| Business Plan Template
Before you start writing your plan, it is important to establish a good structure, so you go about it in a logical way. It would be worth looking at Business Plan Outline on this site as well.
Most business plans follow a similar pattern but if you are a UK company, make sure you use a good basic template that is designed for UK businesses . American based business plans can differ in terminology and style. If you use a software programme, you should be able to modify it to suit any particular idiosyncrasies pertaining to your business. The main elements of a good basic template should include: Cover Page
Show the company name, plan period, document date and, if necessary, a confidentiality clause. Contents Page
A contents page showing all the headings and page numbers Executive Summary
Arguably the most important part of the plan. This should summarise the key points of the plan and although placed at the beginning it is not completed until last. Essential for time-pressed investors. They will read it first - if they like it they will read on, if not, they will probably go no further. Introduction Section
Giving background details of how the business started, what will the business does or will do, and trading activities to date. A SWOT analysis should also be included here. Business Objectives
The broad aims of the business and the owner, stated under: | - | Short-term objectives (first 12 months) | | - | Medium-term objectives (1 . 3 years) | | - | Long-term objectives (5 years time) | Marketing Section | - | Market Analysis. Details of Market Research carried out and any test marketing done. Analysis of own customer base and competitive activity. Market size and trends. | | - | Marketing Strategy. Explain the product or service to be provided, what is special or different about it and how it will be sold or distributed. | | - | Marketing Plan. Explain how the product or service provided by the business will be advertised and details of any planned promotional activity including costs. |
Personnel Section
Giving an overview of who will run the business, their capabilities, background, experience and achievements in related fields. Explain roles of key personnel, any skills or training requirements and what are the personnel policies and procedures.
Operations Section
Explain the operational processes are involved. What items will be needed and how much will they cost? Will funding be required for these? Give details of the premises planned - size, location, tenure, cost, rent review etc. Explain how quality control, stock control and health & safety issues will be dealt with. Finance Section
Write a brief resume of the key aspects of the financial projections, including sales, overhead and capital expenditure, and describe how the assumptions have been arrived at. Specify finance needed and where it will be obtained. Risk Assessment
It is unlikely that any business plan is without risk. Confront any possible problems or potential threats (for each section if necessary) and show how it is proposed to deal with these. Appendices
| - | Attach financial projections. To include Sales Forecasts, Profit & Loss and Cash Flow forecasts for 3 years (the first 12 months must be on a monthly basis . Years 2 & 3 may be acceptable quarterly). A Balance Sheet may be required for larger businesses or investments. | | - | Attach any detailed technical specifications, brochures, drawings or photos of products. | | - | Attach CVs of owner and key personnel | | - | Attach any relevant information about the premises estate agents details, photos etc. | | 
