business plan template uk download

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Write a business plan

Download free business plan templates and find help and advice on how to write your business plan.

Business plan templates

Download a free business plan template on The Prince’s Trust website.

You can also download a free cash flow forecast template or a business plan template on the Start Up Loans website to help you manage your finances.

Business plan examples

Read example business plans on the Bplans website.

How to write a business plan

Get detailed information about how to write a business plan on the Start Up Donut website.

Why you need a business plan

A business plan is a written document that describes your business. It covers objectives, strategies, sales, marketing and financial forecasts.

A business plan helps you to:

• clarify your business idea
• spot potential problems
• set out your goals
• measure your progress

You’ll need a business plan if you want to secure investment or a loan from a bank. Read about the finance options available for businesses on the Business Finance Guide website.

It can also help to convince customers, suppliers and potential employees to support you.

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Free Simple Business Plan Template

Our experts

Written and reviewed by:.

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Your business plan is the document that adds structure to your proposal and helps you focus your objectives on an achievable and realistic target. It should cover every aspect of what your business journey will look like, from licensing and revenue, to competitor and sector analysis.

Writing a business plan doesn’t need to be a difficult process, but it should take at least a month to be done properly.

In today’s capricious business climate there’s a lot to consider, such as the impact of political challenges like Brexit. These details are especially important in today’s bad economy. Investors are looking for entrepreneurs who are aware of the challenges ahead and how to properly plan for them.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to create a concise, specific and authoritative business plan. So let’s get started turning your idea into a reality!

Click here to download your free Business Plan template PDF – you can fill in your own details and those of your business, its target market, your customers, competitors and your vision for growth.

Our below guide will give you detailed advice on how to write a quality business plan, and our PDF download above can give you a clear template to work through.

But, creating an effective business plan needs….planning! That’s where a high quality planning tool can help.

We recommend creating an account with monday to use this tool – there’s even a free trial . Doing so means you can start your entrepreneurial journey on the right foot.

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What to include in your business plan template

There’s a lot of information online about how to write a business plan – making it a confusing task to work out what is and isn’t good advice.

We’re here to cut through the noise by telling you exactly what you need to include for a business plan that will satisfy stakeholders and help develop a key identity for your brand. By the end, you’ll have a plan to make even Alan Sugar proud and can get started with the most exciting part – running your business.

Throughout this guide, we’ve featured an example business plan template for a new restaurant opening in Birmingham called ‘The Plew’. In each section, you’ll be able to see what the contents we’re describing would look like in a ‘real-life’ document.

What to include in your business plan:

• Executive Summary
• Personal summary
• Business idea
• Your product or service
• Market analysis
• Competitor analysis
• Cash forecast
• Operations and logistics
• Backup plan
• Top tips for writing a business plan
• Business plan template UK FAQs

1. Executive summary

This section is a summary of your entire business plan. Because of this, it is a good idea to write it at the end of your plan, not the beginning.

Just as with the overall business plan, the executive summary should be clearly written and powerfully persuasive, yet it should balance sales talk with realism in order to be convincing. It should be no more than 1,000 words.

It should cover:

• Mission statement  – what is your company’s purpose?
• Business idea and opportunity – what unique selling point (USP) will you provide?
• Business model – how will your business operate?
• Business objectives – what are you aiming to achieve?
• Target market – who is your customer base?
• Management team – who are the owners/senior staff?
• Competition – who are you competing against?
• Financial summary – can you prove the business will be profitable?
• Marketing strategy – what is your marketing plan and associated costs?
• Timeline – how long will it take to launch/grow your new business?

It sounds like a lot – but don’t feel you have to spend hours putting this together. Here’s what the above information for an executive summary might look like when put into our example business plan template for ‘The Plew’:

Startups’ business plan template example: executive summary

2. Personal summary

Investors want to know who they’re investing in, as much as what. This is where you tell people who you are, and why you’re starting your business.

Outline your general contact details first, giving your telephone number, email address, website or portfolio, and any professional social media profiles you might have.

Run through this checklist to tell the reader more about yourself, and put your business ambitions into context.

• What skills/qualifications do you have?
• What are you passionate about?
• What is/are your area(s) of industry expertise?
• Why do you want to run your own business?

Here’s what our two fictional co-founders of ‘The Plew’ might write in their personal summaries for our example business plan. CEO Gabrielle Shelby, has highlighted her expertise in the restaurant industry, while CFO Freya Moore outlines her accounting and finance knowledge.

Startups’ business plan template example: personal summary

Richard Osborne, founder and CEO of UK Business Forums, says personality is important in a business plan.

“Having a strong, personal reason at the heart of your business model will help keep you going and give you the motivation to carry on,” he affirms.

3. Business idea

This section is essentially to offer a general outline of what your business idea is, and why it brings something new to the market.

Here, you should include your general company details, such as your business name and a  one-line summary of your business idea known as an  elevator pitch. This section should also list a few key business objectives to show how you plan to scale over the next 1-3 years.

We also recommend carrying out a SWOT analysis to tell investors what the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats are for your business idea. Think about:

• Strengths: ie. why is this a good time to enter the sector?
• Weaknesses: ie. what market challenges might you encounter?
• Opportunities: ie. what demand is your product/service meeting in today’s market?
• Threats: ie. how will the business be financed to maintain liquidity?

In the template below, you can see a breakdown of the above information for ‘The Plew’. At the top is its mission statement: “to craft an unforgettable dining experience in a chic atmosphere.”

Startups’ business plan template example: business idea

Need a business idea? We’ve crunched the numbers and come up with a list of the best business ideas for startup success in 2023 based on today’s most popular and growing industries.

4. Your products or services

Now it’s time to explain what you are selling to customers and how will you produce your sales offering.

Use this section to answer all of the below questions and explain what you plan to sell and how. Just like your business idea outline, your answers should be concise and declarative.

• What product(s) or service(s) will you sell?
• Do you plan to offer new products or services in the future?
• How much does the product or service cost to produce/deliver?
• What is your pricing strategy ?
• What sales channels will you use?
• Are there legal requirements to start this business?
• What about insurance requirements?
• What is the growth potential for the product or service?
• What are the challenges? eg. if you’re looking to sell abroad, acknowledge the potential delays caused by post-Brexit regulations.

What insurance and licensing requirements do you need to consider?

Depending on what your business offers, you might need to invest in insurance or licensing. Our How To Start guides have more details about sector-specific insurance or licensing.

Public Liability, Professional Indemnity, and Employers’ Liability are the most well-known types of business insurance. We’ve listed some other common other licensing and insurance requirements below:

In our example product/service page for ‘The Plew”s business plan, the founders choose to separate this information into multiple pages. Below, they outline their cost and pricing, as well as sales strategy. But they also include an example menu, to offer something a bit more unique and tantalising to the reader:

Startups’ business plan template example: product list and pricing strategy

5. Market analysis

This section demonstrates your understanding of the market you are entering, and any challenges you will likely face when trying to establish your company.

This section pulls all of your target market and customer research together to indicate to stakeholders that you are knowledgable about the sector and how to succeed in it.

• Who is your typical customer and where are they are based? Describe the profile of your expected customers eg. average age, location, budget, interests, etc.
• How many customers will your business reach? Outline the size of your market, and the share of the market that your business can reach.
• Have you sold any products/services to customers already? If yes, describe these sales. If no, have people expressed interest in buying your products or services?
• What have you learned about the market from desk-based research? What are the industry’s current challenges, and how has it been affected by the economic downturn?
• What have you learned about the market from field research? (eg. feedback from market testing like customer questionnaires or focus group feedback).

What is your marketing strategy?

Once you’ve highlighted who your rivals are in the market, you can provide details on how you plan to stand out from them through your marketing strategy. Outline your  business’ USP, your current marketing strategy, and any associated advertising costs.

‘The Plew’ identifies its target audience as young, adventurous people in their mid-30s. Because of the restaurant’s premium service offering, its audience works in a well-paid sector like tech:

Startups’ business plan template example: customer analysis

6. Competitor analysis

This section demonstrates how well you know the key players and rivals in the industry. It should show the research you have carried out in a table format.

Begin by listing the key information about your competitors. Don’t worry about sounding too critical, or too positive. Try to prioritise accuracy above all else.

• Business size
• Product/service offering
• Sales channels
• Strengths/weaknesses

Competitors will take two forms, either direct  or  indirect. Direct competitors sell the same or similar products or services. Indirect competitors sell substitute or alternative products or services.

Here’s a breakdown of the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities, and threats presented by a competitor restaurant for ‘The Plew’ called Eateria 24. At the bottom, the founders have written what learnings they can take from the chart.

Startups’ business plan template example: competitor analysis

Check out our list of the top competitor analysis templates to download free resources for your business, plus advice on what to include and how to get started.

7. Cash forecast

Outline your financial outlook including how much you expect to spend, and make, in your first year

All of your considered costs can be put into one easy-to-read document called a monthly cash forecast. Cash forecasts contain:

1. Incoming costs such as sales revenue, customer account fees, or funding.

2. Outgoing costs such as staff wages or operating expenses. The latter can cover everything from advertising costs to office supplies.

For those firms which have already started trading, include any previous year’s accounts (up to three years) as well as details of any outstanding loans or assets.

Annual cash forecast: what is it?

By conducting 12 monthly cash forecasts, you can create an annual cash forecast to work out when your company will become profitable (also known as breakeven analysis) . You will break even when total incoming costs = total outgoing costs.

In your annual cost budget, make sure to also include month opening/closing balance.  This is important to monitor for accounting, particularly for year-end.

• Opening balance = the amount of cash at the beginning of the month
• Closing balance = the amount of cash at the end of the month

The opening balance of any month will always be the same as the closing balance of the previous month. If you are repeatedly opening months with a negative closing balance, you need to adjust your spending. Here’s an example of what ‘The Plew’s financials might look like in its first year of operation:

Startups’ business plan template example: cash forecast

8. Operations and logistics

Explain how your day-to-day business activities will be run, including key business partnerships around production and delivery.

A.) Production

List all of the behind the scenes information about how your business will operate. Include:

• Management team – who do you plan to hire as senior staff and why?
• Premises –  where will you be based? What will be the cost?
• Materials –  what materials/equipment will you need to make your product/service?
• Staffing –  how many employees will you hire? How much will they cost?
• Insurance – what insurance do you need for production?

B.) Delivery

Detail how your customers will receive your product or service. Include:

• Distribution –  how will you sell your product to customers?
• Transport –  how will you transport the product/service to customers or partners?
• Insurance –  what insurance do you need for delivery?

C.) Supplier analysis

Lastly, you should carry out a supplier analysis.  Write down 2-3 suppliers you plan to use as part of your business operations and evaluate them on factors like location and pricing.

In our example business plan for ‘The Plew’, the founders have chosen to present this information in an easily-digestible chart, breaking down the leadership and employees into two different areas: product development and operations.

Startups’ business plan template example: staffing section

9. Backup plan

Explain how you will manage any surprise losses if your cash forecast does not go to plan.

In the event that your business does not go to plan, there will be costs to incur. A backup plan outlines to potential investors how you will pay back any outstanding loans or debt.

In the short-term: 

If your cash-flow temporarily stalls, what steps could you take to quickly raise money or make savings? For example, by negotiating shorter payment terms with your customers.

In the long-term:

If you’ve noticed a drop in sales that seems to be persisting, what changes can you make that would improve cash flow longer term? For example, can you do more of your business online to reduce rent fees?

To placate investors even further, it’s a good idea to include details about potential support channels you can utilise (eg. a business network or contact) who might be able to help if you get caught in a sticky cash-flow situation.

Startups’ 5 top tips for writing a business plan

• Keep your predictions realistic. Your business plan should showcase your knowledge of the sector and what’s achievable. It’s not about impressing investors with big numbers or meaningless buzzwords.
• Don’t go over 15 pages. Business plans should be engaging, which means sticking to the point and avoiding a lot of long-winded sentences. Keep your executive summary to less than 1,000 words, for example.
• End with supporting documents. Use your appendix to include product diagrams or detailed research findings if these are helpful to your business case.
• Get a second pair of eyes. Everyone misses a spelling error or two – invite a trusted business contact or associate to look over your business plan before you send it anywhere.
• Leave enough time to write! It’s exciting to think about getting your business up and running – but planning is an important step that can’t be rushed over. Spend at least a month on writing to get all the details correct and laid-out.

At Startups.co.uk, we’re here to help small UK businesses to get started, grow and succeed. We have practical resources for helping new businesses get off the ground – use the tool below to get started today.

What Does Your Business Need Help With?

Designing a business plan is very important for laying the foundation of your business. Ensure you spend an appropriate amount of time filling it out, as it could save you many headaches further down the line.

Once your plan is complete, you’ll then be ready to look at other aspects of business set-up, such as registering your company. Sound daunting? Don’t worry!

Our experts have pulled together a simple, comprehensive guide on How to Start a Business in 2024, which will tell you everything you need to know to put your new plan into action.

• Can I write a business plan myself? Absolutely! There are plenty of resources available to help, but the truth is a business plan needs to reflect the owner's personal ambitions and passion - which is why entrepreneurs are best-placed to write their own.
• How long should a business plan be? We recommend your business plan is kept to a maximum of 15 pages. Keep it short and concise - your executive summary, for example, should be no more than 1,000 words.
• Is it OK to copy a business plan? While not technically illegal, copying a business plan will leave you in a poor position to attract investment. Customising your plan to your unique business idea and industry specialism is the best way to persuade stakeholders that you have a winning startup formula.

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Business Plan Template: Use our Free Downloadable Tool to Produce a Plan for Your New Business

• How to use our free business plan template 

How do I write a business plan?

What is a business plan.

So you’ve come up with an idea for a business and made the courageous decision to strike out on your own. You’ll get to work on your terms, become your own boss, and hopefully turn a profit by doing something you’re passionate and knowledgeable about. 

Perhaps you can already picture this future business clearly in your head, but before you’ve committed it to text in the form of a business plan, your business idea is just that: an idea. 

And those rosy visions may not necessarily reflect the harsh realities of a competitive market, the difficult choices that lie ahead and the challenge of navigating an unpredictable economy. 

A business plan won’t guarantee that you can weather the inevitable hardships that come with running your own business, but it will allow you to sense-check your assumptions and form contingencies that will give you the best chance of success.

As long as you can provide a realistic picture of where your business is heading, and you can back it up with facts and figures, your business plan can serve as a useful roadmap for the months and years ahead. 

We know that writing a business plan may sound daunting, which is why we’ve also developed a simple new business checklist to help you wrap your head around all the steps involved in getting a new venture off the ground. 

But while our checklist is a great place to start, you may also need to develop a more formal business plan along the way. For example, if you plan to approach investors or go to a bank in the hope of securing a business loan , there is every chance you’ll be asked to prove the clarity of your vision by presenting a business plan. For start-up businesses, this is even more likely.

Plus, by forcing yourself to think critically about the specifics of everything from your marketing strategy to your financial projections, you can spot limitations and areas for improvement in your business before they become a problem. 

While businesses can succeed without a plan, a 2016 study found that founders who take the time to write a business plan are 16% more likely to end up with a viable business than those who press ahead without planning. 

Below, you’ll find our business plan template, along with a brief guide to what information each section will require, and our top tips for filling it in. 

Download our business plan template

To help your business journey run smoothly, we’ve come up with a handy checklist for you to download, which should take the guesswork out of starting your own business. From how to hone your business idea to sorting out your business finances, this guide will steer you through the first steps as you get your new business off the ground. 

How to use our free business plan template 

Our business plan template is broken down into eleven sections. Take your time to fill in each section to the best of your knowledge. 

In some cases, you’ll just have to provide factual information about you and your business. Other sections will require you to conduct in-depth market research and make informed assumptions about your likely costs and takings. 

These sections are inherently speculative, and that’s OK. As long as you can provide a realistic picture of where your business is heading, and back it up with facts and figures, your business plan can serve as a useful roadmap for the months and years ahead. It may also help to secure crucial start-up funding .  

1. Executive summary

This is a concise overview of your entire plan, giving the reader a snapshot of what they can expect in each section. 

Summarise all the most salient points, and aim to keep your summary to under 1,000 words or a couple of pages of text.

Although this will be the first thing a reader will see of your business plan, it’s a good idea to write this section last. Feel free to skip this step for now and come back to it at the end. 

2. Your background

This section explains who you are and why you’re starting this business. 

You should include your personal details, professional experience, and qualifications, as well as how you will plug any skill or knowledge gaps that will help you achieve your goals. 

By explaining the relevance of your professional and personal background to the business idea, you’re demonstrating to investors that you’re a credible candidate for funding. 

3. Products and services

Here, you need to explain exactly what product or services you’re bringing to market, any insurance or legal requirements you need to meet to do so, and your launch strategy. 

Will you be launching new products at a later date? If so, write about your plans in this section. 

4. Costs and pricing

Detail the cost of your products and service by unit, and work out your mark-up and profit. 

This will help you to ensure the economics of your pricing strategy makes sense. 

5. Market analysis 

Describe in detail who your target customers are, their needs, and the size of the market.

6. Market research

Conduct, and explain:

• desk research (looking at industry challenges and opportunities)
• field research (customer questionnaires/market testing)

7. Marketing strategy

Determine which marketing channels you will use, justify why you’re choosing them and establish how much they will cost.

8. Competitor analysis

Identify your direct competitors (businesses offering the same products or services) and indirect competitors (businesses offering similar products or services) and conduct a SWOT analysis. 

SWOT stands for S trengths, W eaknesses, O pportunities, and T hreats. Thinking about things this way will help you align your hopes and plans for your business with the real-world environment in which you’ll be operating.  

9. Operations and logistics

Explain how production and delivery will work at your business day-to-day. Think about the following, and for every relevant point, provide details relating to your business:

10. Financial projections

This is perhaps the most complicated section. We’ve created a number of template tables for you to detail your sales and costs, your cash-flow forecast, and your personal survival budget. 

• Sales assumptions: Your sales assumptions template allows you to estimate a year’s worth of sales and costs broken down by product and service type.  
• Cash-flow forecast: Y our cash-flow forecast is exclusively for business income (revenue) and expenditure (rent, wages, utilities). Your revenue estimates should be realistic and supportable. It’s wise to be conservative for your first few months of trading.
• Personal survival budget: Here you should include only your personal average monthly income minus costs and expenses. This proves to potential investors that you can meet your loan repayments. You can use personal bank statements to estimate your typical monthly incomings and outgoings.

11. Back-up plan

Things don’t always go according to plan. Here you need to break down your short and long-term proposal for meeting any outstanding debt repayments in the event that you experience financial hardship. 

This can include quick ways to raise cash, savings or a support network you could draw upon, or a plan to renegotiate your payment terms with suppliers. 

There is no one way to write a business plan, and the information you put into your plan doesn’t have to necessarily be set in stone.

When you write your business plan, bear in mind that it is a living document, liable to change as your plans and circumstances change. 

If you’re struggling with writing a business plan, using a free business plan template, like the one you can download in this article, should make this task easier. 

While you’re following the above steps, bear these additional tips in mind to make sure your business plan makes sense to you and to anyone else who reads it:

• Be concise… Keep your business plan relatively short by only including necessary information and being precise in your language. Not only will this make it easier to write but it will encourage you to be analytical. After all, it’s easy to dress up an empty idea in flowery language.
• … but be detailed. However, make sure to include the right level of detail about the things that matter, especially when it comes to financial forecasts and competitor analysis. 
• Be realistic: It’s fine to dream big, but keep your expectations and projections achievable and grounded in evidence. You can always rework them if your circumstances change.
• Seek feedback: Find someone to read over your business plan whose opinion you value. Ideally, this should be someone who has experience in business, like a mentor.

A business plan is a document describing your business and setting out how you intend to achieve your business goals. 

Business plans are a useful way to organise your idea in your own mind, and the process of writing a business plan may throw up problems and solutions which you wouldn’t have otherwise considered. 

A business plan may also be needed to secure external funding, like a start up loan. In this case, presenting a business plan to a prospective lender shows that you have thought about your business idea and that you’re serious about making a success of it. 

If you’re struggling to write a business plan, then our free, downloadable business plan template can help. 

Image source: Getty Images

About the Author

George Harrison is a lead writer at NerdWallet. A graduate of the London School of Economics, George has worked as a professional writer for almost a decade, with articles appearing…

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Why business templates are vital

A business plan is essential for the success of your small business or startup. It helps guide the direction of your business and explains your vision to others. A reusable single- and multi-page template lets you tailor your pitch for investors, staff, and prospects. Plans help:

• Included Startups decide if the idea is viable.
• Included Small businesses gauge the competition, determine their competitive advantages, set goals, and plan marketing strategies.

Download our guide on how to write a business plan

Why you’ll want to plan your business with our template

Our business plan template:

Helps you budget accurately

Our business plan’s customisable structure lets you accurately present your financial data.

Find out more about Xero analytics

Explains business plan components

Each business plan component comes with an annotated explanation to help you write your plan.

Read our guide on creating a business plan

Has multi-page and single-page versions

Simplify your mission, then focus it for investors with two different templates.

Download the single and multi-page templates

Getting started with the business plan template

Develop a concise mission statement about why your company exists and how it differs from similar companies. For example, Google’s statement is ‘To organise the world's information and make it universally accessible and useful’. LinkedIn’s statement is 'Connect the world’s professionals to make them more productive and successful'. Then, develop business goals and objectives that fit with your statement. For example, LinkedIn’s objectives would specify metrics around the number of professionals and connections.

A value proposition presents the specific benefits your product or service brings to your customer, reinforces your brand identity, and give your team a focus. Business plan examples of value propositions might be: 'We help our customers feel good by fueling up with exceptional coffee in a community environment’, or ‘We help our customers choose the right gift in less than 10 minutes’.

A business plan for startups defines its target customers. All businesses should include market analysis in their business plans and update their analysis regularly. Start with your customers’ demographics. Then use the internet and primary sources like surveys and interviews) to learn more. Next, identify competitors and determine their strengths and weaknesses. Compare them with each other and decide where you fit within the competitive environment.

Successful small businesses promote their brands through websites, social media, broadcast ads, or sponsorships. They also use various sales channels, including online, brick-and-mortar stores, affiliates and distributors. Your business plan market analysis helps you decide the marketing strategies for your industry, product, and target audience. It also will help you predict annual sales – a key part of your financial planning.

Your business plan outline will also include your business structure, such as whether you are a limited corporation or partnership. It will list any operating agreements and information on supplier logistics. For example, how you will receive your raw materials and how you’ll deliver the product to customers. It will describe your daily operations and number of employees. Once you’ve completed your business plan, you’ll develop job descriptions for each role and begin hiring your team.

Financial forecasting is an important part of financial planning for businesses. Investors and lenders want to see your forecasts to determine whether to provide financing. The forecast also helps you budget to weather seasonal revenue dips and decide how many staff you can afford. It’s also a benchmark for gauging your performance, so you can take corrective action if necessary. Hiring a bookkeeper or accountant will help you make more accurate forecasts.

One-page business plan template

Writing about customers, competitors, income, and expenses will build your ideas in a short time. A single-page business plan template is:

• Included Easy for you and investors to read and understand
• Included Great for making a start
• Included Helps pin down the main idea
• Included Easy to update

Example of a business plan

Need an example of a simple business plan to get started.

Check out our filled-in, one-page business plan and be inspired to write your own.

When you’ll need a multi-page template

A multi-page business plan template has detailed forecasts and budgets, with evidence behind statements of costs, market size & competition

Pitching to investors

A multi-page business plan provides a comprehensive overview and is essential when you’re seeking funding.

Download multi-page business plan template.

Financing your business

Detailed financial planning for business demonstrates to lenders you manage funds responsibly.

Download our finance guide.

Forecasting and budgeting

A multi-page plan sets out expectations behind your business goals and objectives with detailed forecasting.

Learn about budgeting and forecasting.

FAQs about business plan templates

You want your team and investors to grasp your vision at a glance. A simple, concise plan is easier to understand, implement, and track. A complex plan can be overwhelming, leading to procrastination or inaction, and harder for your team to grasp. A simple plan is less daunting and more easily achievable, so you and your team are more likely to follow through with it.

Absolutely. The template is fully editable and customisable. You can change the content to create a plan that is unique, engaging, and personal, and update the plan easily as conditions change. The template guides you through the process, but doesn’t require you to do your plan a certain way.

Xero does not provide accounting, tax, business or legal advice. This template has been provided for information purposes only. You should consult your own professional advisors for advice directly relating to your business.

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What are you looking for, how to write a business plan uk | free uk business plan template.

• Brought to you by AAT Business Finance Basics

• 1. What is a business plan?
• 2. Download: Free UK business plan template
• 3. Getting started on a business plan
• 4. How to structure a business plan step-by-step
• 5. What content should a business plan include?
• 6. UK business plan example 1: GreenTech Innovations
• 7. UK business plan example 2: EcoBoutique
• 8. UK business plan example 3: BizConsult Solutions
• 9. Business plan writing tips

You’ve got the brilliant business idea, you might have even started setting up or running your business, but writing a business plan and creating business proposals are vital for the launch and growth of any venture. It’s a document where you can organise all your ideas, create a company description, make sure that you’ve considered and researched everything, and ultimately decide that the business is viable. Commitment to making a business plan is a commitment to the business. Read our guide and download your free business plan template. 

What is a business plan?

A business plan is a document that details all the future plans and predictions for your business. It will explain your ideas, map out how they’ll be put into practice and provide relevant information and facts including the business details, management plan, operating plan, marketing and sales strategy , financial projections, and operational and team specifics.  

A business plan is essential in helping you: 

The business plan is a living, working document that should be read and reviewed regularly. If there are multiple directors or partners in the business then they should all be in agreement with what the plan outlines, the detailed information in the plan, and what is written in the plan. You will also need to share it with potential investors. The business plan will formalise all the ideas and assumptions, keep you focused, and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

How long writing your business plan should take will depend on your business size, the complexities of it and what stage you’re at. The most important thing is that it’s user-friendly and doesn’t include any waffle. Get straight to the nitty-gritty so that your stakeholders are engaged when reading it and so that you are more likely to use and update it regularly. Your business plan will probably cover the first three to five years. It’s important to include all the right information (see the checklist below) but it’s not a document to spend too long on. It’s more important that you are spending time running the business.

There are lots of business plan examples out there but typically yours should include: 

• What your business will do 
• The business structure and operations  
• Team members and their expertise 
• Market analysis to see current and projected state of the market and industry
• How your business will sell and market  
• Startup costs and funding required 
• Financial projections 
• Legal requirements 

Writing a business plan will allow you to take a step back and look at the business more objectively, predicting potential issues in advance, such as financial forecasts, and coming up with solutions or a shift in how you originally thought that you would do something.

Download: Free UK business plan template

We want to take the stress out of writing a business plan. Our free downloadable UK business plan template will guide you on everything you need to include and get your business primed for success. 

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Getting started on a business plan

Before you begin to make your business plan, keep these three things at the forefront of your mind. 

Focus on what makes you unique

Be creative with your plan, shout about your unique selling proposition (USPs) and what makes you different. Represent your brand using language and visuals, and talk about why you and your team are best to run this business.

Don’t over complicate it

Keep it concise so that you can get on with running the business and so the business plan is an easily readable and usable document. Too much detail in the plan can become confusing.

Be realistic and honest

The business plan will give you an indication of where you’re supposed to be. Review it every few months, update it as you go and change your activities in line with it. It will be impossible for you to predict everything so just give it your best shot and be prepared to be flexible.

How to structure a business plan step-by-step

The business plan should follow this format with these six sections. 

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The executive summary should always be written last. Think of it as a one-pager giving an overview of all the best bits of your plan. If the executive summary doesn’t captivate and interest the reader then it’s unlikely that they will read the rest of your plan. 

Describe your what, where, who and why - including your product/service, brand, location, business model and size. 

This section will involve the most amount of research as you study the current and projected conditions of the market and the industry, and look at what your competition is doing , before making your own marketing plans . 

Explain the experience, skills and credentials of all the people involved. Why are they the right people to make this a success?

Detail your required facilities, premises, systems and software. 

This section translates everything into numbers - your startup and running costs, funding , revenue projections with a cash flow forecast . 

What content should a business plan include?

Take a look at these business plan sections in more detail to see examples of the sort of details you should include, depending on your type of business. In the next section, we’ve used this framework to create some UK business plan examples featuring three fictional small businesses. 

1. The executive summary

Give a topline description of:

• In the most basic terms, what is the business? Is it a product or service? What does it do and how?
• Why is there a need for this business?
• What does this business do better than similar existing businesses?
• What experience or skills do you have that will help make this business a success?
• How will it make money?
• Who will your customers be?
• Who are your main competitors?
• How will people find out about you?
•  What is the opportunity for investors?

2. Business details and description

In this section:

• Describe your what, where, who and why – including your product/service, brand, location, business model and size.
• Food (lunch / dinner)
• Private hire for meetings / parties / events
• Putting on own events (music, comedy)
• Classes (e.g. cocktail making)
• Opening for breakfast / take away coffee
• What will the legal structure of your company be (LTD, PLC, sole trader, partnership, charity, social enterprise)?

3. Marketing and sales strategy

This section will likely be split into the following areas:

Market conditions and competition

You can include your gut instincts about the market here and what you know, but be sure to also back this up with evidence and research.

• Who are your biggest competitors? (Bear in mind competitors don’t always have to be exactly the same type of business, but something that people might spend their money on instead of your product).
• How do your competitors market and price themselves?
• How much is currently spent in your industry and what is demand like?
• What are the barriers to entry?
• What trends are happening internationally within similar businesses (maybe in countries like the US who may be further ahead)?

Target market

• Who is your target market ?
• Create a customer profile with as much detail as possible about your ideal customer.
• Make a list of friends, clients, business contacts, companies to target that might buy from you and include any current customers.
• For example: if you make jewellery, as well as selling it directly to the customer you could consider selling wholesale to other businesses, or starting jewellery making classes.
• What is your brand’s personality and characteristics?
• What does it stand for? What’s your mission statement?
• Do you have a tone of voice and brand guidelines?
• How will your brand do business/work with clients / communicate with customers?
• For example: business cards, leaflets, templates (invoice, e-newsletter), sales presentation.

Sales and marketing plan

• For example: website, social media, email marketing, blogging and blogger outreach, print advertising, radio, PR, partnerships, networking, podcasts, videos, directories, referrals, PPC, SEO.
• Plan your website – domain name , who will build it, what information and functionality does it need?
• Decide on a marketing budget .

4. Management and employees

• Who will make up your team and what relevant skills and experience do they have?
• Do you need to employ people?
• What friends/family/business contacts do you have with skills that might be able to help you (preferably for free)?
• Do you need to outsource anything?

5. Operational set up

• What premises do you need? Where will they be? Where will you work from?
• What assets/tools do you require (and which of these do you already have)?
• Are there any licences that you require? Any other legal considerations?

6. Financial plan and projections

This section should look at the following areas:

• For example: premises, insurance, licences, staff wages, your salary, stock, delivery costs, machinery, tools, computer, printer, telephone, electric, wifi, website, accountant, marketing, travel, design and print, training, photography, networking events, exhibitions, client entertaining.

Startup finance

• How much do you need to start the business and to ensure you have enough cash flow?
• How will you be financing it?
• Include as much detail as you can about your prices, pricing structure and margins.
• How much money do you need to make on a monthly basis to cover your costs and pay yourself and how much do you have to sell to make this figure?

Projected accounts

• Cash-flow forecast 
• Projected balance sheet 
• Projected profit and loss accounts

UK business plan example 1: GreenTech Innovations

1. executive summary.

GreenTech Innovations is a tech startup developing advanced solar panel technology that increases energy efficiency by 20%. This business addresses the growing demand for affordable and sustainable energy solutions. We stand out with our patented technology and a team of experienced professionals. Our revenue model includes direct sales to consumers and partnerships with energy companies. Our customers are environmentally conscious homeowners and businesses. Competitors include SolarCity and SunPower, but our superior technology and lower costs offer a competitive edge. We will use digital marketing and industry trade shows to gain visibility. 

GreenTech Innovations, based in London, specializes in renewable energy products. Our core product is an innovative solar panel with higher efficiency and lower costs. Revenue streams include direct sales, energy company partnerships, and government contracts. We are structured as an LTD company.

Products/services/revenue streams:

• High-efficiency solar panels
• Installation services
• Maintenance contracts
• Licensing our technology to other manufacturers
• Government and commercial contracts

Market conditions and competition: The renewable energy market is growing, driven by environmental concerns and government incentives. Competitors like SolarCity market themselves as premium providers; we will differentiate by offering better technology at a lower price. The UK market spends billions on renewable energy annually, with strong demand forecasted.

Target market: Our target market includes environmentally conscious homeowners and businesses. Ideal customers are tech-savvy, value sustainability, and are looking for long-term savings on energy costs.

The brand: Our brand stands for innovation and sustainability. Our mission is to make renewable energy accessible and affordable. We will communicate through a professional, approachable tone and prioritize customer education.

Sales and marketing plan:

• Website with e-commerce capabilities
• Social media campaigns
• SEO and PPC advertising
• Email marketing
• Partnerships with green energy advocacy groups
• Presence at trade shows and industry conferences

Our team includes Dr. Jane Smith (CEO), a solar energy expert with 20 years of experience, and John Doe (CTO), who holds several patents in solar technology. We plan to hire additional engineers, marketing professionals, and sales staff. Some tasks, such as legal and accounting, will be outsourced.

We need a manufacturing facility in London, equipped with state-of-the-art machinery for solar panel production. Our office will house our R&D lab, administrative offices, and logistics team. Necessary licenses include manufacturing and environmental permits.

6. Financial plan and projections costs:

• Manufacturing equipment: £500,000
• Initial inventory: £200,000
• Facility lease: £100,000/year
• Staff salaries: £300,000/year
• Marketing: £100,000

Startup finance:  We seek £1 million in funding through equity investment and government grants.

Pricing: Our solar panels will be priced competitively at £500 per unit, with a 30% profit margin.

Projected accounts:

• Year 1: Revenue £2 million, Profit £400,000
• Year 2: Revenue £4 million, Profit £1 million
• Year 3: Revenue £8 million, Profit £2.5 million

UK business plan example 2: EcoBoutique

EcoBoutique is a sustainable fashion retailer offering eco-friendly clothing and accessories. Addressing the rising demand for ethical fashion, we differentiate ourselves with unique designs and fair-trade practices. Our team, led by experienced fashion designer Emma Green, will operate from a flagship store in Manchester and an online platform. Our revenue model includes direct sales and partnerships. Our target customers are environmentally conscious consumers. Competitors include other sustainable fashion brands, but our commitment to quality and ethical sourcing sets us apart. We seek £500,000 in funding to establish our store and marketing efforts, promising growth and strong returns.

EcoBoutique, located in Manchester, sells sustainable clothing and accessories. Revenue streams include in-store and online sales, private events, and wholesale partnerships. The company will be structured as an LTD.

• Sustainable clothing (organic cotton, recycled materials)
• Accessories (bags, jewelry)
• Private hire for fashion events
• Online store
• Wholesale to other retailers

Market conditions and competition: The sustainable fashion market is expanding rapidly. Competitors like Patagonia and People Tree use online marketing and brand loyalty strategies. The UK fashion industry sees significant consumer spending, with growing interest in sustainable options.

Target market: Our ideal customers are eco-conscious individuals aged 20-40, interested in fashion and sustainability.

The brand: EcoBoutique stands for ethical fashion and sustainability. Our mission is to provide stylish, eco-friendly clothing. We will use a friendly, informative tone and emphasize our commitment to fair trade.

• Website with e-commerce and blog
• Social media and influencer partnerships
• Email newsletters
• Community events and pop-up shops
• Print advertising in eco-friendly magazines

Our team includes founder Emma Green, a fashion designer with a background in sustainability, and Liam Brown, our marketing manager with extensive retail experience. We will hire sales associates and an e-commerce manager. Some services, such as accounting and web development, will be outsourced.

We need a retail space in Manchester, designed with sustainable materials, and an e-commerce platform. Licenses required include retail and health & safety permits.

• Store renovation: £200,000
• Inventory: £100,000
• Marketing: £50,000
• Staff salaries: £150,000/year
• E-commerce platform: £50,000

Startup finance: We seek £500,000 through a combination of loans, personal investment, and crowdfunding.

Pricing: Clothing items priced between £30-£150, with a 40% profit margin.

• Year 1: Revenue £1 million, Profit £150,000
• Year 2: Revenue £1.5 million, Profit £300,000
• Year 3: Revenue £2 million, Profit £500,000

UK business plan example 3: BizConsult Solutions

BizConsult Solutions is a consulting firm offering business strategy and digital transformation services for SMEs. We address the need for modern, tech-savvy business solutions in a competitive market. Our experienced team, led by Sarah Lee, specializes in helping businesses innovate and grow. We generate revenue through consulting fees, workshops, and retainer agreements. Our target customers are SMEs across various industries. Competitors include larger consulting firms, but our focus on SMEs and personalized service sets us apart. We will use content marketing and networking to attract clients. We seek £300,000 in funding to establish our office and marketing activities, promising steady growth and high returns.

BizConsult Solutions, based in Birmingham, offers consulting services in strategy and digital transformation. Revenue streams include hourly consulting fees, retainer agreements, and workshops. The company will be structured as an LTD.

• Business strategy consulting
• Digital transformation services
• Workshops and training sessions
• Retainer agreements for ongoing support

Market conditions and competition: The consulting market is competitive, with demand for digital transformation services rising. Competitors include large firms like McKinsey and Deloitte, but they primarily target larger enterprises. We focus on SMEs, offering affordable, high-quality services.

Target market: Our target market is SMEs in various sectors, seeking to modernize their operations and strategies.

The brand: BizConsult Solutions is innovative and client-focused. Our mission is to empower SMEs to thrive through strategic and technological advancements. We will communicate through a professional and approachable tone.

• Professional website with case studies and testimonials
• Content marketing (blogs, whitepapers)
• Webinars and online courses
• Networking events and industry conferences
• Email marketing and LinkedIn outreach

Our team includes Sarah Lee (CEO), with 10 years of consulting experience, and Michael O’Connor (CTO), an expert in digital transformation. We will hire additional consultants and administrative staff as needed. We will outsource web development and legal services.

We need an office in Birmingham, equipped with meeting rooms and collaborative workspaces. Essential tools include project management software and CRM systems. Required licenses include business operation permits.

• Office setup: £100,000
• Technology and software: £50,000

Startup finance: We seek £300,000 through a combination of bank loans and private investment.

Pricing: Consulting fees range from £100-£300 per hour, with retainer packages starting at £2,000 per month.

• Year 1: Revenue £500,000, Profit £100,000
• Year 2: Revenue £750,000, Profit £200,000
• Year 3: Revenue £1 million, Profit £350,000

Business plan writing tips

Writing a business plan can take some time and some areas of the plan will be easier to tackle than others. 

• Make initial notes every time you think of something and don’t worry if you can’t cover all points at the start.
• When you are ready to start to write the plan, make sure you use sections and these are in a logical order.
• It is important that your plan is simple, accurate and easy to follow if you are going to ask others to look at it.
• Try to avoid jargon or terms that only people in your type of industry will understand.

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Simple Business Plan Template Of 2024

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Table of Contents

Why business plans are vital, get your free simple business plan template, write an effective business plan in 6 steps.

Business plans are vital in helping you establish your goals and define the means by which they can be achieved . Our simple business plan template covers everything you need to consider when launching a side gig, solo operation or small business. By following this step-by-step process, you might even uncover a few alternative routes to success.

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Whether you’re a first-time solopreneur or a seasoned business owner, the planning process challenges you to examine the costs and tasks involved in bringing a product or service to market. The process can also help you spot new income opportunities and hone in on the most profitable business models.

Though vital, business planning doesn’t have to be a chore. Business plans for lean start-ups and solo traders can simply outline the business concept, sales proposition, target customers and sketch out a plan of action to bring the product or service to market.

However, if you’re seeking start-up funding or partnership opportunities, you’ll need a  write a business plan  that details market research, operating costs and revenue forecasting.

Whichever startup category you fall into, if you’re at square one, our simple business plan template can help point you down the right path.

Copy our free simple business plan template so you can fill in the blanks as we explore each element of your business plan. Need help getting your ideas flowing? You’ll also find several startup scenario examples below.

Download free template as .docx

Whether you need a quick-launch overview or an in-depth plan for investors, any business plan should cover the six key elements outlined in our free template and explained below.

The main difference in  starting a small business  versus an investor-funded business is the market research and operational and financial details needed to support the concept.

1. Your mission or vision

Begin by declaring a “dream statement” for your business. You can call this your executive summary, vision statement or mission. Whatever the name, the first part of your business plan summarises your idea by answering five questions. Keep it brief, such as an elevator pitch. You’ll expand these answers in the following sections of the simple business plan template.

• What does your business do?  Are you selling products, services, information or a combination?
• Where does this happen?  Will you conduct business online, in-store, via mobile means or in a specific location or environment?
• Who does your business benefit?  Who is your target market and ideal customer for your concept?
• Why would potential customers care?  What would make your ideal customers take notice of your business?
• How do your products and/or services outshine the competition?  What would make your ideal customers choose you over a competitor?

These answers come easily if you have a solid concept for your business, but don’t worry if you get stuck. Use the rest of your plan template to brainstorm ideas and tactics. You’ll quickly find these answers and possibly new directions as you explore your ideas and options.

2. Offer and value proposition

This is where you detail your offer, such as selling products, providing services or both, and why anyone would care. That’s the value proposition. Specifically, you’ll expand on your answers to the first and fourth bullets from your mission/vision.

As you complete this section, you might find that exploring value propositions uncovers marketable business opportunities that you hadn’t yet considered. So spend some time brainstorming the possibilities in this section.

For example, a cottage baker startup specialising in gluten-free or keto-friendly products might be a value proposition that certain audiences care deeply about.

Plus, you could expand on that value proposition by offering wedding and other special-occasion cakes that incorporate gluten-free, keto-friendly and traditional cake elements that all guests can enjoy.

3. Audience and ideal customer

Here is where you explore bullet point number three, who your business will benefit. Identifying your ideal customer and exploring a broader audience for your goods or services is essential in defining your sales and marketing strategies, plus it helps fine-tune what you offer.

There are many ways to research potential audiences, but a shortcut is to simply identify a problem that people have that your product or service can solve. If you start from the position of being a problem solver, it’s easy to define your audience and describe the wants and needs of your ideal customer for marketing efforts.

Using the cottage baker start-up example, a problem people might have is finding fresh-baked gluten-free or keto-friendly sweets. Examining the wants and needs of these people might reveal a target audience that is health-conscious or possibly dealing with health issues and willing to spend more for hard-to-find items.

However, it’s essential to have a customer base that can support your business. You can be too specialised. For example, our baker startup can attract a broader audience and boost revenue by offering a wider selection of traditional baked goods alongside its gluten-free specialties.

4. Revenue streams, sales channels and marketing

Thanks to our internet-driven economy, start-ups have many revenue opportunities and can connect with target audiences through various channels. Revenue streams and sales channels also serve as marketing vehicles, so you can cover all three in this section.

Revenue streams

Revenue streams are the many ways you can make money in your business. In your plan template, list how you’ll make money upon launch, plus include ideas for future expansion. The income possibilities just might surprise you.

For example, our cottage baker startup might consider these revenue streams:

• Product sales : Online, pop-up shops, wholesale and (future) in-store sales
• Affiliate income : Monetise blog and social media posts with affiliate links
• Advertising income : Reserve website space for advertising
• E-book sales : (future) Publish recipe e-books targeting gluten-free and keto-friendly dessert niches
• Video income : (future) Monetise a YouTube channel featuring how-to videos for the gluten-free and keto-friendly dessert niches
• Webinars and online classes : (future) Monetise coaching-style webinars and online classes covering specialty baking tips and techniques
• Members-only content : (future) Monetise a members-only section of the website for specialty content to complement webinars and online classes
• Franchise : (future) Monetise a specialty cottage bakery concept and sell to franchise entrepreneurs.

Sales channels

Sales channels put your revenue streams into action. This section also answers the “where will this happen” question in the second bullet of your vision.

The product sales channels for our cottage bakery example can include:

• Mobile point-of-sale (POS) : A  mobile platform  such as Shopify or Square POS for managing in-person sales at local farmers’ markets, fairs and festivals
• E-commerce platform : An  online store  such as Shopify, Square or WooCommerce for online retail sales and wholesale sales orders
• Social media channels : Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest shoppable posts and pins for online sales via  social media channels
• Bricks-and-mortar location : For  in-store sales , once the business has grown to a point that it can support a physical location.

Channels that support other income streams might include:

• Affiliate income :  Blog section  on the e-commerce website and affiliate partner accounts
• Advertising income : Reserved advertising spaces on the e-commerce website
• E-book sales : Amazon e-book sales via Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing
• Video income : YouTube channel with ad monetisation
• Webinars and online classes : Online class and webinar platforms that support member accounts, recordings and playback
• Members-only content : Password-protected website content using membership apps such as MemberPress.

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Nowadays, the line between marketing and sales channels is blurred. Social media outlets, e-books, websites, blogs and videos serve as both marketing tools and income opportunities. Since most are free and those with advertising options are extremely economical, these are ideal marketing outlets for lean startups.

However, many businesses still find value in traditional advertising such as local radio, television, direct mail, newspapers and magazines. You can include these advertising costs in your simple business plan template to help build a marketing plan and budget.

5. Structure, suppliers and operations

This section of your simple business plan template explores how to structure and operate your business. Details include the type of business organisation your startup will take, roles and responsibilities, supplier logistics and day-to-day operations. Also, include any certifications or permits needed to launch your enterprise in this section.

Our cottage baker example might use a structure and startup plan such as this:

• Business structure : Sole trader with a view to expand
• Permits and certifications : Local authority-issued food handling permit and food certification for home-based food production. Option, check into certified commercial kitchen rentals
• Roles and responsibilities : Solopreneur, all roles and responsibilities with the owner
• Supply chain : Bulk ingredients and food packaging via Amazon Prime, for example, with annual membership costs
• Day-to-day operations : Source ingredients and bake three days per week to fulfill local and online orders. Reserve time for specialty sales, wholesale partner orders and market events as needed. Ship online orders on alternating days. Update website and create marketing and affiliate blog posts on non-shipping days.

6. Financial forecasts

Your final task is to list forecasted business startup and ongoing costs and profit projections in your simple business plan template. Thanks to free business tools such as Square and free marketing on social media, lean startups can launch with few upfront costs. In many cases, the cost of goods, shipping and packaging, business permits or licences, and printing for business cards are your only out-of-pocket expenses.

Cost forecast

Set out a clear cost forecast with costs ranging from raw ingredients to marketing, POS systems and packaging leaving no stone unturned.

This exercise will help you determine the retail prices and sales volume required to keep your business running and, hopefully, earn income for yourself.

Use product research to spot target retail prices for your goods, then subtract your cost of goods, such as hourly rate, raw goods and supplier costs. The total amount is your gross profit per item or service.

Bottom line

Putting careful thought and detail in a business plan is always beneficial, but don’t get so bogged down in planning that you never hit the start button to  launch your business .

Also, remember that business plans aren’t set in stone. Markets, audiences and technologies change, and so will your goals and means of achieving them. Think of your business plan as a living document and regularly revisit, expand and restructure it as market opportunities and business growth demand.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is there a template for a business plan.

You can copy our  free business plan template and fill in the blanks or customise it in Google Docs, Microsoft Word or another word processing app.

This free business plan template includes the six key elements that any entrepreneur needs to consider when launching a new business.

What does a simple business plan include?

A simple business plan is a one- to two-page overview covering six key elements that any budding entrepreneur needs to consider when launching a start-up.

These include your vision or mission, product or service offering, target audience, revenue streams and sales channels, structure and operations, and financial forecasts.

How can I create a free business plan template?

Start with our  free business plan template  that covers the six essential elements of a startup.

Once downloaded, you can edit this document in Google Docs or another word processing app and add new sections or subsections to your plan template to meet your specific business plan needs.

What basic items should be included in a business plan?

When writing out a business plan, you want to make sure that you cover everything related to your concept for the business.

This includes an analysis of the industry―including potential customers and an overview of the market for your goods or services―how you plan to execute your vision for the business, how you plan to grow the business if it becomes successful.

It also includes all financial data around the business, including current cash on hand, potential investors and budget plans for the next few years.

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A business plan is essential for reaching financial success. Download our business plan template and use it to help you achieve your goals.

Whether you’re starting a business or planning to expand, having a business plan can help to get you on track and get some detail behind your ideas.

However, research from Barclays shows that one in four businesses don’t have a business plan.

There are a number of useful tools worth having at your disposal if you want your business to succeed. While one of those is accounting software , so you can keep track of your business admin (forecast your cash flow, manage your invoices , and more), another is a business plan.

So what are the advantages of business planning and how could it help your business to succeed? Read this article to find out more.

What is a business plan?

There are numerous reasons why you might want to start a business .

You might have a great idea. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to run your own company. Or maybe you’ve been made redundant – perhaps due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak – and you’re ready to take the leap to entrepreneurship.

But for your business to be a success, your passion, enthusiasm, hard work and skills should be built on a practical framework. And that’s the case whether it’s a new business or an existing one.

This is where your business plan comes in.

A key part of that practical framework, a business plan is a document that maps out the purpose of your company, what it does and its strategic goals, among other things.

Creating a business plan for your company will guide you in defining your unique selling proposition (USP), and give you clarity of the marketplace you wish to operate in and the competition your business will be up against.

You’ll use your business plan to work towards a series of milestones that will help you to grow your company.

But your business plan shouldn’t be a static document – you should update it regularly as your company evolves, so you can ensure things are moving in the right direction.

Benefits of writing a business plan

Jennifer O’Toole, Senior Partner at accountancy firm Thomas R Dixon, says: “A business plan is like a flight path. It lets you know where you want to go, what you want to achieve, what you have in order to achieve your goals and probably most importantly what problems you can expect along the way.

“Being able to identify potential threats, problem areas that could affect the business, and to be able to develop coping strategies in a proactive manner rather than in a reactive stance, is key to business survival.”

It’s also a great way to share information about your business, to develop your thinking and test scenarios before you make any changes (like leaving your job and going it alone), and it gives you a way to measure how things go when you do start up.

And if you’re looking for finance, then a business plan can make a difference.

Rebecca McNeil, MD for Business Lending and Enterprise at Barclays, says: “A strong plan can help applications for finance from a business loan to alternative forms of finance and investment.”

Reasons people skip business planning

If it’s so helpful, why don’t more people choose to have one? Here are some of the common challenges:

• Time.  If you’ve thought through your business, it shouldn’t take long to create your business plan. Keep it short and simple and choose a format that works for you.
• Uncertainty. It’s true that you can’t know what will happen until you start a business but a plan can help you spot potential pitfalls and helps you to understand the finances behind your idea. Read our advice on ways to get more accurate figures in your business plan.
• Lack of agility. Some people think business planning stops businesses evolving, but a good business plan should be current and adapt as you test and learn. It needs to be part of the business, not left in a drawer.

Read more about business plans

• Business plan template for food and drink companies
• Business plan template for shops and retail companies
• Business plan template for online retail and ecommerce companies
• Business plan template for professional services companies

The best format for your business plan

Many people assume that a business plan will be a hefty document containing lots of facts and figures, but it doesn’t have to be. The key thing is to choose a format that will work for you and your business. That would be:

• One you’ll use.  Something that can become part of your day-to-day business rather than something you’ll never refer to. Have your business plan on the wall as a manifesto or mind map, make a presentation or create a visual guide – whatever works for you.
• One that makes it simple to express your views. If you’re a writer, you may be happy with a document, a designer might like a more visual medium. Your business plan should excite and inspire, so pick a format that lets you do that.
• One that’s shareable.  A business plan will be seen by lots of people, from your bank manager and accountant to prospective investors or employees, so pick a format that makes it easy to share.

What to include in your business plan

What should a business plan include? Every plan is likely to be different but there are some common pieces of information that are often included:

• An overview of the business.  What does it do and what makes it different?
• Goals.  What does the business want to achieve? This should set some SMART objectives that will quickly show if the business is succeeding.
• Your audience and the market.  Who will your business supply and how will it reach them? How big is the market and who are your key competitors?
• Products and pricing.  What will you be selling and how will your prices be set? How does this compare with your competitors?
• Who is involved.  Many investors say they invest as much in the people as they do in the business. Share some information about people’s roles, experience and passions.
• Financials.  Provide details about sales, costs, break-even points and where investment will come from. If you’re looking for people to invest, you should include information about likely returns. If you’re looking for ways to finance your business, crowdfunding , alternative finance and government funding are a good place to start.

Some business plans will include other sections, like a SWOT analysis or a full marketing plan. You might find these useful for your business, so feel free to include them too if you wish.

How to use your business plan

Many business owners invest time in producing a business plan and then never look at it again.

While it’s valuable to get your ideas clarified and to test your thinking before you launch your business, it’s even better if it’s embedded into your day-to-day business too.

As O’Toole says: “Business planning is a continuous process – from the initial start up of any business to stage two of developing and growth of existing sales and developing new income streams.

“As established businesses mature and diversify, business planning continues to play a fundamental role in ensuring that the company’s long-term strategies are being met.”

Here are some ways your business plan can work for you:

• Take the sales, cash flow and expense predictions and measure them against your actual figures. This helps you spot whether you’re on track and if things need to be revised.
• Revisit your goals every month to see how you’re progressing.
• Keep updating it to include customer input and quotes. Real feedback is essential for keeping a business on track.
• Revisit it once a year to see if changes to the market, technology or competition has had an impact. Businesses need to continue to evolve to survive in the longer term.

Where to get help with your business plan

Sometimes you’ll need additional information to pull together your plan. You could:

• Speak to your accountant. They don’t just help you with financials or accounting software , they can also offer advice about planning your business.
• Talk to your bank . Many have small business experts who can help.
• Use business planning templates. Our free, easy-to-follow Word template will help to make the process easier.

Editor’s note: This article was first published in October 2017 and has been updated for relevance.

Business plan template

Thinking of starting a business or looking for investment but need help putting a plan together? Get our free, easy-to-use business plan template.

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Comments (2)

Business plans should be flexible and imbibe SMART goals for both short term and long term. Objective oriented plans would fetch results in stipulated time period.

I’ve started a transportation company I’m growing and would need some help with a small loan /grant as I would need a bigger van etc is this something I would be able to get help with?

Sure, there are loans and grants you could apply for. We cover some of them in this article: https://www.sage.com/en-gb/blog/government-grants-for-small-businesses/

Thanks, Stacey

See advice specific to your business

Business Planning Templates

The first step in planning your business venture, clarifying your ideas, aims and objectives, is to write a business plan.

Your plan is an essential document to ensure your ideas are feasible and is critical for banks. In addition, new suppliers and larger customers may require this document for credit checks. It's also helpful to track progress against your original targets.

Writing Your Business Plan - Downloads

We have three templates you can use to do your business plan kindly offered by SCORE and Bank of Scotland. There are two for preparing the narrative of your plan (One for a startup business and the other for an existing business) and a cash flow template.

• Template for startup businesses: pdf startup template .
• Template for existing businesses: pdf existing business template .
• Financial planning spreadsheet for startup businesses: Excel financial plan template .

These free business plan templates can help you quickly write a business plan. First, you can download the templates as Adobe PDF files to your computer. Then, you can click each of the template links below to open now or right click your mouse to save for later use.

Basic Outline

A basic business plan outlines the answers to questions about your intentions, such as:

• Is there a demand for your products?
• How are you defining your customer demographics?
• What are your explicit strengths and weaknesses?
• Can you mitigate threats and exploit new market opportunities?
• Are your competitors aggressive or passive?
• Have you assigned key employees to your tactical plans?
• How robust are your financial plans?

Structure of Business Plans

Here's the basic structure in summary from the downloads above:

Executive Summary

It's best to write this section last after you've prepared the rest of your plan because this is simply a summary of the whole plan. It should ideally be one page, but two pages are equally acceptable.

Business Purpose

This area covers the fundamentals of your business, including:

• Mission statement
• Company goals and objectives
• Business philosophy
• The industry you're in
• Legal ownership and key employees

Products and Services

Describe your key products, services, pricing strategy and margins.

Marketing Plan

Detail your marketing activities, including market research, market trends, market size, external market economics, and barriers to entry. As your market is made up of customers, describe their characteristics.

You also need detailed information about your competitors and why you'll be able to take market share from them. And finally, you'll need information about your promotional activities to reach out and entice your potential customers to purchase your products.

Operations Plans

This part describes how you're going to produce your products together with distribution methods to get products to your customers and your wholesale suppliers.

Management and Staff

People are behind all successful businesses, so including the key people and advisors is essential.

Startup Costs Budget

If you're starting a new business, you should detail the costs you'll incur while starting up before the day to day operations commence. For most companies, this is the amount they'll need initial funding for to begin trading.

Financial Plans

Your financial plans should contain enough detail (i.e., monthly) for the first year, then quarterly or yearly for the following two years. You should include a profit and loss account, a cash flow forecast and a Balance Sheet together with a break-even analysis.

Additional Business Planning Help

Use the following sites to get additional business planning templates to assist starting your business.

• Teneric planning templates
• Check your startup costs

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4 Free Business Plan Templates: Where to find them and what you get

While some people argue about whether you need a business plan to be successful, you almost certainly will need one when opening bank accounts and seeking funding. Fortunately there are some good free business plan templates and advice online. Here we will review 4 of the best covering what you get and where to find them.

1)      Gov.uk – The ‘write a business plan’ page of the UK government’s website includes advice and a selection of different business plan templates so you can select which one is best for your business.

2)      The Prince’s Trust – Although The Prince’s Trust specialise in supporting young people their business plan template is available to anyone. At 16 pages it is substantially shorter than the one from Business Link and is less formal in tone. The Prince’s Trust plan also goes into more depth on the logistics of how the company is going to work and the reasons for starting it up.

3)      Microsoft Word – Microsoft have a start-up business template which you can download. When you open it up in word it runs to 28 pages and is full of questions, advice and points to consider. Compared to The Princes Trust and Business Link plans it is a lot more text heavy and takes some reading. It is also a lot more focussed on the financials of the company than the other two plans, concentrating on accounts payable, pricing and other financial planning considerations.

4)      Your Bank – One of the main reasons people do a business plan is because their bank asks them to. If this is your motivation then it makes sense to use a template your bank will like. Our business banking partners HSBC have a business plan tool, Natwest have an online form and Barclay’s offer plenty of advice . Many of the other main UK banks also have templates or advice online. Using the bank’s own forms should mean that you tick all of the boxes and answer all of the questions they are likely to be looking at which can only help make your meeting go more smoothly.

Whichever template you choose it is important that you invest the time to get your plan right before you try to use it. Most of these plans require you to do a considerable amount of research into your target market, customers and competitors. Don’t leave it until the night before your bank meeting to get it done!

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Free Business Plan Template for Small Businesses (2024)

Use this free business plan template to write your business plan quickly and efficiently.

A good business plan is essential to successfully starting your business —  and the easiest way to simplify the work of writing a business plan is to start with a business plan template.

You’re already investing time and energy in refining your business model and planning your launch—there’s no need to reinvent the wheel when it comes to writing a business plan. Instead, to help build a complete and effective plan, lean on time-tested structures created by other  entrepreneurs and startups. 

Ahead, learn what it takes to create a solid business plan and download Shopify's free business plan template to get started on your dream today. 

What this free business plan template includes

• Executive summary
• Company overview
• Products or services offered
• Market analysis
• Marketing plan
• Logistics and operations plan
• Financial plan

This business plan outline is designed to ensure you’re thinking through all of the important facets of starting a new business. It’s intended to help new business owners and entrepreneurs consider the full scope of running a business and identify functional areas they may not have considered or where they may need to level up their skills as they grow.

That said, it may not include the specific details or structure preferred by a potential investor or lender. If your goal with a business plan is to secure funding , check with your target organizations—typically banks or investors—to see if they have business plan templates you can follow to maximize your chances of success.

Shopify's free business plan template includes seven key elements typically found in the traditional business plan format:

1. Executive summary

This is a one-page summary of your whole plan, typically written after the rest of the plan is completed. The description section of your executive summary will also cover your management team, business objectives and strategy, and other background information about the brand. 

2. Company overview

This section of your business plan will answer two fundamental questions: “Who are you?” and “What do you plan to do?” Answering these questions clarifies why your company exists, what sets it apart from others, and why it’s a good investment opportunity. This section will detail the reasons for your business’s existence, its goals, and its guiding principles.

3. Products or services offered

What you sell and the most important features of your products or services. It also includes any plans for intellectual property, like patent filings or copyright. If you do market research for new product lines, it will show up in this section of your business plan.

4. Market analysis

This section includes everything from estimated market size to your target markets and competitive advantage. It’ll include a competitive analysis of your industry to address competitors’ strengths and weaknesses. Market research is an important part of ensuring you have a viable idea.

5. Marketing plan

How you intend to get the word out about your business, and what strategic decisions you’ve made about things like your pricing strategy. It also covers potential customers’ demographics, your sales plan, and your metrics and milestones for success.

6. Logistics and operations plan

Everything that needs to happen to turn your raw materials into products and get them into the hands of your customers.

7. Financial plan

It’s important to include a look at your financial projections, including both revenue and expense projections. This section includes templates for three key financial statements: an income statement, a balance sheet, and a cash-flow statement . You can also include whether or not you need a business loan and how much you’ll need.

Business plan examples

What do financial projections look like on paper? How do you write an executive summary? What should your company description include?  Business plan examples  can help answer some of these questions and transform your business idea into an actionable plan.

Professional business plan example

Inside the template, you'll find a sample business plan featuring a fictional ecommerce business . 

The sample is set up to help you get a sense of each section and understand how they apply to the planning and evaluation stages of a business plan. If you’re looking for funding, this example won’t be a complete or formal look at business plans, but it will give you a great place to start and notes about where to expand.

Lean business plan example

A lean business plan format is a shortened version of your more detailed business plan. It’s helpful when modifying your plan for a specific audience, like investors or new hires. 

Also known as a one-page business plan, it includes only the most important, need-to-know information, such as:

• Company description
• Key members of your team
• Customer segments

💡 Tip: For a step-by-step guide to creating a lean business plan (including a sample business plan), read Shopify's guide on how to create a lean business plan .

Benefits of writing a solid business plan

It’s tempting to dive right into execution when you’re excited about a new business or side project, but taking the time to write a thorough business plan and get your thoughts on paper allows you to do a number of beneficial things:

• Test the viability of your business idea. Whether you’ve got one business idea or many, business plans can make an idea more tangible, helping you see if it’s truly viable and ensure you’ve found a target market. 
• Plan for your next phase. Whether your goal is to start a new business or scale an existing business to the next level, a business plan can help you understand what needs to happen and identify gaps to address.
• Clarify marketing strategy, goals, and tactics. Writing a business plan can show you the actionable next steps to take on a big, abstract idea. It can also help you narrow your strategy and identify clear-cut tactics that will support it.
• Scope the necessary work. Without a concrete plan, cost overruns and delays are all but certain. A business plan can help you see the full scope of work to be done and adjust your investment of time and money accordingly.
• Hire and build partnerships. When you need buy-in from potential employees and business partners, especially in the early stages of your business, a clearly written business plan is one of the best tools at your disposal. A business plan provides a refined look at your goals for the business, letting partners judge for themselves whether or not they agree with your vision.
• Secure funds. Seeking financing for your business—whether from venture capital, financial institutions, or Shopify Capital —is one of the most common reasons to create a business plan.

Why you should you use a template for a business plan

A business plan can be as informal or formal as your situation calls for, but even if you’re a fan of the back-of-the-napkin approach to planning, there are some key benefits to starting your plan from an existing outline or simple business plan template.

No blank-page paralysis

A blank page can be intimidating to even the most seasoned writers. Using an established business planning process and template can help you get past the inertia of starting your business plan, and it allows you to skip the work of building an outline from scratch. You can always adjust a template to suit your needs.

Guidance on what to include in each section

If you’ve never sat through a business class, you might never have created a SWOT analysis or financial projections. Templates that offer guidance—in plain language—about how to fill in each section can help you navigate sometimes-daunting business jargon and create a complete and effective plan.

Knowing you’ve considered every section

In some cases, you may not need to complete every section of a startup business plan template, but its initial structure shows you you’re choosing to omit a section as opposed to forgetting to include it in the first place.

Tips for creating a successful business plan

There are some high-level strategic guidelines beyond the advice included in this free business plan template that can help you write an effective, complete plan while minimizing busywork.

Understand the audience for your plan

If you’re writing a business plan for yourself in order to get clarity on your ideas and your industry as a whole, you may not need to include the same level of detail or polish you would with a business plan you want to send to potential investors. Knowing who will read your plan will help you decide how much time to spend on it.

Know your goals

Understanding the goals of your plan can help you set the right scope. If your goal is to use the plan as a roadmap for growth, you may invest more time in it than if your goal is to understand the competitive landscape of a new industry.

Take it step by step

Writing a 10- to 15-page document can feel daunting, so try to tackle one section at a time. Select a couple of sections you feel most confident writing and start there—you can start on the next few sections once those are complete. Jot down bullet-point notes in each section before you start writing to organize your thoughts and streamline the writing process.

Maximize your business planning efforts

Planning is key to the financial success of any type of business , whether you’re a startup, non-profit, or corporation.

To make sure your efforts are focused on the highest-value parts of your own business planning, like clarifying your goals, setting a strategy, and understanding the target market and competitive landscape, lean on a business plan outline to handle the structure and format for you. Even if you eventually omit sections, you’ll save yourself time and energy by starting with a framework already in place.

Business plan template FAQ

What is the purpose of a business plan.

The purpose of your business plan is to describe a new business opportunity or an existing one. It clarifies the business strategy, marketing plan, financial forecasts, potential providers, and more information about the company.

How do I write a simple business plan?

• Choose a business plan format, such as a traditional or a one-page business plan. 
• Find a business plan template.
• Read through a business plan sample.
• Fill in the sections of your business plan.

What is the best business plan template?

If you need help writing a business plan, Shopify’s template is one of the most beginner-friendly options you’ll find. It’s comprehensive, well-written, and helps you fill out every section.

What are the 5 essential parts of a business plan?

The five essential parts of a traditional business plan include:

• Executive summary: This is a brief overview of the business plan, summarizing the key points and highlighting the main points of the plan.
• Business description: This section outlines the business concept and how it will be executed.
• Market analysis: This section provides an in-depth look at the target market and how the business will compete in the marketplace.
• Financial plan: This section details the financial projections for the business, including sales forecasts, capital requirements, and a break-even analysis.
• Management and organization: This section describes the management team and the organizational structure of the business.

Are there any free business plan templates?

There are several free templates for business plans for small business owners available online, including Shopify’s own version.

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Free Business Plan Template (UK)

Helping you convince investors your business is the one to back

Without a credible and investable business plan, founders are unlikely to succeed in raising the investment they need to grow. All too often we see entrepreneurs attempt to raise funds missing vital information in their lacklustre business plan . It’s why, on average, less than 1% of pitches result in investment. 

At Robot Mascot, we specialise in creating investment materials that convince investors. As the UK’s leading pitch agency, our clients are 40 times more likely to receive investment. This is why we’ve created a free basic business plan template to help you set yourself on the path to funding success.

What is a business plan?

A business plan is a formal written document that describes your business in great detail. Specifically, a business plan outlines your business’s goals and objectives, overarching strategy, and how you plan on implementing the strategy and achieving those goals. 

What is the purpose of a business plan?

Entrepreneurs and startups create business plans to help secure investment for their businesses. 

A business plan is designed to provide you and potential investors with a clear understanding of how you intend to generate money and make your business a success. Your business plan isn’t just for investors however, it is something that you can regularly refer back to, to help you establish and grow your business. For example, having a solid business plan in place can help you to convince potential employees, customers, and suppliers to support your business.

A comprehensive business plan is key to attaining support and funding, whether it be from angel investors or venture capitalists . In fact, according to research , those who finished their business plans were about twice as likely to successfully grow their business, get investment, or land a loan than those who didn’t. That is why we’re here to help you create a bullet-proof plan with our free business plan template for startups.

How to write a business plan? (Template)

A business plan should cover every aspect of your business, from objectives and marketing strategies to financial forecasts . While the format and content of business plans can vary, there are core sections and features that investors will expect to see within your business plan. 

Our free business plan template includes ten key sections along with detailed instructions about how to write and complete each section to help you build a solid plan. 

Our downloadable business plan template includes the following essential sections: 

• Executive Summary
• Company Description
• Products and Services
• Target Market
• Market Research
• Marketing Strategy
• Operations and Logistics
• Management and Organisation
• Start-up Expenses
• Financial Plan

Why is a business plan important?

As well as helping you to attain investor support and funding, a great business plan for investment can help you in a variety of ways. It can help you to:

• Clarify your business idea in a structured manner, and test the validity and strength of your idea
• Set out your goals and objectives, and detail how to achieve them
• Follow a clear strategy 
• Identify any potential problems
• Measure your progress
• Secure external finance for your business (eg. loans)
• Ensure your team are aligned and working toward the same goals and objectives
• Better understand your target market and competitors
• Attract business partners, employees and suppliers
• Plan for the next phase and beyond!

How to write a business plan

Writing a business plan takes a lot of time, thought and energy. To help you create the perfect business plan, here are a few insightful tips: 

1. Keep the plan clear and concise

While detail is important, you don’t want to go into too much depth. No fluff or waffle here, please! Include the most essential things that investors need to know to get them engaged and excited about your idea. Provide enough information in a clear and concise manner to give investors confidence that you have a solid plan in place.

2. Make the plan presentable

Blocks of text can sometimes overwhelm the reader, so make sure you find other ways to present the information. For example, consider using bullet points to highlight key points and tables, graphs, and charts to visualise data. You should also use clear headings and subheadings and ensure consistency in structure, style, and formatting (e.g., font types and sizes).

3. Check your spelling!

Spelling and grammatical errors happen, especially when you’re so immersed in a project such as this. But if the investor picks up on any mistakes, it may give the impression that you haven’t taken enough care with your business plan. To ensure your plan is spelling-error-free and grammatically correct, always get a second pair of eyes to proofread and sense-check your plan to pick up on anything you might have missed.

4. Always refer back to your goals

Your goals and objectives should be at the very heart of your plan, which is why it’s essential to tie everything back to them. When writing each section, always keep your goals in mind. For example, “How does this marketing strategy help to achieve my goal?” This shows the investor that you are constantly thinking about how you can achieve your objectives and gives them confidence that you have been thorough and diligent.

5. Interrogate and refine

Once you’ve written your plan and had someone else review it, it’s time to interrogate and refine your business plan. Try approaching it from an investor’s point of view to make sure you’ve answered any questions they may pose to you. You should also ensure that any goals and objectives you’ve set are realistic and achievable based on your strategy and the evidence you’ve provided.

Finally, share your plan with those around you, whether close friends or trusted experts within your industry. Which parts did they find the most convincing? Are there parts they didn’t understand? Getting genuine feedback before sharing your plan with investors can be very valuable.  

Can I customise a business plan template to fit my specific business?

Yes, you can customise a business plan template to fit your specific business, and that’s why we’ve created it in an easy-to-use format for you to download for free. Tailoring the template allows you to address the unique aspects of your business, such as your industry, target market, and competitive landscape. Using tools like our financial forecasting template can help you create detailed and accurate financial sections, further enhancing the credibility of your business plan.

Can a business plan template be used for both startups and existing businesses?

A business plan template can be used for both startups and existing businesses. Whether you are just starting or looking to expand, our easy-to-use, downloadable free business plan template will guide you through creating a compelling and effective business plan.

Download our free business plan template (UK)

If you’re ready to take the leap and start writing your business plan, allow us to help. Robot Mascot’s free startup business plan template is available in Word and is free to download. It provides all the crucial sections and necessary elements that make a great business plan. 

Our free business plan template is designed for UK startups and entrepreneurs. It offers insightful instructions about layout, structure and what to include in each section to help you cover everything an investor will expect to see. To convince investors and gain their support, having a solid business plan in place is essential. Download our business plan template to kickstart your pitching journey . 

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Then you probably need to write a business plan…but don’t worry, you’ve already done most of the hard work in coming up with an idea.

This template will help you document the key details, goals and objectives of your business plan. Business plans are a great tool for showing potential investors and clients a roadmap of how you aim to achieve your business goals.

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Writing Your Business Plan

A business plan is a document that will not only help you to evaluate your business idea, but it will also provide you with focus and direction. It should set out what you want to achieve and how you intend to achieve it.

Download A Business Plan (Word) Template Here

Making A Request For Funding

If you have identified that you will need to borrow money to start your business, then a detailed business plan will be required and will play a vital role in making a successful application for finance. A lender or investor will want to see that you can pay back any loans or provide them with a return on their investment.

Do's and Dont's

• Do think about the audience for your business plan and write it accordingly.
• Don’t forget to update your business plan regularly. Business planning is not just for start-up businesses!

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Example business plans

Put together your business plan with our tips.

Where can I find an example of a business plan?

If you’re preparing to write your first business plan and are looking for some useful resources and advice on what elements to include you have come to the right page.

It is essential to have a realistic, working business plan when you’re starting up a business. We have our own section devoted to business planning where there are lots of articles and links to information on writing business plans . The content can show you how to prepare a high quality plan using a number of easy-to-follow steps but also contains more specialist information to help you really fine tune your document, plus advice on presentation and targeting.

If you are specifically looking for advice as a franchisee, check out our article on the 11 things you need to include in a franchise business plan .

There are a range of other sources you may also want to use. An often overlooked source is your Bank who may well have information, examples and templates of business plans:

• Barclays template and checklist [pdf]
• Lloyds sample plan [downloadable pdf – see section 4]

The Prince’s Trust offers downloadble pdf, MS Word and Excel templates . They also offer personal advice on completing a plan through their Enterprise programme if you are selected to work with them.

Slideshare has lots of business plans uploaded, which you can browse through here . We liked this thorough 26 page example from The Business Plan Team , as well as a template created by former Deloitte Management Consultants here , and a good example of a colourful, visual plan suitable for a trendy food business here .

An interesting interactive free business plan creator is offered by LawDepot . On the website you are stepped through 7 simple steps using a well-designed graphic interface, and at the end you can output the subsequent plan ready to fill in. There are 12 industries to choose from and it has sections for company structure, product, marketing, SWOT, operations and ‘Fine Details’.

Other Web Resources: Business Plan Templates

You can find examples of business plans for different types of businesses at:

• ACCA – the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants have 3 example business plans for three different business sectors: Cafe, Import Business, UK Ltd business seeking finance.
• Bplans – owned and operated by Palo Alto Software Inc., the site has free plans to download and it also has examples for lots of different types of individual or specific market sectors.
• Expert Hub – based in South Africa, this site has 21 example business plans for different categories.
• Start Up Loans – offer a downloadable .docx template.
• Invest Northern Ireland – have a .doc business plan template to download here
• StartUps.com – have four sample plans that you can access from Google Drive (note, this is a USA site so the examples are US-based, although the formats could still work for a UK business).
• Examples.com – 20+ example downloadable .pdf plans for different sectors.

Finally, how about a video on the subject? Quite a few examples on Youtube.

How about this one from Craig Frazier?

Further reading on business plans:

• Advice and the basic tips of writing a business plan
• A check list of what should be in your business plan

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New local action plan launched to boost Tees Valley economy

Innovate UK has partnered with the Tees Valley Combined Authority (TVCA) on a new plan to boost business productivity and innovation in the Tees Valley region.

Download the action plan

The plan was unveiled at the Tees Valley Local Action Plan launch today, Thursday 5 th September, hosted by CPI’s National Biologics Manufacturing Centre in Darlington. The event was attended by local business leaders and regional stakeholders.

This Local Action Plan for Tees Valley is one of seven regional plans currently in place across the UK, with more in the works. These action plans are part of Innovate UK’s broader ‘Place’ strategy, which aims to unlock regional potential by taking a localised approach to innovation support.

By working closely with regional partners like TVCA, Innovate UK can better understand and respond to the unique strengths, needs and growth opportunities within local economies. This place-based model helps drive regionally inclusive innovation that creates high-value jobs and boosts productivity where it matters most.

Over the past five years Innovate UK has invested £52 million into innovation projects across Tees Valley. This helps businesses de-risk innovation, secure private funding, boost competitiveness, and create jobs.

By working in close collaboration with TVCA to create the Local Action Plan, Innovate UK aims to build on this momentum and capitalise on the region’s strengths in low-carbon technologies, digital, biosciences, and manufacturing. A core focus is establishing Tees Valley as a net zero industrial cluster by 2040 – helping businesses decarbonise, restore biodiversity, attract investment, and generate high-value local employment.

Other shared priorities include strengthening the digital economy and expanding the role of biosciences in tackling climate change by generating clean energy, using more efficient materials, and reducing plastic waste.

To deliver on these ambitions, the Local Action Plan promotes collaboration with TVCA across three key areas:

• Strategic Partnerships creating the right connections for the Tees Valley innovation ecosystem to drive local economic growth.
• Targeted and Accessible Innovation Support tailored to meet the needs of local businesses, complementing other support services.
• Effective Communication and Promotion to raise awareness of available opportunities and inspire more participation in innovation.

Innovate UK CEO, Indro Mukerjee welcomed the new plan, stating:

As the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK is focused on building strong partnerships across the UK to support innovation and drive economic growth. I am pleased to launch our collaborative Tees Valley Local Action Plan, which is the result of a strong and close partnership with Tees Valley Combined Authority.

Ben Houchen, Tees Valley Mayor , said:

From developing major low-carbon energy projects to creating the digital solutions of tomorrow – our area is renowned as a leader in innovation and creativity. It’s essential we have the right plan in place to build on this further however, and this collaboration with Innovate UK will support key inward investment and deliver well-paid high skilled jobs to drive our local economy forward.

Download the Tees Valley Local Action Plan

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US tightens export controls on chipmaking and quantum tech 

The UK and other nations have already established similar restrictions, and more countries are expected to follow suit.  

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The US has announced the implementation of new export controls on advanced chipmaking equipment and quantum computing technologies, aiming to address national security concerns.  

The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) published an interim final rule (IFR) that took effect immediately, with a 60-day public comment period now open. 

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According to the BIS, the new measures would strengthen international relationships with like-minded countries and ensure that US export controls are in step with rapidly advancing technologies that could pose serious threats to national security if misused.  

The IFR introduces global export controls on items such as quantum computers, advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, Gate All-Around Field-Effect Transistor technology that is used to create high-performance chips for supercomputers, and additive manufacturing items related to metal or metal alloy production. 

According to Reuters , the UK and other nations have already established similar restrictions, and more countries are expected to follow suit.  

BIS under secretary Alan Estevez said: “Today’s action ensures our national export controls keep step with rapidly evolving technologies and are more effective when we work in concert with international partners.  

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“Aligning our controls on quantum and other advanced technologies makes it significantly more difficult for our adversaries to develop and deploy these technologies in ways that threaten our collective security.” 

BIS Commerce for Export Administration assistant secretary Thea D. Rozman Kendler said: “The most effective way to protect our national security is to develop and coordinate our controls alongside like-minded partners, and today’s actions demonstrate our flexibility in how we craft such controls to achieve our national security objective.  

“Not only are we adopting new emerging technology controls with this rule, we are also building increased agility into our system with a new license exception for trusted partners.” 

This latest action builds upon previous restrictions primarily targeting China , including comprehensive measures enacted in 2022 that required US companies to obtain a license before shipping certain advanced chip equipment to Chinese clients and limited support from US persons for chip development or production in China. 

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