copy of the Yellow Pages and a broom cupboard sized office with no windows.