Dont worry about it, it'll work out.  That career's fair in Fallowfield will be coming up soon, I know loads who picked up jobs there, and if you leave them your details they will get back to you, I had them ringing me up, it is worth going if its still going that is.  Even if its a crap event there are tons of birds there, Im pretty sure Manchester Uni even run free buses from various location.

Dont worry about your GCSE's, just dont mention 'em!!  The trick is to put your most recent qualification at the top.  Then list your other qualifications going down reducing your font all the time.  When it comes to your GCSE's just put 9 GCSE's (or however many you passed), after all you've not much space on a 2 page CV 

You really really need commercial experience before setting up on your own.  Im in a partnership now and we employ 20 staff, the stress is immense, on the other hand if youve no responsibilities you've nothing to loose.