UK Hostel - Trying to Start Up - Advice or Franchise/Opportunity?

Hi all,

Been returning a few times to the forum since I joined.

I started writing my Business Plan for a Social Enterprise backpackers/hostel this morning, and got an appointment with a Business Adviser in six days time. I aim to fund the venture through robbing & pillaging, or alternatively through seeking grants & funding.

If possible I'd like to create a long term thread & get inside your heads on how to go about things. The Search feature on here is brilliant, but just thought I'd introduce what I'm trying to do.

Has anyone gone down this path before, and come out the other side of it? Preferably sane.

A couple of my immediate concerns are the costings of it all, and what an ideal amount of space is. I've spotted a few locations from 1,100 sqft through to 10,500 sqft. As for the costs I was hoping to go the cheap way, without duck feathers, and try to come in under £30,000 - is this to insane?

There are no friends or business partners to call on, but a relative once a couple. One in Perth, second in Oban.

Thanks :)