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Clare Griffiths. My Start-Up Plan
Publishing details
Acknowledgements
1. Introduction. An Introduction to My Start-Up Plan
How to Use My Start-Up Plan
The Story Behind My Start-Up Plan
2. Vision
Imagine your business in the future. What does it look like?
Why do you want to run your own business?
Which values and characteristics would you like your business to reflect?
Describe your business in one sentence
What realistic aims can you set for your business to fulfil your mission?
What specific objectives can you set to achieve your aims?
Summary
3. Products and Services
What specific products and/or services will your business sell and why?
What other products and/or services could your business develop and offer in the future?
What customer service will your business provide?
In terms of intellectual property protection, what measures can you take to deter competitors from copying you?
Summary
4. Benefits and Impact
How will your products and services benefit your customers and/or end users?
What makes your products and/or services unique?
What positive impact could your business have on the local community and/or environment?
What negative impact could your business have on the local community and/or environment?
How can your business reduce or remove any negative impact it has on the local community and/or environment?
Summary
5. Customers and Competitors
Who exactly are your customers and what are their needs?
How many potential customers can your business realistically attract? How will this number change over time?
What evidence do you have that customers will buy from you?
Who are your competitors? Where are they?
What can your business do to stay ahead of its competitors?
Summary
6. Marketing Activities
What are the key marketing messages which you can use in your marketing activities?
What is the name of your business? What does this name reflect?
What marketing activities will your business carry out to reach specific customers?
When will your business carry out these marketing activities?
Who will be responsible for carrying out these marketing activities?
What unique or attention-seeking activities could your business try in order to stand out in the marketplace?
How much will your marketing activities cost?
Summary
7. External Environment
Which political factors are most likely to change? Which of these will have greatest impact on your business? Do they represent opportunities or threats to you and your business?
What can you do to prepare or respond to these potential changing factors?
Which economic factors are most likely to change? Which of these will have greatest impact on your business? Do they represent opportunities or threats to you and your business?
What can you do to prepare or respond to these potential changing factors?
Which social factors are most likely to change? Which of these will have greatest impact on your business? Do they represent opportunities or threats to you and your business?
What can you do to prepare or respond to these potential changing factors?
Which technological factors are most likely to change? Which of these will have greatest impact on your business? Do they represent opportunities or threats to you and your business?
What can you do to prepare or respond to these potential changing factors?
Which legal factors are most likely to change? Which of these will have greatest impact on your business? Do they represent opportunities or threats to you and your business?
What can you do to prepare or respond to these potential changing factors?
Which environmental factors are most likely to change? Which of these will have greatest impact on your business? Do they represent opportunities or threats to you and your business?
What can you do to prepare or respond to these potential changing factors?
Summary
8. Operations and Risks
Sole trader (self-employed)
Partnership
Limited company by shares (Ltd)
Community Interest Company (CIC)
Value Added Tax (VAT)
Contracts
Duration:
Which legal structure are you planning to operate your business as, and why?
Location, Location, Location!
Where will you run your business from?
What assets and equipment will you need to start your business? Do you need any more equipment? If so, where will you get it from, and when?
Premises
Environmental issues
Manufacturing
CE Marking
WEEE Directive
RoHS (Restriction of the Use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
Health and safety
What are the legal requirements relevant to your business? What will your business need to comply with?
It is Better to be Safe Than Sorry . .
What insurance and protection does your business need?
Will your business need to be a member of any particular trading bodies or adhere to any relevant quality standards?
Who (if relevant) are your suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors who will assist you in taking your products and/or services to market?
What are your contingency plans for when things go wrong (e.g. back-up suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, IT support, service providers, and temporary staff)?
When are you going to launch your business?
Summary
9. Me and My Team
What specific skills will you need to run and develop your business?
What are your own strengths and weaknesses? What can you do to improve your weaknesses?
Who is going to do what in the different areas of your business?
Will you need to employ anyone or outsource any work? If so, what skills and experience will they need?
How will your business support you and your team to develop?
Who are your stakeholders who can help you develop your business? In what ways can they support you and your business?
Summary
10. Costs and Income
What are your start-up costs?
What are your running costs?
How much money do you need to cover your personal outgoings per month?
How much do you intend to charge for each of your products and/or services?
What level of sales can you achieve over the next three years?
When do you expect to have money coming in or going out of your business?
Cash Flow Forecast
How do you know if you are going to make any money from your business?
What is the minimum amount of sales you need to make in order to cover all your costs?
Summary
11. Moving Your Idea Forward
12. External Support for Aspiring Entrepreneurs. Information and Support
Business Support Organisations
Loans and Grants
Funding Databases
Legal Issues
Skill Swapping and Online Networking
Appendix – Exclusive Download
