My guest this week is Richard Tang, MD and Founder of award winning ISP, Zen Internet Ltd.

To listen to the podcast, click the grey arrow below.

The company, based at it’s impressive new HQ in Rochdale, was one of the UK’s first ISPs (Internet Service Providers) when Richard and his brother launched the business in 1995.

Since then, driven by its clear mission ‘to provide the best ISP service in the UK’ Zen Internet has grown dramatically and in March 2008 was awarded (for the third year in a row) ‘Which? Best Buy’ for its broadband service.

In the interview, which lasts about 15 minutes, Richard tells us how Zen Internet went from being an idea he bounced around in the pub, to a business that today employs over 300 people and has a turnover in excess of £30 million.

To play Richard’s quick video ‘hello’, click in the middle of screen below.

Richard has some great advice for people thinking of starting a business:

• FORCE YOURSELF TO GET TO GRIPS WITH YOUR STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS - it may not be fun, but understanding VAT, Annual Returns, PAYE etc. is essential from the outset
• DON’T UNDERESTIMATE THE LEVEL OF COMMITMENT YOU’LL NEED TO PUT IN - especially in the early years  

…and for those of you already in business:  

• REALLY MAKE AN EFFORT TO DELEGATE - you can’t hold on to every task
• GIVE SPECIFIC GOALS TO EACH OF YOUR TEAM - write down objectives and responsibilities

If you want to find out more about Zen Internet visit www.zen.co.uk  

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