This document provides guidance on how to write an effective business plan in 8 sections. The business plan should introduce the business idea, market, management team, required resources and implementation plan. It recommends including an executive summary, company and management profiles, marketing, financial projections and implementation timelines. Key elements are a persuasive first impression, clear storytelling structure, and thorough presentation with minimal errors. Appendices can provide supporting documents and evidence. The goal is to concisely communicate the business concept and convince readers of its viability.

1. How to Write a Business Plan
The First Impression
•Is persuasive
•Looks good
•Is free of spelling, grammatical or numerical
errors
•Covers the key issues
•Contains the necessary information

2. You are telling a story
•The beginning sets the scene for the plan
•The middle explains what is special about your ideas
and setout the proposal itself
•The end ask for what you need to carry out the plan
•Use action words
•Focus on the key points that really matter
•Don’t bore the reader

3. Presentation
•Make sure it is good typed
•Use decent paper
•Include a title page cover
•Number the pages
•Set out document, so that it is easy to read
put in headings
detail in appendices
use clear typeface

4. space paragraphs out
main heading
sub heading
sub-sub-heading
•Number each paragraph for easy reference
•Show diagrams,photographs, make subject alive
•Checks for spelling or grammatical errors
•Check for numerical errors
•Make sure all page references are correct
•Date the document to avoid confusion with
earlier or later drafts.
Make presentation clear

5. Gathering data
•Government statistics
•Market research reports
•University departments
•Trade associations
•Trade press
•Press cuttings
•Brochures of competitors
•Interviews/comments for suppliers, customers and
competitors

6. Section 1 Executive Summary
What you want from the reader
1.1 The business, market
1.2 The management team
1.3 Why the proposal is different
1.4 The proposal
1.5 Why it will succeed
1.6 What the rewards will be
1.7 Any major risks and how you can minimise them
1.8 Conclusion and Exit strategy

7. The structure of the plan
Section 2 The business idea
The business backgrounds
The Business
What is it; what does it do? How was it established?
By whom? Why? Has it been successful? Why we
are different? Objectives
2.1 The type of business and services to be offered
2.2 Method of operation
2.3 Location and operating area
2.4 Outline of the market and customers
2.5 Statement of viability

8. 2.6 Highlight differences
•Less administrative burden compared with others
•Computer links and dedicated system
•Reduce staff time
•Improved trading terms
2.7 How did you get here?
•How the business got to where it is?
•If the business has problems explain how they arose?
•What has been learnt?
•How they will be resolved?
•How the enterprise developed
•Dispel concerns

9. Section 3 The proprietors of the business
3.1 Organisation structure
3.2 Details of key personnel- What experience do
you have that is relevant to this business?
3.3 Your reasons for the choice of the business-
What skill do you have that are relevant to this business
3.4 Personal skills and experience relevant to the
proposed business
3.5 What weaknesses do you have as a team and
how will you address them?
3.6 What evidence of past success can you show?

10. 3.4 Appraisal available skills, and identified
Development needs
Section 4 The resources required
4.1 Inventory of required plant, equipment and
Materials
4.2 Schedule of available resources
4.3 Premises requirements, availability, necessary
Modifications etc.
4.4 Transport requirements
4.5 Personal requirements
4.6 Insurance requirements
Section 5 Finance plans
5.1 Budgetary plans and cash flow forecasts

11. The forecast
• The sales forecast
• Costs
1. Direct costs
2. Distribution
3. Staff
4. Property
5. Overheads
6. Depreciation
7. finance

12. 5.2 Explanation of the basis for planned budget
5.3 Breakeven analysis and profit forecast-
•The five year forecast
•Reviewing the plan
•Sensitivity analysis
•Key assumptions
•Explain important points
5.4 Value of available capital and resources
5.5 Further finance required and potential sources
of funds
5.6 Chosen sources of finance and reasons for choice
5.7 Risks-Demonstrate that the probability of something
happening
•Show that impact of the event would not damage the business
•Explain how you would respond to adverse circumstances

13. Section 6 Marketing
6.1 The market background
6.2 Target market and operational area- What is the
structure of the market?
6.3 Market research – completed and planned
6.4 Identification of any special market influences
6.5 Analysis of competitors’ products and services
6.6 The marketing plan-
•Who do you sell to?
•Why do they buy?
•Why do they buy from you?
•How do you distribute your product or service?

14. 6.7 Unique features of your products or services
6.8 Schedule of fees and charges
6.9 Samples of advertising materials, leaflets,
business cards etc.
6.10 Statement of quality standards and policy
6.11 A detailed SWOT analysis of the market
proposition

15. Section 7 The implementation of the proposal
7.1 Chosen means of operation & justification for
Choice
7.2 relevant legislation
7.3 Timetable and planning of business start-up
7.4 Key stages of implementation
7.5 Supply
•What are your main inputs?
•Are there a limited number of suppliers?
•Are there any constraints on your ability to get
supplies of suppliers?

16. 7.6 Operations
7.7 Describe processes
• Buying
• Stock control
• Store management
7.8 Safety, health and environment issues
7.9 Milestones

17. Section 8 Monitoring and control system
8.1 Plans for monitoring the quality of goods and
Services
Demonstrate control
8.2 Budgetary control
8.3 Financial control
8.4 How stock levels would be controlled
8.5 Customer records
8.6 Feedback from customers
8.7 How will the success of the business will be
measured?
8.8 How staff overtime would be monitored
budget level

18. Using appendices
•Copies of patents, copyright evidence or trademark
registrations
•Copies of leases
•Detailed accounts
•Market research reports
•CVs of key personnel
•Photographs that provide relevant support
•Technical description
•Product brochures