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Social enterprise trusts
An overview of trusts, charitable trusts, the trust deed, asset locks and development trusts
Unincorporated associations
How to operate and organise an unincorporated association, and decide whether it suits your needs
Other sources of business finance
How you can source start-up finance from within your local community and how to access peer group lenders.
Better Business Finance
Impartial loan financing information and support to businesses and entrepreneurs looking to develop and grow.
Business plan executive summary - the dos and don’ts
Follow these executive summary dos and don'ts to create an engaging and persuasive executive summary.
Your business, its products and services
Outlining what your company does, what you can offer, the market needs you address and why your idea is viable.
Business plan: your team's skills
An analysis of your workforce - the structure, key skills of your team, training and recruitment plans.
Your business markets and competitors
Define your market, identify your target customers and main competitors and look to the future to anticipate change.
What a business plan should include
How to make a clear and simple plan for how your business will move through the startup and growth phases.
Business plan: marketing and sales
Sectors covering price, customers, your sales channels, distribution methods, promotional strategy and sales plan.
The audience for your business plan
Your business plan will need to be ready for an external audience to view if you're seeking finance or investment.
Succession planning in family businesses
How to balance family relationships and business needs to draw up a fair, effective and tax-efficient exit strategy.
Financial forecasts for your business plan
What to include in your business sales, cashflow and profit and loss forecasts, including financial forecast examples.
Tips for presenting your business plan
Tips for business plan presentation, such as appendices, proofreading and further advice and support.
Managing conflict in family businesses
Using family constitutions and encouraging good communication to manage conflict and channel it as a driver for change.
Download a business plan template
Free downloadable business plan template with tips and guidance to help you write a successful business plan.
Business plan: your operations
Information to include about how you will source, procure, create and deliver the goods or services you will be selling.
Identify how much money your start-up business will make
Concentrate on cashflow estimates in the first year, not expected profit, to help ensure your business stays afloat
Forecast your personal financial needs when starting a business
How to make a realistic assessment of your personal financial needs for the first year of your new business
Cut business costs to increase start-up cashflow
Some simple, common-sense steps to consider when trying to make significant start-up business cost savings