Introduction -- the structure of the plan -- using appendices -- summary -- the business background -- the business -- what is the product or service? -- The markets -- supply -- how did you get here? -- the market -- overview -- market structure -- competitors -- customers -- distribution -- trends -- competitive advantage -- market segmentation -- differentiation -- pricing -- barriers to entry -- new technologies -- mixed strategies -- operations -- differences -- processes -- control -- experience -- supply -- systems -- location and environment -- regulatory control -- management -- the essential difference -- what skills are required? -- Organisation structure -- demonstrating control -- the proposal -- explain -- the proposition -- why will you succeed? -- ask for what you want! -- What have you invested? -- closing the deal -- the exit -- the forecast -- the sales forecast -- costs -- the five-year forecast -- reviewing the plan -- sensitivity -- key assumptions - - explain important points -- financial information -- profit and loss account -- cash forecast -- sensitivity - - funding -- reconciling and checking -- timing -- balance sheet -- some important terms -- risks -- legal issues and confidentiality -- confidentiality -- selling your business -- explain why are selling -- emphasise the great opportunities for the business -- don't waste time illustrating that sudden upturn in business expected imminently -- do you include a forecast -- who is the buyer? -- Holding back information -- the internal business plan -- how to use plans to help run organisations -- planning is not budgeting!! -- Non- traditional plans -- the corporate vision: soft data and hard data -- creating strategy -- conduct action-oriented planning -- where are you starting from? -- involving staff - building the team -- tips for producing and using the -- the confidentiality letter.

Including practical advice on the market, operations and management How to Write a Business Plan provides the expert guidance needed to produce an effective plan, whether it is to raise finance, sell a business or develop a specific project.