Business ideas for investment: any suggestions

[CHSG]

Hi everyone,

I am international student in Switzerland and studied my bachelor degree in the UK. I am thinking of applying for Tier 1 (Entrepreneur) visa category with GBP 200,000. I will have to apply outside of the UK, as I reside in Switzerland at the moment.

When it comes to investing this sum into a new or existing business, could someone please suggest resources to search for such opportunities?

I've come across a few business angel associations that offer databases and even one company (http://www.investuk.com) that provides services that I am looking for. Any advice or feedback on the latter?

Thanks a lot in advance.

[reabs]

Whenever someone asks me a similar question, I always ask - what are you good at? A brilliant recipe for failure is to go into a business that you know little or nothing about and have no entrepreneurial experience...you'd be like a rabbit caught in the headlights. What was your bachelor's in? What masters degree are you currently studying? That field would more likely be your forte. Once you've got the answer to that question, the field of likely investment options narrows and becomes easier to select from.

[CHSG]

Dear reabs,

Thank you for your reply. It was a mistake on my part, I should have included a bit more information about my profile.

I read BSc Management at one of the top UK universities in West Midlands. I have then worked for almost two years in the oil & gas industry, mostly in Performance Management. But I would like to set up a small retail shop with a focus on some luxury products, preferably in the London area. My masters degree in Switzerland (also in business) should help me with this intention.

Has anyone contected UKTI for some general guidance?