andrewdelvard

Good! Tell me how to do it!
I'm going into business for myself in August/September. One area that has been a little confusing is writing a business plan and how to do it.
Actually no, let me correct myself.
I'm not a just 'little' confused.
Infact...I haven't got a clue.
Hints, tips, software ideas, any sort of 'how to' plan....
Just list it all below!
Thanks for any help.

ChrisB

Andrew,

Get in touch with your local Business Link. IIRC, they have a free guide to explain writing a BP.

Chris.

SWRTWannabe

http://businesslink.org has a link to a page on writing a business plan. Good luck!

JayPSC

Done a business plan & they are a ******* to do, I just downloaded one on kazaa & edited the details.

andrewdelvard

Thanks gents! Stars all of you!

Mark Miwurdz

Hi Mate

I've got an ace book called 'The 24 hour Business Plan' by Ron Johnson which I don't need anymore. I'm only just the other side of Towcester so you can come and pick it up if you want.

Cheers
Kav

GaryK

Andrew,

Check out business plan pro, you can find it any PC World, used it several times, all wizard driven with examples, costs £99 but comes with a 60 day money back offer so you can try it, I was impressed enough to keep it.

Cheers

Gary

fast bloke

I spent quite a lot of time writing one. Took it to a bank manager claiming I may want a loan to get set up and asked him for feedback on it. He basically completely re-wrote it. Took it to the FD of the company I was making a proposal to and he was amazed. He told the MD that the plan was so complete he thought I must have been in business for at least 10 years


Moral of the story - Get someone else to do it. Even if it cost you a few quid now, it will be worth it in the long run. The other important thing is to stick to it.

andrewdelvard

Mark Miwurdz.
Thanks for the very kind offer but I've taken a look at the program GaryK mentioned (thanks mate) and bought it this afternoon from PCWORLD. Amazing program well worth the dough.
I've taken in all the pointers you fellas have offered me and it's all sound advice.
Thanks very much.

mbc

your bank should help you free of charge, i think lloyds even give you a blank one on disk so you can just fill in the gaps(not litterally but you get my drift)

Mark Miwurdz

Cool.

Best of luck with your venture.

Cheers
Kav

Gooner

Nat west will give you a complete guide on disk, complete with explanation notes.
I went to them 4 years ago, got the money I needed, a working capital overdraft was best for me.
We now turn over in excess of £500,000 per year, and growing fast.
Nat West have been fantastic.
Good luck