Some comments from Scotsman's Business start up Breakfast.

These are some of the comments made to a group of 100 Entrepreneurs by some of the panel at a breakfast meeting run by the Scotsman newspaper, on growth and the SME. I have met most of these guys and would say that they all have something to valid to say.....

GEOFFREY THOMSON
GEOFFREY Thomson is chief executive and co-founder of Braveheart Investment Group. Thomson is well known as a dealmaker and business angel and has written investment columns for the media.

Always give a clear message about your needs

Make sure you deliver your promises

Know where you want to go and how

Show tenacity in dealing with investors

Know your strengths and weaknesses

PAUL RENZ
PAUL Renz is head of Scott-Moncrieff's tax group, which provides corporate tax, personal tax, employer tax, VAT and indirect taxation advice and services to businesses, public sector bodies, charitable organisations and high net worth individuals.

Identify your big idea and value proposition

Surround yourself with motivated and energetic people

Use astute administration to take advantage of tax breaks

Use R&D tax credits to improve profits

Ensure you have services to meet customer demand

JOHN ANDERSON
JOHN Anderson is a well-known specialist in entrepreneurship and new venture creation in Scotland. He brings considerable experience of emerging and high-growth firms to his role as chief executive of the Entrepreneurial Exchange.

Surround yourself with outstanding people who can identify problems

Identify what you are good at and stick to it

Start fundraising as early as possible

Never lose sight of costs - don't get too fat

Regards

Gordon