0:00:00 > 0:00:01But now on BBC One, it's time for Right On The Money
0:00:04 > 0:00:08Whether you're a spender or a saver, we could all do with knowing how to
0:00:08 > 0:00:09make the most of our cash.
0:00:11 > 0:00:15So we've found simple advice for you to do just that and taken it to
0:00:15 > 0:00:17people right across the UK.
0:00:17 > 0:00:21Whatever help you need with your finances,
0:00:21 > 0:00:24we are right on the money.
0:00:24 > 0:00:26Hello and welcome to Right on the Money,
0:00:26 > 0:00:31the show that helps you free up extra cash by making a few simple changes to what you spend.
0:00:31 > 0:00:34And in today's programme, we've got lots of top tips and
0:00:34 > 0:00:37expert advice on how to do exactly that.
0:00:37 > 0:00:38Here's what's in store.
0:00:40 > 0:00:44These sisters face some tough talking from our expert as they desperately
0:00:44 > 0:00:46try to make some tasty savings.
0:00:46 > 0:00:49You haven't got a proper stock control system here going on, have you? No.
0:00:49 > 0:00:53Fundamentally, that's no way to run a business, is it?
0:00:53 > 0:00:55No.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59And with rent expected to rise faster than house prices in the next
0:00:59 > 0:01:04five years, we show you how to find a big property with a small price tag.
0:01:06 > 0:01:07I think you've got one of
0:01:07 > 0:01:10the best-value properties in the whole of the UK, to be honest.
0:01:14 > 0:01:18Lots of people struggle to separate their home and work life
0:01:18 > 0:01:22and if you're setting up a business from where you live, it can be twice as tough.
0:01:22 > 0:01:27Today we meet two sisters who need our help to turn their passion into profit.
0:01:30 > 0:01:36Nida and Saher Usmani live together in the family home in Streatham, South London.
0:01:36 > 0:01:37We are very tight as sisters,
0:01:37 > 0:01:41even though there's six years between us, age difference,
0:01:41 > 0:01:42but she's like my best friend.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45Yeah. And a little bit like a second mum as well.
0:01:46 > 0:01:50When she was born, going to King's College Hospital and picking her up,
0:01:50 > 0:01:53"Oh, that's my sister." Yeah.
0:01:53 > 0:01:54So we've always been very close.
0:01:57 > 0:02:00Food is Nida and Saher's passion.
0:02:00 > 0:02:05Three kilos of mutton and four kilos of chicken keema.
0:02:05 > 0:02:06Thank you.
0:02:07 > 0:02:14Also sharing the busy household are mum and dad, Iffat and Sabir.
0:02:14 > 0:02:15They look after very well.
0:02:15 > 0:02:21Every time when we need, they look after and they are very caring girls, very, very.
0:02:21 > 0:02:24We are very fortunate parents.
0:02:24 > 0:02:25We are very, very proud.
0:02:25 > 0:02:27Would you like juice? A little bit?
0:02:27 > 0:02:30A little bit.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Our parents are our main reason why we want to stay at home
0:02:33 > 0:02:38and take care of them, especially at the age they are now,
0:02:38 > 0:02:40they are quite vulnerable and we need to take care of them.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46But Nida and Saher have been going through a tricky financial patch recently.
0:02:46 > 0:02:50Last year, they were both made redundant from their jobs with a charity.
0:02:50 > 0:02:55But instead of being down in the dumps, they decided to launch a business instead,
0:02:55 > 0:02:57selling Indian street food.
0:02:57 > 0:03:00So how much shall I cook for a quarter of this?
0:03:00 > 0:03:03Three spoon.
0:03:03 > 0:03:07It's our mum's food and we just want to show off our mum's food
0:03:07 > 0:03:11because she is extremely talented and she has a way with the food
0:03:11 > 0:03:14and we want to share that with everyone.
0:03:14 > 0:03:18What a lovely thing to say about your dear old mum!
0:03:18 > 0:03:20It has to be perfect,
0:03:20 > 0:03:25so my mum won't leave until she tastes it and it tastes just right.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31When they start a business, I said, it is very hard work and it is very physical working involved,
0:03:31 > 0:03:33but they are determined to do it.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39They are working very hard and they're trying to achieve something.
0:03:39 > 0:03:45The problem is, after a year's hard graft, they have made loads of really yummy food but no money.
0:03:45 > 0:03:47We are currently not making any income.
0:03:47 > 0:03:49We are not taking any wages.
0:03:49 > 0:03:53We're great with food, great with cooking, but when it comes to finance,
0:03:53 > 0:03:55the money, not so good.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57We really do need to work on that.
0:03:58 > 0:04:02Not only have the girls yet to figure out how to turn a profit,
0:04:02 > 0:04:06there is more. They are partial to a bit of impulse spending too -
0:04:06 > 0:04:07particularly down the cash-and-carry.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10I can't resist a bargain.
0:04:10 > 0:04:13I just get a real buzz when I see a bargain.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17I think, "Oh, wow! It's a wicked offer, I must get this."
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Sometimes we don't need it.
0:04:19 > 0:04:21And then my mother gets so annoyed because she is like,
0:04:21 > 0:04:23"Have you seen the storage?"
0:04:27 > 0:04:33To end the sisters' own personal kitchen nightmare and add some spice to their finances,
0:04:33 > 0:04:39we've dispatched personal finance expert Simon Read to pay their stall a visit.
0:04:39 > 0:04:41Hello, there. Hiya. Hi, I'm Simon.
0:04:41 > 0:04:43Nice to see you. Nice to see you.
0:04:43 > 0:04:49And Simon is so keen to do his research, he has just got to try a hearty helping.
0:04:49 > 0:04:52I've come to hopefully help you with your money, but more importantly,
0:04:52 > 0:04:56I want to try this delicious food that I understand you've been preparing.
0:04:56 > 0:04:57So, what's the verdict?
0:04:59 > 0:05:02Mm, it's delicious, isn't it? But Simon is multitasking.
0:05:02 > 0:05:05As well as eating, he's already spotted something.
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Now, your portions are very generous.
0:05:08 > 0:05:10You like to feed people, don't you?
0:05:10 > 0:05:12We do. Blimey! This is really good value.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17The sisters charge from ?4 per takeaway box,
0:05:17 > 0:05:21putting it amongst the cheapest in this London market.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25Enjoy it. But with a ?70 daily rent per stall,
0:05:25 > 0:05:30plus ?11.50 congestion charge and massive portions,
0:05:30 > 0:05:33it is easy to see where the money is going.
0:05:33 > 0:05:36There's your problem. At a stroke, all your expenses,
0:05:36 > 0:05:38it's the same as the money you're bringing in.
0:05:38 > 0:05:40So you're not making money.
0:05:40 > 0:05:43You have to make money to make this sustainable.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45This is beautiful food that you're selling.
0:05:45 > 0:05:46You enjoy selling it.
0:05:46 > 0:05:48But you've got to be paid for doing it.
0:05:48 > 0:05:50We've got a lot of work to do, haven't we?
0:05:50 > 0:05:53Yes.
0:05:53 > 0:05:54As they head home,
0:05:54 > 0:06:00Simon discovers more about another reason why Nida and Saher have been struggling with finances.
0:06:00 > 0:06:04I gather you two are slightly dyslexic.
0:06:04 > 0:06:05Yes.
0:06:05 > 0:06:06When did you find that?
0:06:07 > 0:06:10I discovered it in my last term at uni.
0:06:11 > 0:06:15And then when I found out, I told my sister and then she went and checked.
0:06:15 > 0:06:18Then she realised she was dyslexic, too.
0:06:18 > 0:06:19When the pair are very busy,
0:06:19 > 0:06:23their dyslexia can hinder their ability to process financial information
0:06:23 > 0:06:25quickly and accurately.
0:06:25 > 0:06:27Even if we have a different, you know,
0:06:27 > 0:06:31when someone gives us a different amount of money, we're like, "OK, how much is this?"
0:06:31 > 0:06:35But we do know how much it is, it's just when it throws us.
0:06:35 > 0:06:38When you stop thinking about how much money you're making,
0:06:38 > 0:06:39then can you add it up all right?
0:06:39 > 0:06:45That's fine, adding it up, but then with dyslexia, stress really affects it. Like, the thought of...
0:06:45 > 0:06:48And I think that builds up and then we're, like, "I can't do it."
0:06:48 > 0:06:50And then we just, like, "Let's do it another day."
0:06:50 > 0:06:54So what I think we need to do is find a way to help you to do your accounts better.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56To get on top of these kind of things. Yeah.
0:06:56 > 0:06:58That will reduce the stress levels.
0:06:58 > 0:07:02That would be excellent. And then reduce the problems that dyslexia can cause.
0:07:02 > 0:07:07Time to review Nida and Saher's accounts and help them reduce their outgoings.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10Simon starts at home by looking at the household bills.
0:07:10 > 0:07:13I want to talk about your energy bills.
0:07:13 > 0:07:17Yes. When I saw the size of them, I got quite a shock, to be honest.
0:07:17 > 0:07:21So I presume you do all your cooking at home.
0:07:21 > 0:07:22Yes. OK.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25So that is going to really boost up the cost you are paying.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27How much do you think it might be? Terribly high?
0:07:27 > 0:07:29Spot on, Nida.
0:07:29 > 0:07:34In fact, this household's consumption is three times above the national average.
0:07:34 > 0:07:36The average across the country,
0:07:36 > 0:07:42people use about 3,000 kilowatts of gas and around 12,000 kilowatts of electricity.
0:07:42 > 0:07:45You use roughly around 10,000 kilowatts of gas and around
0:07:45 > 0:07:4736,000 kilowatts of electricity.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50More than three times both the national average.
0:07:50 > 0:07:53So we need to find a way to cut the bills.
0:07:53 > 0:07:55Because you're paying an awful lot.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59We know Nida and Saher use a lot of gas cooking up their dishes,
0:07:59 > 0:08:02but three times the national average? How come?
0:08:02 > 0:08:04With our father, we have the heating on.
0:08:04 > 0:08:05So the heating is on all the time?
0:08:05 > 0:08:08Literally on all the time, the heating's on.
0:08:08 > 0:08:10Sometimes we're not good with shutting the lights.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13Setting the lights on? Or turning the TV off. Yeah. OK.
0:08:13 > 0:08:16Naughty, naughty. But they're not alone.
0:08:16 > 0:08:18According to the Energy Saving Trust,
0:08:18 > 0:08:25up to 16% of the electricity we consume is used to power appliances in stand-by mode.
0:08:25 > 0:08:31On a bill of ?500, that's 80 smackers going up in smoke for no reason.
0:08:31 > 0:08:33So, unplug those electricals, everyone.
0:08:33 > 0:08:35And hang onto your cash.
0:08:35 > 0:08:40There are some habits you can get into which will help cut your energy bills.
0:08:40 > 0:08:42Because they are really remarkably high.
0:08:42 > 0:08:45But the bigger saving - we can do all these things,
0:08:45 > 0:08:46they will save you a few pounds -
0:08:46 > 0:08:50but the biggest saving, I think, would be for you to switch energy supplier.
0:08:50 > 0:08:52You're not on a good deal at all.
0:08:52 > 0:08:54So I've had a look.
0:08:54 > 0:08:58On average, most people who do this, when they look at better deals,
0:08:58 > 0:09:01they can save up to about ?300 a year, you know, which is a massive saving.
0:09:01 > 0:09:05That's incredible. Now, because you use so much energy,
0:09:05 > 0:09:07the savings are a bit higher.
0:09:07 > 0:09:09Any idea what the best deal is that I found for you?
0:09:09 > 0:09:10No.
0:09:10 > 0:09:16I looked at one deal here and it would save you a year ?815.
0:09:16 > 0:09:19Wow! Wow! ?815.
0:09:19 > 0:09:20Yes, wow indeed.
0:09:20 > 0:09:26That's ?815 that would be better spent on their fledgling business.
0:09:26 > 0:09:31It is just worth doing, because ?800 extra is effectively,
0:09:31 > 0:09:36?800 you're just throwing away by not being on the best deal.
0:09:36 > 0:09:38But what about their other bills?
0:09:38 > 0:09:41Can money master Simon find some savings there, too?
0:09:42 > 0:09:46Your household seems to be big fans of telly.
0:09:46 > 0:09:50Tell me about that. Well, our father likes watching Pakistani dramas,
0:09:50 > 0:09:53our mother likes watching Indian dramas and my brother is a sports
0:09:53 > 0:09:57fanatic, so he likes having all the sports channels.
0:09:57 > 0:10:02This family spends a lot subscribing to the biggest TV package available,
0:10:02 > 0:10:05but they also have two further contracts for phone and broadband,
0:10:05 > 0:10:08which is a big no-no in Simon's eyes.
0:10:08 > 0:10:13Why do you have three different suppliers for the phone, telly, broadband?
0:10:13 > 0:10:15We didn't realise you could put it in one.
0:10:15 > 0:10:18We just thought you needed telephone, you need Internet and TV.
0:10:18 > 0:10:21Could you do it in one? We can put it in one.
0:10:21 > 0:10:25Bundle it all together and you will get discounts for just being in the one company.
0:10:25 > 0:10:28At the moment, you're paying a month, almost ?210.
0:10:28 > 0:10:31We can get that down to near ?120 a month.
0:10:31 > 0:10:33So that is almost ?1,000 a year.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38Bingo. That's another ?1,080
0:10:38 > 0:10:41back in Nida and Saher's pocket.
0:10:41 > 0:10:42Good going, Simon.
0:10:42 > 0:10:44You're investing a lot in this business, aren't you?
0:10:44 > 0:10:45We need the money.
0:10:50 > 0:10:54With four in ten small businesses failing in their first five years,
0:10:54 > 0:10:57they need all the help they can get if they're going to turn their hobby
0:10:57 > 0:11:00into an actual moneymaking machine.
0:11:00 > 0:11:04Having a good brand and promoting it on social media can only help.
0:11:04 > 0:11:07So Simon's off with the sisters to pick the brains of Mark Wright,
0:11:07 > 0:11:10who knows bags about building a brand.
0:11:10 > 0:11:12How you doing? Nice to meet you.
0:11:12 > 0:11:15When I look at your Facebook site, it doesn't tell me about a brand.
0:11:15 > 0:11:17It doesn't me about what you're trying to achieve.
0:11:17 > 0:11:22It looks more like a personal Facebook site than a business Facebook site.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25It doesn't tell me how great the product is.
0:11:25 > 0:11:29It doesn't make me want to go out instantly and buy that product.
0:11:29 > 0:11:33So now we know the problem, what's the solution?
0:11:33 > 0:11:37So it's about how visually you can impact someone's life.
0:11:37 > 0:11:42And almost make them want to taste it by the photographs that you're showing.
0:11:42 > 0:11:45Because people eat with their eyes. Absolutely.
0:11:45 > 0:11:49Mark thinks that by posting great pictures of the food on social media
0:11:49 > 0:11:52platforms, like Instagram, Twitter and Facebook,
0:11:52 > 0:11:54they will gain followers.
0:11:54 > 0:11:57That's not just good marketing, it can also lead to sponsorship,
0:11:57 > 0:12:01free ingredients from suppliers and other benefits too.
0:12:01 > 0:12:04It's vital that the girls up their game.
0:12:04 > 0:12:07When you think about how much time you spend preparing your delicious
0:12:07 > 0:12:10food, you need to think about spending some time on promoting the
0:12:10 > 0:12:13business, as well. I think I'm not confident enough.
0:12:13 > 0:12:16So I'm not sure what to post.
0:12:16 > 0:12:19I feel like I don't have time to take photographs.
0:12:19 > 0:12:21So I've not been posting any photos.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24And I just... I think it's the confidence as well.
0:12:24 > 0:12:28I don't know what to put and whether people will be interested in what I have to say.
0:12:29 > 0:12:33The pair could do with some practical pointers on this social media malarkey.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Fortunately, Simon knows just the people who can help.
0:12:36 > 0:12:39Friends Nishma and Nisha
0:12:39 > 0:12:43jacked in their jobs in the financial sector four years ago
0:12:43 > 0:12:44to open a toastie stall.
0:12:44 > 0:12:48Their daily pictures of their tasty fare have a huge following online,
0:12:48 > 0:12:52which has resulted in a great sales.
0:12:52 > 0:12:54Tell me about the social media. How do you do it?
0:12:54 > 0:12:56It is all about getting a photograph that will make
0:12:56 > 0:12:58people want to eat your food.
0:12:58 > 0:13:04Nishma and Nisha ping pictures of their cheese toasties direct to their followers every day
0:13:04 > 0:13:08at lunch time, tempting them to head over immediately and buy one.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11You can kind of see, you've got melted cheese.
0:13:11 > 0:13:13It's beautiful. That's great.
0:13:14 > 0:13:16That looks good, doesn't it?
0:13:16 > 0:13:19That looks really good. So that's the picture.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23What do people want to see? People want to see our food.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26It's quite simple. You do this before you've started selling. Yeah.
0:13:26 > 0:13:29So it's five minutes or so, so it's not a big deal. No.
0:13:29 > 0:13:31And it's fun, as well, isn't it? Yeah.
0:13:31 > 0:13:35We're already getting likes coming through. Oh, right!
0:13:35 > 0:13:37We've got, like, 17,000 followers.
0:13:37 > 0:13:39Wow! So it happens pretty quickly.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45If just one out of every 1,000 followers turn up and buy a toastie
0:13:45 > 0:13:49after seeing the pictures, then that is an extra 17 customers -
0:13:49 > 0:13:51and around 100 quid in the till.
0:13:51 > 0:13:54A great return for snapping away with their smartphone.
0:13:54 > 0:13:58Social media is something our sisters will need to learn to master,
0:13:58 > 0:14:02and quickly. And if you're thinking of starting any sort of business,
0:14:02 > 0:14:05you should do the same, too.
0:14:05 > 0:14:06And this is so, easy, isn't it? Yeah.
0:14:06 > 0:14:10Once you get into the habit of it, you just do it and bang, it's done,
0:14:10 > 0:14:13and you've suddenly got this great promotional tool
0:14:13 > 0:14:15which is hardly taking any time at all.
0:14:15 > 0:14:16You guys can do this, can't you?
0:14:16 > 0:14:18Yes. Yes.
0:14:18 > 0:14:22Join Nida and Saher again as they start snapping away and learn more
0:14:22 > 0:14:25business-boosting and money-saving tips.
0:14:25 > 0:14:27Do you think that's right?
0:14:27 > 0:14:29Oh, look, it's there! Look, look, look!
0:14:29 > 0:14:30THEY LAUGH
0:14:33 > 0:14:36And we look forward to meeting Nida and Saher later to chat about the
0:14:36 > 0:14:37whole experience.
0:14:37 > 0:14:42But first, we're joined by the Financial Times money editor Claer Barrett
0:14:42 > 0:14:43and Deepak Tailor,
0:14:43 > 0:14:46who started a very successful business from his bedroom.
0:14:46 > 0:14:50More about that in a minute, Deepak. Claer, I'm going to come to you first.
0:14:50 > 0:14:54Nida and Saher, they started off by doing something they absolutely love,
0:14:54 > 0:14:56but unfortunately for them, they're not making any money.
0:14:56 > 0:14:59So, what advice would you give to anybody in that situation?
0:14:59 > 0:15:03They're in a food business, they associate food with the family,
0:15:03 > 0:15:05with love. They want to feed people.
0:15:05 > 0:15:08Now, that might work around the table at home with the family,
0:15:08 > 0:15:11but it's not going to cut it in the marketplace.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14They want people to spend money, make a profit,
0:15:14 > 0:15:18have a decent margin and be able to reinvest the profits back into that
0:15:18 > 0:15:20business and think about expanding it.
0:15:20 > 0:15:24It is a total different mindset than just to be a hobby cook at home.
0:15:24 > 0:15:27Deepak, you're living proof that this actually works.
0:15:27 > 0:15:28Just tell us how you got started.
0:15:28 > 0:15:31I just didn't have the funds to go and set up an office,
0:15:31 > 0:15:32so I had to just do it from home.
0:15:32 > 0:15:34I had just finished university,
0:15:34 > 0:15:38I had this great idea of setting up a website where I could aggregate
0:15:38 > 0:15:40all the best offers from the top brands into one place.
0:15:40 > 0:15:45Got myself a desk, plonked it in my bedroom and just started from there.
0:15:45 > 0:15:48Can I just expand on that? Tell me exactly what it is you do.
0:15:48 > 0:15:49What comes in, what goes out?
0:15:49 > 0:15:52How do you make any money? We connect brands to consumers.
0:15:52 > 0:15:55So we list over 700 offers from the biggest brands in the UK,
0:15:55 > 0:15:58where they're giving away a free sample or product.
0:15:58 > 0:16:02Just yesterday, we had a brand giving away 10,000 free pizzas.
0:16:02 > 0:16:06You could come to the site, claim your coupon and get the voucher,
0:16:06 > 0:16:10go down to your local supermarket and pick up a free pizza.
0:16:10 > 0:16:11He makes it sound so simple.
0:16:11 > 0:16:15We make sure that we always find the best offers before anyone else and
0:16:15 > 0:16:17that is why we have become really big.
0:16:17 > 0:16:19You actually make money by helping other people save.
0:16:19 > 0:16:23So the brands actually pay us for every sample that is ordered through our website.
0:16:23 > 0:16:26Claer, I bet you love the sound of this, don't you?
0:16:26 > 0:16:27This is very entrepreneurial, isn't it?
0:16:27 > 0:16:29It's fantastically entrepreneurial.
0:16:29 > 0:16:32And it's tapping into a key consumer need,
0:16:32 > 0:16:34which is to get something for free.
0:16:34 > 0:16:37Everyone wants something for free. So it's a really, really good idea.
0:16:37 > 0:16:39And as you say, it's creating a community.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43A powerful brand. And that's really, really important in building up a profile for your business.
0:16:43 > 0:16:49It doesn't matter whether you're selling a curry or giving away free stuff - same principles apply.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52Give us an idea of just what the turnover is like.
0:16:52 > 0:16:55So the company now turns over over half a million pounds.
0:16:55 > 0:16:59Wow! What would you say to anybody who is thinking about doing this?
0:16:59 > 0:17:02So one of the big things that I recommend people do is just to go out and do it.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06Go and test the idea, follow their passion.
0:17:06 > 0:17:08That is the only way you're going to succeed in life.
0:17:08 > 0:17:11Best of luck, Deepak and thanks, Claer.
0:17:11 > 0:17:13Over the past few years, it's become
0:17:13 > 0:17:16more and more difficult for people to get a foot or even a toe on the
0:17:16 > 0:17:22property ladder, which has meant competition for affordable places to rent is fierce in many areas.
0:17:22 > 0:17:27Latest figures shows that the average rental property now costs ?900 a month,
0:17:27 > 0:17:30rising to ?1,250 in London.
0:17:30 > 0:17:32The bad news, guys, is that experts predict rents
0:17:32 > 0:17:34are set to go up even higher.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37However, it seems there are ways to cut the cost
0:17:37 > 0:17:40of keeping a roof over your head without slumming it.
0:17:42 > 0:17:46Michael and Jeva are working hard to keep the imposing entrance to their
0:17:46 > 0:17:50rented Sheffield property looking spick and span.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52It's been their home for the last four months.
0:17:54 > 0:17:56In a prime location with a grand hall,
0:17:56 > 0:17:59you'd would imagine they'd be paying through the nose in rent.
0:17:59 > 0:18:01Well, you'd be wrong.
0:18:01 > 0:18:04We both pay ?220 every month.
0:18:04 > 0:18:10And that includes all your utilities, heating and council tax.
0:18:10 > 0:18:13So I think that's a great deal.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16Sounds like a bargain.
0:18:16 > 0:18:18So, how did they get it?
0:18:18 > 0:18:22Well, Michael and Jeva have signed up to be property guardians.
0:18:22 > 0:18:26This is where owners of vacant properties rent rooms at below market value
0:18:26 > 0:18:28to keep the building ticking over.
0:18:29 > 0:18:35In exchange, property guardians keep an eye on it and carry out general maintenance.
0:18:35 > 0:18:37We clean the communal areas.
0:18:37 > 0:18:40Clean the front of the house as well.
0:18:40 > 0:18:44Clearing the rubbish, doing the recycling, that kind of thing.
0:18:44 > 0:18:45And it suited Michael and Jeva,
0:18:45 > 0:18:49who had just returned to the UK after years of working abroad.
0:18:49 > 0:18:51So let's have a look around.
0:18:51 > 0:18:54So this is one of our rooms here.
0:18:57 > 0:19:03I believe it used to be the director's office for a foundry, a company.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07I had to decorate this place to make it nice and homely.
0:19:07 > 0:19:12And, yes, I love beautiful items at home, so I tried to make it,
0:19:12 > 0:19:14I don't know, cosy.
0:19:14 > 0:19:16I love having this huge office.
0:19:17 > 0:19:21As well as the lounge, they have a bedroom on the second floor.
0:19:21 > 0:19:23It was empty completely.
0:19:23 > 0:19:25A beautiful space with nothing.
0:19:25 > 0:19:27But we just bought a bed.
0:19:27 > 0:19:33We have got some simple finishings and it feels more like home.
0:19:33 > 0:19:37They also share a kitchen with 12 other property guardians.
0:19:37 > 0:19:41And we have one guardian who is into woodwork
0:19:41 > 0:19:45and he actually made this table out of pallets.
0:19:45 > 0:19:49We have a chef. Sometimes he treats us with nice dishes.
0:19:49 > 0:19:51So, yeah.
0:19:51 > 0:19:55Michael and Jeva found it through a specialist agency.
0:19:55 > 0:19:59Property guardianship costs about a third of the market rent.
0:19:59 > 0:20:03And offers people an opportunity to maybe live in a more convenient
0:20:03 > 0:20:06location than they could afford any other way.
0:20:06 > 0:20:07It works for property owners,
0:20:07 > 0:20:10it works for the people who are living in the buildings.
0:20:10 > 0:20:14But there are some conditions that mean it is not suitable for everyone.
0:20:14 > 0:20:19Property guardians have to be given only four weeks' notice before being
0:20:19 > 0:20:20asked to move out.
0:20:20 > 0:20:25So property guardians have less security of tenure than a tenant would have.
0:20:25 > 0:20:29But the upside of it is that because their role is to look after the
0:20:29 > 0:20:34building for the property owners, it is a really inexpensive way to live.
0:20:36 > 0:20:38But there are often restrictions in place,
0:20:38 > 0:20:43such as the number of visitors and potentially the length of time you can live in the property.
0:20:43 > 0:20:48We are not looking to be here for any longer than, like, a year.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51We have just got a feel of what it is like living here in the city.
0:20:51 > 0:20:54We are saving to buy a place of our own.
0:20:54 > 0:20:57You could find yourself living in some unusual addresses,
0:20:57 > 0:21:02including a mansion in Durham or a Regency villa in Wisbech.
0:21:02 > 0:21:07Basically, making a saving here, say, ?500 a month.
0:21:07 > 0:21:09I think we've got one of
0:21:09 > 0:21:13the best-value properties in the whole of the UK, to be honest.
0:21:13 > 0:21:15If you're thinking about becoming a property guardian,
0:21:15 > 0:21:18do your research to find a reputable agency.
0:21:18 > 0:21:20Also check the rental terms,
0:21:20 > 0:21:23which differ from those of a regular tenancy agreement,
0:21:23 > 0:21:25to make sure it works for you.
0:21:28 > 0:21:30But if you fancy something more homely,
0:21:30 > 0:21:32than this next scheme might appeal.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35They may not look like typical housemates, but Doreen,
0:21:35 > 0:21:39who is in her 70s and Anouck from France, who is in her 20s,
0:21:39 > 0:21:41are part of a programme called Homeshare,
0:21:41 > 0:21:46as Alex Fox from the charity Shared Lives, which works with Homeshare, explains.
0:21:48 > 0:21:52Often, it's an older person who maybe just wants a bit of companionship
0:21:52 > 0:21:54or some help from time to time,
0:21:54 > 0:21:58who is matched with a younger person who can't afford to live where they
0:21:58 > 0:22:04want to live and is happy to help out a bit and be somebody who is about the house.
0:22:04 > 0:22:05After breaking her shoulder,
0:22:05 > 0:22:10Doreen went to a care home to recuperate, but didn't enjoy it.
0:22:10 > 0:22:12I'd rather be at home.
0:22:13 > 0:22:19I mean, in the home, they were all older than me
0:22:19 > 0:22:21and they were all asleep.
0:22:21 > 0:22:24I'm sat there, nobody to talk to.
0:22:26 > 0:22:28That is when Homeshare stepped in,
0:22:28 > 0:22:32helping her to move back home by bringing Doreen and Anouck together.
0:22:32 > 0:22:38Anouck pays ?150 a month to Homeshare and agrees to give ten hours a week of support to Doreen.
0:22:38 > 0:22:41Doreen also pays ?100 a month to the scheme.
0:22:43 > 0:22:51If it wasn't in a home share, I should pay ?400 per month.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54I wanted to be with someone, I wanted to learn English.
0:22:54 > 0:22:58It is just a win-win situation.
0:22:58 > 0:23:00And after just a few months together,
0:23:00 > 0:23:04Anouck and Doreen have become firm friends.
0:23:04 > 0:23:08I like being in the kitchen with Anouck.
0:23:08 > 0:23:14What do you like, in that? I like it when we're making cakes.
0:23:14 > 0:23:19And when she's making... cutting all the vegetables up!
0:23:19 > 0:23:23Doreen is sharpening up Anouck's English.
0:23:23 > 0:23:25Is it flour? Flour.
0:23:26 > 0:23:32The flour. Flour. Yes. We need to put the yellow on the sugar.
0:23:32 > 0:23:33The egg.
0:23:33 > 0:23:35Yeah, and the egg, yeah.
0:23:35 > 0:23:37SHE LAUGHS
0:23:37 > 0:23:42Today, we are making a cake because we like it.
0:23:42 > 0:23:46And Anouck has revolutionised Doreen's diet.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49Before Anouck came, it was always tinned food.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52And when Anouck came, you see,
0:23:52 > 0:23:55she did the cooking,
0:23:55 > 0:23:58so I had all fresh food.
0:24:00 > 0:24:03And one day, she did, um,
0:24:03 > 0:24:06grapes, strawberries.
0:24:06 > 0:24:10I've never had avocado before.
0:24:10 > 0:24:12And it was good.
0:24:12 > 0:24:14It's delicious!
0:24:14 > 0:24:17Both Anouck and Doreen certainly seemed to be benefiting
0:24:17 > 0:24:18from the arrangement.
0:24:18 > 0:24:20Companionship is a really big part of it.
0:24:20 > 0:24:26So Homeshare is also about tackling loneliness for both the younger people and for the older people.
0:24:28 > 0:24:30This is good.
0:24:31 > 0:24:35Anouck being here, I am not on my own.
0:24:35 > 0:24:37I have someone to talk to...
0:24:39 > 0:24:40..where I hadn't before.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48Homeshare operates around the UK, but as always, do your research.
0:24:48 > 0:24:49So if you're looking to rent,
0:24:49 > 0:24:55it seems there are other options out there to consider that could end up saving you some cash.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03It's long been said that we live in a throwaway society,
0:25:03 > 0:25:06where people would rather put something in the bin than get it repaired.
0:25:06 > 0:25:08But that's all changing.
0:25:08 > 0:25:11People are now taking the time to learn how to fix things.
0:25:11 > 0:25:13Joining me for a chat is our finance guru Claer,
0:25:13 > 0:25:17and Dave Lukes who shows people how to repair things.
0:25:17 > 0:25:19Dave, tell me about this restart group,
0:25:19 > 0:25:23what sort of people can come along, what sort of things are you repairing?
0:25:23 > 0:25:26What happens is, when you turn up with something broken,
0:25:26 > 0:25:29we will pair you with somebody like me who knows how to repair things.
0:25:29 > 0:25:31And you'll learn how to repair it.
0:25:31 > 0:25:34You're actually teaching people about, you know, how to take it apart,
0:25:34 > 0:25:36how to fix it, learning how it works, that sort of thing -
0:25:36 > 0:25:38which I like the sound of - don't you, Claer?
0:25:38 > 0:25:41Absolutely. I mean, it's a real push back against the disposable consumer
0:25:41 > 0:25:44culture, frankly, that we have in this country of buying something,
0:25:44 > 0:25:47it goes wrong, you chuck it away and just go out and buy a new one.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49Because it's not just good for your wallet to repair things,
0:25:49 > 0:25:52it's also - crucially - really good for the environment.
0:25:52 > 0:25:55What sort of people are coming along to these groups?
0:25:55 > 0:25:59Oh, we get everybody from teenagers with their games consoles,
0:25:59 > 0:26:02to OAPs with their vintage radios that they want to get repaired,
0:26:02 > 0:26:04and everything in-between.
0:26:04 > 0:26:05Do people have to pay to come to these groups?
0:26:05 > 0:26:07No, we encourage donations, obviously,
0:26:07 > 0:26:10because we've got to pay for things like hiring the venue and so on,
0:26:10 > 0:26:13but no, in principle, it's a free service.
0:26:13 > 0:26:15I volunteer my time freely because I enjoy it.
0:26:15 > 0:26:20Other people do it out of a sense of social justice or because they enjoy
0:26:20 > 0:26:21the detective work, like I do.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24OK. You've sold it to me, but where do people find out about them?
0:26:24 > 0:26:28OK, get on the Internet and look up "repair cafe" -
0:26:28 > 0:26:30there are quite a few of those around the country.
0:26:30 > 0:26:33Also, the organisation I volunteer with, the Restart Project,
0:26:33 > 0:26:36go look at their website - they have a lovely calendar of events.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39And also, if there isn't an event in your area,
0:26:39 > 0:26:41why don't you think about starting one?
0:26:41 > 0:26:43Thanks, Dave. Thanks, Claer. No problem.
0:26:43 > 0:26:45Sounds good to me, Dom.
0:26:45 > 0:26:49Now, I want to find out exactly how handy the people here at Stockport
0:26:49 > 0:26:53market are. When something goes wrong, do they fix it, or bin it?
0:26:54 > 0:26:56We call him Mr Fix It.
0:26:56 > 0:26:57Well, Mr Fix It... Yeah.
0:26:57 > 0:27:01..there's no items in your house that could do with a little mend?
0:27:01 > 0:27:02No. Not at the minute, no.
0:27:02 > 0:27:05Not at the minute? Are you straight on it?
0:27:05 > 0:27:09Definitely. If something needs doing, get on with it.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12I used to do repairs on my car,
0:27:12 > 0:27:16which you can't possibly do now because my new car is so full of
0:27:16 > 0:27:19electronics, you daren't touch it.
0:27:19 > 0:27:22It's too complicated, isn't it? Yeah.
0:27:22 > 0:27:25Actually I like to do reupholstery and painting and those sort of
0:27:25 > 0:27:27things. I don't like throwing things.
0:27:27 > 0:27:32It's just, I like the challenge of taking something and turning it into
0:27:32 > 0:27:33something else.
0:27:33 > 0:27:35Things are not made to last any more.
0:27:35 > 0:27:38So the modern way - things go "bang" quite a bit.
0:27:38 > 0:27:43Yeah. And it's easier just to go and buy something new, really.
0:27:43 > 0:27:46Yeah, I fix everything. I'm a cheapskate, so...
0:27:46 > 0:27:48I love that! Anywhere I can save money.
0:27:48 > 0:27:49Anything to save money.
0:27:49 > 0:27:52Honestly. Yeah... I'm thrifty. It's my middle name.
0:27:52 > 0:27:55That's brilliant! Listen, have a great day. Thank you. Bye.
0:27:58 > 0:28:00Earlier on we met Nida and Saher,
0:28:00 > 0:28:04who were struggling to make any money from the business they'd set up from home.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08So has Simon Read managed to turn them into high-flyers?
0:28:10 > 0:28:14Streatham sisters Nida and Saher Usmani have been cooking
0:28:14 > 0:28:18their favourite family recipes for the last 25 years.
0:28:18 > 0:28:19We do love cooking - I mean,
0:28:19 > 0:28:23I would wake up four in the morning and start peeling the potatoes,
0:28:23 > 0:28:25and I'm happy to do that.
0:28:25 > 0:28:27Because I really enjoy it,
0:28:27 > 0:28:30putting the spices together and once the tastes come together, it's like,
0:28:30 > 0:28:31"Oh, wow!" It's good.
0:28:31 > 0:28:34It's just right, you know.
0:28:34 > 0:28:35It's so nice.
0:28:35 > 0:28:39And especially it's lovely when people come back and go, "The food's amazing."
0:28:39 > 0:28:41A year ago, after being made redundant,
0:28:41 > 0:28:44they decided to change their hobby into a way of life,
0:28:44 > 0:28:48by launching a street food stall selling their home-cooked dishes.
0:28:48 > 0:28:50But they're struggling.
0:28:50 > 0:28:52We're good with food, but we're not good with money.
0:28:52 > 0:28:5612 months on, while the venture has not exactly gone to pot,
0:28:56 > 0:28:58they've failed to get a handle on it.
0:28:58 > 0:29:01They're still working long hours for no wage,
0:29:01 > 0:29:04and have yet to get to grips with running a business.
0:29:04 > 0:29:08Personal finance expert Simon Read has already lowered their monthly
0:29:08 > 0:29:12outgoings, and kick-started their marketing on social media.
0:29:12 > 0:29:14Do you think that's right?
0:29:14 > 0:29:15Shall we try and get you an artistic shot?
0:29:17 > 0:29:20Oh, look, it's there! Look, look, look!
0:29:20 > 0:29:21Nice work, girls.
0:29:21 > 0:29:24Now Simon's back for seconds - and first,
0:29:24 > 0:29:27he doing a little market research of his own.
0:29:27 > 0:29:28Have you tried here before?
0:29:28 > 0:29:30No. You haven't. I mean, I'll tell you what,
0:29:30 > 0:29:32you're in for a treat because they're absolutely delicious.
0:29:32 > 0:29:34What did you think of the prices?
0:29:34 > 0:29:36It's about what I expected.
0:29:36 > 0:29:38It is? I think once you've tried it you'll think "That's a bargain",
0:29:38 > 0:29:41because it really is. So have you eaten here before?
0:29:41 > 0:29:44I have, yeah. I enjoyed it quite a lot, plus it's halal as well,
0:29:44 > 0:29:45which I enjoyed as well.
0:29:45 > 0:29:46All right, brilliant.
0:29:46 > 0:29:48Good price, good food.
0:29:48 > 0:29:51Made with love, isn't it? Yeah.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54Turns out Simon's a master of the sales patter.
0:29:54 > 0:29:56Thank you. Enjoy.
0:29:56 > 0:29:59But as lunch comes to an end, he gets down to business.
0:30:00 > 0:30:03So how do you monitor how many meals you've sold?
0:30:03 > 0:30:06So, we do write them down.
0:30:07 > 0:30:09But as long as there's not a massive queue,
0:30:09 > 0:30:12and then we are able to remember...
0:30:12 > 0:30:15Oops. What will Simon have to say about that?
0:30:15 > 0:30:17This isn't very scientific at all, is it?
0:30:17 > 0:30:21So the truth is, you don't know how many meals you've sold of each kind.
0:30:21 > 0:30:24No. You haven't got a proper stock control system here going on, have you?
0:30:24 > 0:30:27No. No, we don't. No.
0:30:27 > 0:30:31If the sisters don't know what they've sold, it'll be impossible to
0:30:31 > 0:30:33work out if they are in the red or black.
0:30:33 > 0:30:36So we've always been told that we give loads of food...
0:30:36 > 0:30:38Yeah. Sometimes I think I give too much...
0:30:38 > 0:30:39Yes. ..and I don't know when to stop.
0:30:39 > 0:30:41If their portions are too big,
0:30:41 > 0:30:44then they might as well be giving money away.
0:30:44 > 0:30:45And Simon's having none of it.
0:30:45 > 0:30:48Yeah, it sounds like you're being overgenerous.
0:30:48 > 0:30:50So, rather than having two scoops of mash,
0:30:50 > 0:30:52do you want to try one scoop of mash?
0:30:52 > 0:30:53That looks too little.
0:30:53 > 0:30:57That looks a bit tight. Can you do one and a half?
0:30:57 > 0:30:58This is really good value.
0:30:58 > 0:31:01Too good value, I'd say!
0:31:01 > 0:31:06Simon's rule of thumb is simple - reducing portions increases profit.
0:31:06 > 0:31:11And on top of that, unless the sisters know how much their dishes cost to make,
0:31:11 > 0:31:12how can they set a price for them?
0:31:14 > 0:31:19You know, in order to make money, you need to know how much that portion size is costing you,
0:31:19 > 0:31:22and you need to know that so you can then set the fair price.
0:31:22 > 0:31:24You've got no portion control, have you?
0:31:24 > 0:31:26No. You just spoon it into the...
0:31:26 > 0:31:29Yeah. For the kind of portion sizes you're giving,
0:31:29 > 0:31:33you might be giving away a fiver's worth of food and only selling it for four quid, for all you know.
0:31:33 > 0:31:37Yeah. And fundamentally, that's no way to run a business, is it?
0:31:37 > 0:31:38No.
0:31:39 > 0:31:41But don't worry -
0:31:41 > 0:31:44Simon knows the ingredients needed to turn these talented sisters'
0:31:44 > 0:31:46fortunes around,
0:31:46 > 0:31:52and where better than a local cash-and-carry to see how they shop and help them control their costs?
0:31:52 > 0:31:55I've brought you to a shop, because, Nida,
0:31:55 > 0:31:57I know you're a bargain-hunter.
0:31:57 > 0:31:58I love a bargain. You love your bargains,
0:31:58 > 0:32:01and there are tonnes of bargains. Yes.
0:32:01 > 0:32:03It's an Aladdin's cave of bargains.
0:32:03 > 0:32:05Feel free to buy what you'd normally buy here... OK.
0:32:05 > 0:32:10..and let's have a look at whether you're going to spend wisely. Uh-huh.
0:32:10 > 0:32:12Or foolishly. OK, cool. Let's go.
0:32:12 > 0:32:15Don't worry - they haven't all shrunk -
0:32:15 > 0:32:16it's just a super-sized trolley.
0:32:18 > 0:32:19Look.
0:32:24 > 0:32:27Nida, you weren't kidding when you said you liked a bargain!
0:32:29 > 0:32:31The bigger the better, it seems.
0:32:31 > 0:32:33Oh, look, they're giving a free sample of coffee.
0:32:34 > 0:32:36No, we don't need coffee.
0:32:36 > 0:32:37But it's a free sample of coffee!
0:32:37 > 0:32:38Good job, Saher.
0:32:38 > 0:32:41Keep steering that trolley away from temptation.
0:32:41 > 0:32:44This is a good bargain. That is a good offer.
0:32:44 > 0:32:48It's taken the girls less than ten minutes to fill up their massive trolley.
0:32:48 > 0:32:51Time for Simon to check out what's caught their eye.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54What I want to talk to you about is the amount of stuff that you
0:32:54 > 0:32:57bought, so you bought this rice.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59I can't even tell. I'm going to try and lift it up,
0:32:59 > 0:33:01but it looks really heavy to me. It is heavy, it's 20 kilos.
0:33:01 > 0:33:05Oh! So, 20 kilos, how many meals is that for?
0:33:05 > 0:33:09Mother says that one cup serves eight people.
0:33:09 > 0:33:10One cup serves eight people?
0:33:10 > 0:33:13Yeah. So how many cups in 20 kilograms?
0:33:13 > 0:33:14I've no idea.
0:33:14 > 0:33:18You've no idea? You need to know how much you're buying for and what for.
0:33:18 > 0:33:22You should know that, "Great, that'll be 100,000,"
0:33:22 > 0:33:26however many portions, so that as soon as you're buying this,
0:33:26 > 0:33:30you know that works out, per portion, a penny, 10p, whatever it is,
0:33:30 > 0:33:33then you're doing the maths in your head as you're buying this stuff
0:33:33 > 0:33:34knowing how much profit you can make.
0:33:36 > 0:33:40Working out how much they need to buy in order to prepare their food
0:33:40 > 0:33:43is essential to decide what they should charge for it.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46If Nida and Saher knew how much they were selling,
0:33:46 > 0:33:49they could buy to order and not have money tied up in provisions.
0:33:49 > 0:33:52Planning a shop is something that we should all be doing,
0:33:52 > 0:33:56whether we've got a budding business or not.
0:33:56 > 0:33:58It goes back to the basics of thinking,
0:33:58 > 0:34:02how many portions are we going to be selling in, say, the next month?
0:34:02 > 0:34:04Can we do our shopping for the next month?
0:34:04 > 0:34:07How much do we need and what's the best price for it?
0:34:07 > 0:34:12Rather than thinking, "Great, here's a hundredweight of rice, let's just buy that."
0:34:12 > 0:34:15For your business, you've got to plan every expense.
0:34:15 > 0:34:19You've got to know the quantities before you go and you just find the right prices.
0:34:19 > 0:34:20You've got to do this properly
0:34:20 > 0:34:23to make the business work, so you can make money and pay yourselves.
0:34:23 > 0:34:25You have to do this.
0:34:25 > 0:34:28Yes. It's not just a recommendation. I'm telling you, you must do it.
0:34:28 > 0:34:32Yeah. We have to try and make a profit.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35That's what we've learnt. If you can't make a profit, what will happen?
0:34:35 > 0:34:36We won't be able to carry on.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38You WON'T be able to carry on.
0:34:39 > 0:34:41Simon thinks with a bit more planning,
0:34:41 > 0:34:44the girls could save ?1,200 a year
0:34:44 > 0:34:46and if they really do find doing
0:34:46 > 0:34:49the books too much at this stage,
0:34:49 > 0:34:52Simon's got a genius idea for them to consider -
0:34:52 > 0:34:53let someone else do it!
0:34:53 > 0:34:55Can he?
0:34:55 > 0:34:59We've had lots of great ideas about how to manage your business and now
0:34:59 > 0:35:02I think it's time to think about how to manage your accounts,
0:35:02 > 0:35:04so I'd like you to meet David Gibb.
0:35:04 > 0:35:05He's a business adviser.
0:35:05 > 0:35:09He's got lots of great ideas and he's got lots of clients in the food
0:35:09 > 0:35:11and restaurant business, don't you, David?
0:35:11 > 0:35:13Yes, indeed. Good to see you both.
0:35:13 > 0:35:14So how do we make the transition from -
0:35:14 > 0:35:17this is basically a lifestyle business, they love doing it.
0:35:17 > 0:35:21How do they transition from that to a profitable going concern?
0:35:21 > 0:35:26Well, I think it really is important to understand the accounts and the
0:35:26 > 0:35:29book-keeping. I think you'd find it quite enlightening to get some
0:35:29 > 0:35:33proper detailed accounts, which told you exactly what you are spending on
0:35:33 > 0:35:37what ingredients and exactly how much a portion of food was costing.
0:35:37 > 0:35:40Then, I think, you can start having a look at how many portions you need
0:35:40 > 0:35:43to sell to make money.
0:35:43 > 0:35:46The girls are dyslexic, so they have a few problems with numbers and
0:35:46 > 0:35:48figures and so forth, but it shouldn't be a problem, should it,
0:35:48 > 0:35:50to them running the business properly?
0:35:50 > 0:35:53What I would say is, if you really are struggling,
0:35:53 > 0:35:56there is help out there, there are people that do book-keeping services,
0:35:56 > 0:36:00there are people where you can give your invoices to.
0:36:00 > 0:36:03We just thought it was expensive and, at the moment,
0:36:03 > 0:36:05we're not even taking in wages ourselves.
0:36:05 > 0:36:06We thought, "Can we afford it?"
0:36:06 > 0:36:08Maybe it's an expense you need to make.
0:36:08 > 0:36:11You do need to get an understanding of,
0:36:11 > 0:36:12"What's the money in the business now?
0:36:12 > 0:36:14"What are we making, what are we spending?"
0:36:14 > 0:36:17The sisters have enthusiasm to spare, but, sadly,
0:36:17 > 0:36:20businesses can't be run on that alone,
0:36:20 > 0:36:23but if they get help with the bits they find difficult,
0:36:23 > 0:36:27it will enable them to concentrate on what they're good at - cooking.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30I'd say, have a go - you know,
0:36:30 > 0:36:33put your receipts in a box, have a go, but, realistically,
0:36:33 > 0:36:37if you are struggling, there are book-keeping services.
0:36:37 > 0:36:38People that will do it online for you.
0:36:38 > 0:36:42You send stuff off to them and they'll send you accounts.
0:36:42 > 0:36:43Definitely. Thank you.
0:36:43 > 0:36:45Thank you so much, that was really useful advice.
0:36:45 > 0:36:46Thank you. Thank you.
0:36:47 > 0:36:51It seems like the girls will have to spend money to help make money,
0:36:51 > 0:36:54but that's OK, because if they followed Simon's advice,
0:36:54 > 0:36:59they can save ?815 a year on their energy bills,
0:36:59 > 0:37:05?1,080 on their broadband and TV package, and ?1,200 on food shopping,
0:37:05 > 0:37:10which makes a grand total of 3,095 smackers,
0:37:10 > 0:37:14and if the sisters follow Simon's advice on stocktaking, pricing,
0:37:14 > 0:37:18portion control, marketing and book-keeping, from now on
0:37:18 > 0:37:21their stall should really be cooking on gas.
0:37:21 > 0:37:25Having this experience, having
0:37:25 > 0:37:28this great advice and experts come in, it was brilliant,
0:37:28 > 0:37:33it was perfect timing for us. The right time. Because we did all the execution, we know,
0:37:33 > 0:37:37like, our customers and our store, but we needed to move into next level.
0:37:37 > 0:37:40We needed the social media and we need to work on our finance,
0:37:40 > 0:37:44and I think this came at the perfect timing because it has pushed us to do this now
0:37:44 > 0:37:45and that's our next step.
0:37:45 > 0:37:47Yeah. And that's where we focus on.
0:37:49 > 0:37:51Thank you very much. Hope you enjoy.
0:37:55 > 0:37:58And Saher and Nida are with us now, along with Claer Barrett,
0:37:58 > 0:37:59our finance expert.
0:37:59 > 0:38:02Thanks for coming, ladies. Thank you for having us. Thank you.
0:38:02 > 0:38:04Food has been a real passion of the family.
0:38:04 > 0:38:07Yes, we love eating, and we've always loved eating.
0:38:07 > 0:38:08We love feeding as well,
0:38:08 > 0:38:12we grew up in a family when my mum used to always do dinner parties and
0:38:12 > 0:38:13everyone loved our mum's food.
0:38:13 > 0:38:16We were both made redundant around the same time, and we thought,
0:38:16 > 0:38:17"It's a sign, it's meant to be."
0:38:17 > 0:38:20We thought we'd do something different. So for us, it was like,
0:38:20 > 0:38:23"Let's do something that we really enjoy doing," and we love
0:38:23 > 0:38:26feeding and we love food, so we thought, "Let's go with that."
0:38:26 > 0:38:27This is all about gaining confidence.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31It's an area that you're not familiar with and I guess that's all it is,
0:38:31 > 0:38:34it's about getting involved, giving it a whirl and seeing how you go.
0:38:34 > 0:38:39Absolutely, and learning about how to do business is like learning another language
0:38:39 > 0:38:41because you've got to think about profit margins,
0:38:41 > 0:38:43you've got to think about cashflow,
0:38:43 > 0:38:46and if you haven't had to think about those things before,
0:38:46 > 0:38:48it can be very overwhelming to do it all at once,
0:38:48 > 0:38:51but you need all the right ingredients to make the business work.
0:38:51 > 0:38:55And Claer, social media can make a huge difference to someone's business.
0:38:55 > 0:38:59Absolutely, it gives you the opportunity to tell the story behind your brand
0:38:59 > 0:39:03and you've got such a fantastic story - two sisters, the family,
0:39:03 > 0:39:06the food, love, it's all in there,
0:39:06 > 0:39:09so it's the perfect way of expressing your values,
0:39:09 > 0:39:14getting customers and also getting people to share the love and spread the news
0:39:14 > 0:39:16about what they can get on your stall.
0:39:16 > 0:39:20It was so important to tell our story and that's why we're on the
0:39:20 > 0:39:22Instagram and social media now.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24One thing which has caused you a problem is dyslexia.
0:39:24 > 0:39:25You're both dyslexic, aren't you?
0:39:25 > 0:39:28Yeah. I think when we spoke to the accountant,
0:39:28 > 0:39:30we realised it's truly important,
0:39:30 > 0:39:33it's a priority that we need to make sure we do, and we can't just do it,
0:39:33 > 0:39:35we have to deal with it and face it.
0:39:35 > 0:39:37Yeah. Because you can't put it off, you've just got to deal with it,
0:39:37 > 0:39:39so you just deal with it.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43Don't forget that some of the most successful business people in the world
0:39:43 > 0:39:46have had dyslexia. Richard Branson is a famous dyslexic.
0:39:46 > 0:39:49It's like anything in life, you've got to work on it,
0:39:49 > 0:39:53find a way around it, not avoid the problem. Deal with it. Tackle it head on.
0:39:53 > 0:39:56Share what you've learned from this experience with
0:39:56 > 0:39:57anybody else who might be in a similar situation,
0:39:57 > 0:40:00who might be thinking about starting up their own business. Do your research.
0:40:00 > 0:40:03Yeah, definitely. Research is so important.
0:40:03 > 0:40:05Speak to other people in the same business.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09Realise first - don't go headstrong, just do it slowly.
0:40:09 > 0:40:12You obviously love what you're doing, so good luck to you.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14Thank you. Thank you.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17Now, if you'd like Claer or another one of our money-saving experts
0:40:17 > 0:40:23to help transform your finances, get in touch by e-mailing us at:
0:40:23 > 0:40:26Or if you're after some quick ways to save some cash,
0:40:26 > 0:40:27here's a good place to start.
0:40:29 > 0:40:34Our website has everything you need to sort out your spending.
0:40:34 > 0:40:37We've teamed up with the money advice service to bring you easy-to-use
0:40:37 > 0:40:40money-saving tools to plan your budget,
0:40:40 > 0:40:44calculate the cost of your car or credit cards and give your money
0:40:44 > 0:40:46a complete health check.
0:40:46 > 0:40:50Download them at:
0:40:55 > 0:40:58Claer is still with us to answer some of your questions.
0:40:58 > 0:41:03Jan wants to know, how does she get a good deal on her pet insurance?
0:41:03 > 0:41:06Well, pet insurance is actually a very complicated product to buy.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09There are many different layers and levels of cover that you can get.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12The most expensive of which is called lifetime -
0:41:12 > 0:41:16covers everything that could happen to your pet during its lifetime,
0:41:16 > 0:41:18but you can also take out cover just for things like accidents,
0:41:18 > 0:41:20so I did a bit of research into this.
0:41:20 > 0:41:27According to Which?, 70% of claims are for illnesses in pets rather than accidents that happen to them,
0:41:27 > 0:41:30but obviously the older your pet gets,
0:41:30 > 0:41:34you've got to renew the policy every year, and every year it's going to get more expensive
0:41:34 > 0:41:37so like everything in life, you need to shop around.
0:41:37 > 0:41:40Another Claer is buying a house and she wants to know -
0:41:40 > 0:41:43how will she know which is the next up-and-coming area?
0:41:43 > 0:41:46Well, transport and infrastructure projects are a really,
0:41:46 > 0:41:48really good way of knowing what's going to happen,
0:41:48 > 0:41:52so you've got things like Crossrail, High Speed Two, city centre tram links that have happened
0:41:52 > 0:41:54in different cities all around the country,
0:41:54 > 0:41:57and as soon as they're announced and they go in,
0:41:57 > 0:42:00then prices along the route in the future will start to rise because it
0:42:00 > 0:42:04will become quicker to commute into those cities and towns,
0:42:04 > 0:42:05and make them more vibrant places to live,
0:42:05 > 0:42:09so that's happened a lot in London with big regeneration projects like
0:42:09 > 0:42:13the Olympics that happened in the area that I've lived and it has lifted up
0:42:13 > 0:42:17the whole area, but also around the country, follow the artists.
0:42:17 > 0:42:19They call it the creative paradox.
0:42:19 > 0:42:23If an area is cheap and a bit run down, the artists, the creatives,
0:42:23 > 0:42:26the web designers, the media people, IT consultants,
0:42:26 > 0:42:31they'll be the ones who go into that area because it's cheap for them to operate in,
0:42:31 > 0:42:34but that will bring it up, make it fashionable, hip, trendy.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37The paradox is that once they've done that,
0:42:37 > 0:42:40more and more people move in and then they can't afford to live there any more,
0:42:40 > 0:42:41so they have to go off to the next place.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44Doesn't that mean all the cafes start selling tea made out of nettle
0:42:44 > 0:42:47leaves and things like that? Well, maybe a sign to spot,
0:42:47 > 0:42:50which is the next up-and-coming property area could be to see whether the
0:42:50 > 0:42:53local cafe has got avocado on toast on the menu or not.
0:42:53 > 0:42:57That's when you know you've arrived, isn't it? Exactly. Jonathan wants to know,
0:42:57 > 0:43:00"What do I do with leftover old ?5 notes and ?1 coins?"
0:43:00 > 0:43:04Good question. The new ?5 notes - not so new any more - I've got one here,
0:43:04 > 0:43:07if you've got any of the old ones that aren't so whizzy as this,
0:43:07 > 0:43:10you can take them to your local bank branch or Post Office and they will
0:43:10 > 0:43:12be able to pay them into your bank for you,
0:43:12 > 0:43:14exchange them for a new polymer note.
0:43:14 > 0:43:15The pound coin, on the other hand,
0:43:15 > 0:43:21the old round pound is still in circulation until the 15th of October 2017.
0:43:21 > 0:43:24My advice would be to spend these if you can.
0:43:24 > 0:43:26That is the easiest way to get rid of them -
0:43:26 > 0:43:28make it somebody else's problem.
0:43:28 > 0:43:31If you haven't spent them by the 15th of October 2017,
0:43:31 > 0:43:35you can go to the bank or the Post Office and you will be able to
0:43:35 > 0:43:38exchange them for the new modern pound coin, which has come in,
0:43:38 > 0:43:42packed with security features, much harder to fake than these ones.
0:43:42 > 0:43:46It's the first time we've told anyone to spend on this show, isn't it? It is!
0:43:46 > 0:43:47Some great advice there, Claer.
0:43:47 > 0:43:50Thanks to everyone we met today and to you at home, too.
0:43:50 > 0:43:55We hope you found all the tips you've heard useful, but until the next time, bye-bye. Cheerio.
0:44:31 > 0:44:32We know we're the last thing
0:44:32 > 0:44:34between something disastrous...
0:44:36 > 0:44:37..and something hopeful.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40Just sometimes we make a difference.
0:44:40 > 0:44:42That's why we come to work.
0:44:42 > 0:44:44That's what this place is all about.
0:44:44 > 0:44:45SIRENS WAIL