I want to develop my managerial skills and start a business. Would working at a restaurant chain help?

The expert panel
Our expert panel comprises representatives from the Hotel and Catering Training Company (HCTC), MaydayExec, Bartlett Mitchell, Learnpurple, Admiral Group, Conran and Portfolio International.

The question
Since 1996 I've worked in the three-star hotel market in conference and banqueting and food and beverage roles. I want to develop my managerial skills and start a business. Would working at a restaurant chain help?

The answer
It really depends on what business you plan to launch. If your ambition is to run your own restaurant, employment with one of the large, branded chains would be a great start. Most have robust training programmes in place and offer great management guidance.

This will give you the opportunity to research your business concept and manage large numbers of people while having support. In short, it allows you to flex your managerial muscles and gain some practice while being on someone else's payroll.

Every year, thousands of people decide to set up their own business, many in a field they actually know very little about. Research and planning are vital to ensure that your business idea is viable.

A common misconception is that entrepreneurs who fail simply lacked sufficient funding or did not put in place the right team. However, in many cases they fail because they have not spent enough time researching their business idea and its viability in the market.
Paula Rogers, managing director, Admiral Group

Each week our expert panel will answer your career questions. If you'd like to submit a question, send it to chris.druce@rbi.co.uk