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Q: How do i design a business plan?

Aug 20 2006

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Answered by: Philip Wilkinson Ask a question

A well constructed business plan can make a huge difference when it comes to raising finance or expanding your business. It is also a very useful tool to help you to methodically plot your business goals and objectives including your sales and marketing strategy.

The length of business plans can vary hugely from a few pages to more than 30, but a good starting point is 10-25 pages. Your business plan should include all the information a bank or potential investor or people you want to attract to work with you will want to know. This includes the history and current ownership of your business, details of the products or services you offer and key skills within the management team. Information on your market (including competitors and customers), plans for growth and financial details and projections should also be included.

Visit the Business Link for London website to access a business plan template which will provide further guidance on the things you should include - click here.

Comments [1]

Comment by Sara Williams

Wednesday 23rd May 2007

You want to open up with a summary page which highlights what you're trying to do - then back it up with all the detail. A business plan often needs to grab the reader's attention, especially if you're trying to raise finance.

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