Working

British, aged 39 years and have been in Barcelona for almost 8 years.

www.kidsinbarcelona.com is an online city guide for resident families and visitors to Barcelona with children.

Where did the original idea come from?

As with anywhere, becoming a parent in Barcelona offers you a new perspective on life and your surroundings. I immediately needed information and advice that was not available, especially for a foreigner in the city. Providing an online resource for parents seemed like a logical solution. At first the website was aimed at residents adapting to Barcelona with children but it is now also a key source of information for tourists with kids as well as a way for family-orientated businesses to connect with parents in the city.

How long did it take to get your business off the ground?

About a year, but that was mainly as I had a newborn baby in tow. The existence of the Momprenuer is a real phenomen! A notable percentage of women who set up businesses apparently do so after becoming a mother for the first time. Needless to say, a lot of juggling took place but there was a huge motivation to work for myself, organise my own time and run my own show.

What do you wish you’d known when you started?

How differently business operates in Barcelona and how dealing with people face-to-face is still the preferred way. Decisions, in general, can be very time-consuming. When it comes to the web, many business owners are still learning about the potential of online communication.

How easy was it get the financing for your business?

Start-up business loans from your local bank are non-existent. You either need to keep start-up costs affordable or if you have the time to commit to the process, you may be fortunate enough to be offered micro-credits or other possible forms of financing through sources such as the public development agency, Barcelona Activa.

Did you find the paperwork difficult?

It is certainly a lot simpler to set up shop in the UK where most sole-owned businesses register their company themselves and handle the ongoing paper work. Most self-employed people and business owners here choose to leave legal, accounting and tax issues up to their gestor which is, by far, the most sensible option.

Did you get help from any particular official organisations or associations (e.g. Chambers of Commerce)?