Palo Alto Software Picks Stillyards Ltd as Inspiration for New Startup Businesses

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM--(Marketwire - July 29, 2010) - Palo Alto Software today announced their first 'Inspirational Entrepreneur' in their series showcasing some of Britain's real entrepreneurs.

Darren Stillyards has been cleaning up after other people since 2004. That's when he founded Stillyards, Ltd., a Grimsby-based waste disposal business. Recently, Stillyards Ltd. was selected to appear on ITV's Grime fighters, which shows Darren and his team doing what they do best.

When planning and setting up the business, Darren's key challenges were figuring out how to organise the company, how to break into the market, and how to organise the IT required supporting the business.

Initially, Darren consulted with the Prince's Trust, who gave him valuable advice and guidance. He also got help from Companies House, Business Link, the Tax Office and his local council. Darren recommends this approach for other entrepreneurs. "Use the local services; don't be afraid to ask for help."

From day one, Darren has always ensured that he has had a solid business plan for his company. With three distinct areas of business, he needed to find a way to keep track of all activities and make sure that the three divisions were all pulling in the right direction. Using Palo Alto Software's Business Plan Pro, it meant he was able to keep track of the goals and targets and be sure that the company is growing.

Darren offers the following tips for other startups:

• Be prepared to work hard and put in a lot of money at the start. The dividends will be slow at the start, but as the company is successful and grows it will be worthwhile. The financial risk will be worth the rewards of being your own boss and running your own successful company.
• Customers are the cornerstone of your business; always ensure that you keep in touch with them, and that you are only a phone call away. Keep your customers up to date on what you are doing and what products/services you offer.
• Plan your business, put it down on paper and then reassess the plan at least every 12 months to guarantee that you are on the right path.
• Don't confuse marketing with advertising. It may sound like a great deal when a newspaper calls with a "special offer" for you, but for service businesses, word of mouth and referrals are your best routes to growth. Speak to your customers directly - if they know who you are and what you do, they are more likely to contact you.

About Palo Alto Software Ltd

Palo Alto Software Limited is a U.K. based company that produces Business Plan Pro® the best selling business planning software product. It also develops, publishes and markets other software products for small businesses and entrepreneurs. The company aims to help people succeed in business and they also run the popular business planning website Bplans.co.uk.