Search
Close this search box.

External Finance

Write a business plan

A business plan is a written account of how you see your business developing. It allows you to:

  • measure progress
  • identify things not going to plan
  • show outsiders your business aims and prospects
  • estimate future profits based on sales forecasts

Your business plan will show the overall shape of your business and the effect a decision in one area will have on another. It identifies the opportunities, and also the threats to your business.

How to write a business plan

Your business plan should cover all the relevant aspects of your business, including:

  • your business idea
  • the market
  • your people
  • your marketing
  • advertising strategy
  • premises and equipment
  • setting up costs and overheads
  • a break even analysis.

Lack of hard information or experience may require you to make realistic assessments rather than firm conclusions – you can always adjust your plan later as results come in.

Action Checklist

Some action points to follow:

  • Review your plan regularly. Some businesses produce monthly or quarterly plans, or write a plan to deal with seasonal variations or particularly demanding times of the year.
  • Consider producing one version for use with outsiders to ensure your company is seen in the best possible light and another inspirational version for internal use.
  • Contact us for further help and advice.

Get in touch

For any questions about our services, please get in touch with one of our expert advisors.

Our locations

Global Map

View the locations and contact information for over 65 international offices.

Follow us

Newsletter

Stay informed about all our latest updates and services, and sign up to our email newsletter.

Cookies are used on our site to help give you the best user experience possible and to provide a level of enhanced functionality. If you continue viewing the site without changing your settings, we will assume you are happy to receive all cookies. Your cookie settings can be changed at any time by using the guidelines in our cookie policy. You can also click on the information button for further details.