Business Venture in North Cyprus

Welldigger



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 27

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 18:05

I am planing to permanently move to North Cyprus this September, can anyone offer any guidance as to what is really needed by everyday folk?



I want to start a business but am at a lot as to what do to. I would like to start something that is 1) profitable for me and 2) gives something to the people living in North Cyprus. I have some money to invest but want to avoid property development. Serious suggestions only please!!

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 18:13

Welldigger.....unfortunately you will probably get mainly negative resposes and for good reason !



North Cyprus is NOT a good place to start a business or invest....even if you are a London TC.

Welldigger



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 27

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 20:10

Cronos, thanks for your response. I understand what you are saying but I'm coming and I'm starting a business regardless. I just thought I'd put out the feelers to see what was missing and what people would really welcome. I don't agree though about "not a good place to start a business", everywhere needs new enterprise, especially NC. Thanks for your comments though.

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 20:13

Good luck with your venture welldigger.Which part of Northern Cyprus are you planning on setting up.

There is a lot of investment currently happening in the Bogaz area,

Paul.

CJtill


Joined: 02/05/2008
Posts: 836

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 20:19

The only investment I would consider in the TRNC is with the banks, converting Sterling into TL at a favourable time. Anything else is fraught with danger, and your money will probably ebb away.

Suggest you reconsider.

Michael

Welldigger



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 27

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 20:19

Paul, thanks, I'm probably going to stick to the central Girne area/Alsancak/Lapta and east of Girne.

Welldigger



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 27

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 20:44

Michael, thanks for your input. I need something more tangible. Knowing NC and what it is lacking, I thought someone might suggest something I was missing that might be obvious to people who are already there. For example, genuine designer clothes for one thing, not my area of expertise but needed in NC all the same.

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 20:54

There are supposed to be 700,000 mainland Turks holidaying in Northern Cyprus this summer.Why not set up a designer outlet somewhere close to a casino,

Paul.

Quarmby


Joined: 15/09/2008
Posts: 975

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 21:00

Would it not be better if you went there and do your own research?

suehowlittle


Joined: 31/10/2010
Posts: 1202

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 21:03

Are you aware that to have a business (limited company) here you will have to have a tc partner who will hold 51% of your company (shares) even though he may put nothing in himself?



Our friends were well and truly shafted by their tc 'partner' who began to help himself to the bank account and obviously could do so legally.



It is impossible to get people convicted of criminal fraud here (unless you steal from the government that is) and my friend has had to spend over £20k in legal fees to get the partnership dissolved and make it impossible for this man to steal any more of the business funds.



When I asked him why he would trust someone he did not know very well - 7 years ago, his reply was - I would trust this young man with my life and after 5 years I will take my half mil back out of the business and he will be left with a super business which he can then call his own.



My friend is now 73 years old and this business is still not resolved and the thief goes unpunished.

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 21:11

start with a large fortune and loose most of it............

Welldigger



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 27

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 21:19

Paul, re: message 8; 700k mainlanders!!!! They like fakes not the real thing but that isn't my "thing" anyway. I just mentioned designer clothes as I know it needs it there.

Welldigger



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 27

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 21:24

Re: msg 9; yes of course, I was just trying to get a head start as to what some ex-pats my be missing but not wanting to start themselves. besides, as Cronos guessed, I am half TC and therefore hold a Kimlik so the rules are slightly different for me (sorry).



Re: msg 10; I am sorry about your friend, but see above re: new company for me.



Re: msg 11; thanks Nick, I'll not try that or my wife might have a lot to say about it!

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 21:27

700k mainlanders!!!!!!!!!



More cheap labourers coming over then!!

metin


Joined: 08/09/2008
Posts: 1588

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 21:28

We are in need of a Card shop !!! Come Party shop. The only one on this side of the island is about to close down.

I have been working in that shop for sometime now......and everyone is really upset that its closing !!! They have nowhere else to go.



Email me for more info dawnkarsili@hotmail.com if you think this may be of interest, I have all the contacts you would need.

madturk


Joined: 25/03/2009
Posts: 217

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 23:45

only your gut insticnt tells you , if a bussiness is a good venture. all i know is that cyprus one day will be a land of oppurtunity, once the so called "CYPRUS PROBLEM " has been resolved .

bars ,cafe e.c.t waste of time as there are not enough tourist and the ex pats dont over indulge, as you wouldnt at home.

maybe look at investing in friut and veg bussinesses , lots of farmers finding it hard , growing world population. china needs plenty of food to import to feed the masses .

but until the cyprus problem is sorted and trade barriers are lifted there is not many good investments.

but when there are one needs to act quickly .

cronos


Joined: 26/10/2008
Posts: 2093

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 23:50

That was a sensible answer from Madturk, so time for a daft one from me.



How about freelance Dog Catcher ?.......the demand is enormous !

newlad



Joined: 02/03/2008
Posts: 7819

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 23:55

Cronus,



I have this vision now of you scampering around Northern Cyprus chasing dogs,

Paul.

fosterscan


Joined: 27/02/2010
Posts: 541

Message Posted:
30/01/2011 23:55

Light aircraft to fly people to the karpaz for the day.

kaz13


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 157

Message Posted:
31/01/2011 00:03

welldigge where theres a will theres a way , i am shore you will come up with something i wish you all the luck in the world , keep your dream going and you will make it , theres lots off things you could do good luck

Bradus


Joined: 25/02/2007
Posts: 2641

Message Posted:
31/01/2011 00:09

A truthful and accurate account of business life from madturk.



Its a difficult time for all. Visit the island and see just how many bars and restaurants are empty or are continually changing ownership. Even in the summer months business is slow, hotels half empty.



The way forward has to be "bringing over the Tourists" selling the destination as off the beaten tourist track and unspoiled. Maybe even 2 centre holidays with Turkey? Organised tours?

However for this to be a success lots of hard work changing attitudes and tidying up the island needs to be done. I don't think the island is ready for families yet (poor infrastructure would hate to push a pram on those pavements) similarly not the elderly and infirm.

Maybe couple holidays or young people? The Government are always saying that they are promoting tourism but never do. If you could tap this market, who knows?

Woodspeckie


Joined: 25/01/2009
Posts: 2263

Message Posted:
31/01/2011 01:02

There you have the answer, Bradus says tidying up the island needs to be done, so start a rubbish collection service with people cleaning up the beaches and the sides of the roads, recycle and there is a fortune to be made with the amount you will collect.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
31/01/2011 09:33

Import coal/solid fuel and sell it during the winter. Sit by the pool in summer.

Welldigger



Joined: 16/06/2010
Posts: 27

Message Posted:
31/01/2011 17:51

Thanks to everyone for your input and kind words. Metin, I have emailed you.

leylandlad


Joined: 15/11/2009
Posts: 215

Message Posted:
31/01/2011 19:44

I have sent you a mail as well Metin.



Hopefully you receive it safely and reply soon.



As I say in the mail we are moving out there early May so sure we can sort something between now and then.



Thanks

Martin

IbrahimAbi


Joined: 24/10/2010
Posts: 245

Message Posted:
31/01/2011 21:30

Msg 14 at least they are willing to put in a full day's work................ without a 13th month salary paid for by their familes back home

joandjelly


Joined: 24/02/2008
Posts: 2953

Message Posted:
01/02/2011 11:22

I would certainly be happy to support a decent card shop. Unfortunately the choice and quality of cards in the one that has just closed was dire.

ozkent


Joined: 08/05/2010
Posts: 111

Message Posted:
01/02/2011 13:31

Go into travel island wide but must be quality, also it get those drivers of vip travel off the roads.

samblaney1985


Joined: 10/09/2008
Posts: 159

Message Posted:
21/02/2011 18:48

hi welldigger





electrical goods are very expensive out in NC so if you could source them cheaper there's money to be made... also if you wanted something small scare maybe speak to the developments... many of them do not have shops and you could perhaps open a small shop selling necessities on-site : )

Biggles


Joined: 14/06/2009
Posts: 165

Message Posted:
21/02/2011 18:54

I think that there is a need for a professional funeral director here.

Serkan


Joined: 12/05/2009
Posts: 75

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 17:53

NC offers lot of opportunities to invest not many people see this side of the country.You have to drill down one or two layers of the surface to see what is out there, don't get put off by negative comments. I like your idea of giving something back to the country,many people don't have that vision.I wish you all the best. Good luck with new venture.

Dixie Normus


Joined: 22/02/2008
Posts: 820

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 19:33

Go into recycling plastic,the place is litterd with it, or converting garden waste into solid fuel pellets, piles of the stuff on every corner.Cardboard cut out tourists, the goverment need them as they have about as much change of getting real ones as a one legged man winning a ass kicking contest.



D.N

Babrew


Joined: 15/09/2010
Posts: 486

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 21:07

An english couple x 2 have just invested in opening a bowling green in Lapta, maybe you can join in their partnership.



This would be a good place for outdoor bowling green considering the age group here and the nice weather.



Another idea would be an outdoor drive in cinema, but based in Lefkosa as in summertime its apparently a lot cooler in the evenings Im told.

Seamus


Joined: 17/03/2008
Posts: 28

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 21:27

Hi



I am also wanting to set up a simple business in TRNC- importing Electric-mountain bikes - range 45k.



Trialing out bikes soon in April for hire - working with the Kyrenia Mountain Bike Association over the Karpaz



Jonathan Walpole

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 21:33

Are there any bicycle hire shops around?

brother



Joined: 29/01/2010
Posts: 446

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 22:02

Msg33. This is what I've heard. Apparently in th esummer there are warm/humid winds rising up the Kyrenia hills.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 22:24

msg36 I think that should read "Stifling, Humid, Stagnant, Air" trapped inside the coastal regions of the Kyrenia Mountains...........Just the job for cycling...

Zoots


Joined: 05/02/2011
Posts: 669

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 22:43

Helicopter tours? Would the army allow it?

vonny


Joined: 25/06/2009
Posts: 476

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 22:54

What about an ice skating rink,i went to one in famagusta not long ago and they were skating on marble which worked very well.

whatever you do though,do not just cater for ex-pats and tourists,you want to catch the locals too.

Stonehousepub


Joined: 21/05/2009
Posts: 755

Message Posted:
02/03/2011 23:26

msg 1



Forget it, forget it. forget it... This is coming from a London TC who has been here 4 years....



msg 31



How long have you been here ??

Rosie64


Joined: 13/11/2010
Posts: 72

Message Posted:
03/03/2011 01:32

msg 40 What's he living on for 4 years ?

Tenakoutou



Joined: 27/07/2009
Posts: 4110

Message Posted:
03/03/2011 08:51

'Stonehousepub' has obviously sampled the returning Cypriots' real version of: 'Hosgeldiniz Kibris!'



From what I have been told and observed, I think it would very well pay to heed his words of warning - that is, unless you have very sound contacts and friends among the 'Powers That Be', often referred to as 'The Rich Club' - these are the people who hold the franchises/monopolies and will decide whether you succeed, or fail.



It will also pay to have a very good business strategy/plan worked out in advance before even setting foot here!

Stonehousepub


Joined: 21/05/2009
Posts: 755

Message Posted:
03/03/2011 14:45

msg 41



none of your business !!

Biggles


Joined: 14/06/2009
Posts: 165

Message Posted:
03/03/2011 22:23

Re message 38

I doubt it, nor would private flying be allowed!

spanna


Joined: 12/01/2009
Posts: 544

Message Posted:
03/03/2011 23:04

I was also going to suggest the recycling... in whatever way shape or form - bottles/paper/plastic - there is nothing at all and the country desperately needs it... Not sure how you would create a lucrative business out of it - but I'm sure, as others have said, where there's a will, there's a way...

philbailey


Joined: 17/01/2011
Posts: 3534

Message Posted:
03/03/2011 23:18

There is a swedish machine available that turns plastic bottles into diesel

Rosie64


Joined: 13/11/2010
Posts: 72

Message Posted:
04/03/2011 00:31

msg 42 I agree very funny

stonehouse probabily works for him, that's why he's so twitchy !!!

mags111



Joined: 17/08/2008
Posts: 251

Message Posted:
04/03/2011 10:34

We need a good tourist gift shop with quality stuff - not tat. Ive found people coming to visit us want to take home nice gifts but dont want to spend a fortune. I think it would be very popular especially with the promise of more tourist coming (we hope!).



Also I walk on the beach were there are piles of seaweed which if gathered woud be perfect for bedding for animals when dried. Its there for the taking and would clean up the beaches too!! - Just a thought.

martinD41


Joined: 06/09/2010
Posts: 3001

Message Posted:
04/03/2011 13:06

mags111.....I really don't think that naturally occurring sea weed is the problem,It's more the unnatural dumping of "Man Made Garbage" on almost every beach and "Beauty Spot"that needs addressing...Just my thought

yorgozlu



Joined: 16/06/2009
Posts: 4437

Message Posted:
04/03/2011 13:18

msg 26;

"Msg 14 at least they are willing to put in a full day's work................ without a 13th month salary paid for by their familes back home"



So,you agree then.....................................out 1 pocket,into other!.........most illegaly............!

havalı


Joined: 28/02/2011
Posts: 55

Message Posted:
04/03/2011 22:19

hı i came trnc two and a half years ago.unlıke all the moaners i have good busıness and love the place ı wıshed ı done ıt 10 years back..

Stonehousepub


Joined: 21/05/2009
Posts: 755

Message Posted:
04/03/2011 22:59

Rosie64



??????

sporhocam


Joined: 01/11/2008
Posts: 65

Message Posted:
04/03/2011 23:31

I recommend you to do sports business for healthy community such as Fitness Centers, etc.

No1Doyen


Joined: 04/07/2008
Posts: 16617

Message Posted:
04/03/2011 23:35

How about a Restaurant or Bar? )

IbrahimAbi


Joined: 24/10/2010
Posts: 245

Message Posted:
05/03/2011 00:02

msg 50



comments really only aimed at the difference in work ethic betwen here and the Turkish mainland



Major, major differenece,

Roomy


Joined: 20/02/2011
Posts: 836

Message Posted:
05/03/2011 00:47

Here's an idea and it's free and it will help the whole of Cyprus, collect scrap metal and sell it on, cars, buses, steel reinforcing bars dumped, like gold at the moment, infact always has been, probably even worth shipping it if nothing exists in Cyprus to recycle, infact there is free idea number 2, scrap metal recycling plant.Rich in no time.

Roomy


Joined: 20/02/2011
Posts: 836

Message Posted:
05/03/2011 00:54

Mobile shops, kit out some vans and take the shop to the people, sell anything and everything, they used to be common in the UK before Supermarkets and cars for the masses, once you have a schedule and the people know it you are made.

shrimp


Joined: 01/09/2010
Posts: 939

Message Posted:
05/03/2011 00:58

message 57...... leading on to mobile cinema, they have just decked out a large double decker bus and tour round where we live visiting all the villages showing the latest releases......

Roomy


Joined: 20/02/2011
Posts: 836

Message Posted:
05/03/2011 00:59

I bet alcohol, dvd's and books plus essentials like bread and milk etc would go down well.

Roomy


Joined: 20/02/2011
Posts: 836

Message Posted:
05/03/2011 01:00

How about a mobile library?

Roomy


Joined: 20/02/2011
Posts: 836

Message Posted:
05/03/2011 01:03

Meals on wheels

Roomy


Joined: 20/02/2011
Posts: 836

Message Posted:
05/03/2011 01:06

Mobile butcher or fishmonger

Roomy


Joined: 20/02/2011
Posts: 836

Message Posted:
05/03/2011 01:07

I am good right, I am on a roll.

philbailey


Joined: 17/01/2011
Posts: 3534

Message Posted:
05/03/2011 01:07

Property advice office

Roomy


Joined: 20/02/2011
Posts: 836

Message Posted:
05/03/2011 01:08

How about a home help service? lots of older retired folk needing a helping hand.

Rosie64


Joined: 13/11/2010
Posts: 72

Message Posted:
05/03/2011 01:10

Stonehouse I asked what did he live on, what was his reason for suggesting never to start a business ?

Roomy


Joined: 20/02/2011
Posts: 836

Message Posted:
05/03/2011 01:13

Yep, but I would go so far as to say a one stop shop for advice to do with all things TRNC.



Loads of opportunities in a new market, just think England in the 1800's hahhahahaha...