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Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: tigers_gonads on 07 March 2018, 11:23:38

Title: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 07 March 2018, 11:23:38
Okay, the story is ......  I lost my last job back in November  :'(
Employment chances around here for a ex self employed sparky who is now in his 50's are close to zero.
Quite simply, they are too many blokes (and women) out there who have just the same amount of experience but are 20 years younger then me so you get the odd interview and then a polite break orf  :(

Our lass is working her more then ample assets off keeping the house going and my money is rapidly running out so I either go back on the road for 8 months a year and do 11 hour shifts / anything upto 11 shifts in a row on shite money OR I go self employed and try and get some of my old customers back  :y

I am under no illusions that I can't make a decent living out of sparkying around here due to the amount of people in my field trying to scrape a lifting but something is better then nothing AND i'm quite happy to take a small retail job if I can to make ends meet  :y

Right, I have applied for a business start up funding through the Pinnacle People New Enterprise Allowance which if I can write a plan / fill out the online plan which passes the tests then its worth 65 quid a week for 13 weeks then 33 quid a week for another 13 weeks tax free  :y
A added bonus is that since I went bankrupt 7 years ago, I don't owe a penny to anybody and intend to run the business (as in life) on a zero debt basis. I'll only take a wage when feasible I to subsidise any other part time job I can get.

Another ball ache is ................ I have turned down 3 part time jobs since Christmas due to the fact of if I take a job BEFORE I get this grant, it excludes me from this scheme.
Once I get the grant, I can take a part time job as long as the business hours are more  :y

Has anybody on here ever applied for this ?

Looking at the booklet, imo its leans more to retail and most of the questions are irrelevant to me BUT my lovely adviser strongly disagrees  :(

Help pleeeease  :)
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 07 March 2018, 11:37:58
What is your intended business?
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 07 March 2018, 11:45:56
What is your intended business?


Sole trader
Sparky / alarms / cctv as before but this time, debt free  ;)

I have some potential work there but need to go legit    ;)

Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Andy B on 07 March 2018, 11:58:11
Sorry I can't offer any help other than to wish you good luck.

Have you signed on with agencies? When I was looking for mech fitting work it always seemed that there was more in the way of jobs for sparks
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 07 March 2018, 12:06:44
Sorry I can't offer any help other than to wish you good luck.

Have you signed on with agencies? When I was looking for mech fitting work it always seemed that there was more in the way of jobs for sparks

I'm on the books with a couple of agency's but nothing that keeps me local.
To be honest Andy, some of my qualifications are out of date for site work and with various parts of my body starting to fall apart i'm just looking at small jobs now days.
The days when I chased the money are well gone.
I'd be happy with 2 or 3 small sparkying / alarm jobs a week and a steady part time job  :y
Just to keep my hand in if you know what I mean ..........
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 07 March 2018, 12:19:35
Sorry I can't offer any help other than to wish you good luck.

Have you signed on with agencies? When I was looking for mech fitting work it always seemed that there was more in the way of jobs for sparks

Good luck with the job search, Mr Gonads. SE is good provided you are aware that 'payment for work' will be all over the place. Some people, especially those who need certain things to happen at exactly the same time each week will be out of their comfort zone with SE, and fail to thrive.

Agency work can help......but the bastards often advertise jobs that don't actually exist. :-\
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Viral_Jim on 07 March 2018, 12:21:19
What is your intended business?


Sole trader
Sparky / alarms / cctv as before but this time, debt free  ;)

I have some potential work there but need to go legit    ;)

How quickly do you need it? The wife of one of my team members (on holiday this week) is responsible for allocating around £10m p.a. of Big Lottery cash and then administering the project funding (so looking at how projects are performing against their stated objectives). While this is different to what you're talking about, she does a lot of work with places small place like soup kitchens etc so will have seen more small business plans than we've had hot dinners.

I can see if she has one you can crib or maybe a template, would have to wait until next week though.  :-\
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Sir Tigger KC on 07 March 2018, 12:23:24
Are you qualified to do electrical safety tests Mr Gonads?  ???

I think that this is an area of sparkydom that will boom in the near future as regulations are tightened on rental properties.  ;)

There is talk of a mandatory test every 5 years, and at one point they were talking about Landlords having to have a fresh safety cert at the start of every tenancy.  :-\
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: chrisio on 07 March 2018, 12:33:46
When I applied for funding for help with starting my business I found the hoops and hurdles I had to navigate seemed to geared in putting you off even applying and in-fact did actually put me off applying for a grant.  I actually found one of my old business plans that I had to write and its complete rubbish.

I started off on my kitchen table printing posters and selling them on eBay before moving into a small office all with the intent of doing it all internet based but it snowballed and before I knew it I had a shop on the high street!

I kept my part-time evening job until January 23rd this year working 20hrs per week evenings and weekends at Halfords which paid the bills and meant every spare penny went back into the business.  If you are aiming to have a part-time job do you even need to apply for funding can you not just build it slowly and cherry pick the jobs you want to do?  you have the advantage that your business can be ran out the back of your car so its not like you need 6 months rent upfront on a shop front.

Chris



 
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 07 March 2018, 12:34:13
Sorry I can't offer any help other than to wish you good luck.

Have you signed on with agencies? When I was looking for mech fitting work it always seemed that there was more in the way of jobs for sparks

Good luck with the job search, Mr Gonads. SE is good provided you are aware that 'payment for work' will be all over the place. Some people, especially those who need certain things to happen at exactly the same time each week will be out of their comfort zone with SE, and fail to thrive.

Agency work can help......but the bastards often advertise jobs that don't actually exist. :-\


Tell me about it  >:(

Tbh, the chance of me sub contracting is pretty low.
That's why I lost my business last time through so called colleagues not paying me and the bank pulling a fast one on a business loan  >:(

Any jobs I take on will be private customers. That way, you know were to go if they don't pay up  ;D

 
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 07 March 2018, 12:36:47
What is your intended business?


Sole trader
Sparky / alarms / cctv as before but this time, debt free  ;)

I have some potential work there but need to go legit    ;)

How quickly do you need it? The wife of one of my team members (on holiday this week) is responsible for allocating around £10m p.a. of Big Lottery cash and then administering the project funding (so looking at how projects are performing against their stated objectives). While this is different to what you're talking about, she does a lot of work with places small place like soup kitchens etc so will have seen more small business plans than we've had hot dinners.

I can see if she has one you can crib or maybe a template, would have to wait until next week though.  :-\

To be honest Jimmy, i've been chipping away at this for a few weeks with not much success  :-[
They want it in by Monday morning  :(

Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Bigron on 07 March 2018, 12:38:43
When I worked at a college, the electrical department ran a PAT course, and the students then went on to do very nicely doing the rounds of firms who needed their electrical items certificated. All they needed was the testing equipment, a small box which performed in sulation resistance, etc., and gave a readout to confirm safety.
Could you do something like that?

Ron.
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 07 March 2018, 12:40:56
What is your intended business?


Sole trader
Sparky / alarms / cctv as before but this time, debt free  ;)

I have some potential work there but need to go legit    ;)
OK, you'll need to produce some sort of pricing structure along with the cost of materials with/out your mark up, liability insurance, consumables/tools etc.

Then demonstrate that you've made allowances for putting aside tax/NI ready for when it becomes due.

Alternatively, just set up as self employed and get going without being tied to the grant, unless you really want to be bound by its conditions. This route would also free you up to do short contracts through agencies, although I am inclined to agree with the good lord on them...

Also, if you have C1 and along with a current medical (if over 45) then it might be worth getting your digicard and starting a dcpc course... This would help give an ad-hoc income source and might open other opportunities for the electrical bits...
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 07 March 2018, 12:42:47
Are you qualified to do electrical safety tests Mr Gonads?  ???

I think that this is an area of sparkydom that will boom in the near future as regulations are tightened on rental properties.  ;)

There is talk of a mandatory test every 5 years, and at one point they were talking about Landlords having to have a fresh safety cert at the start of every tenancy.  :-\



Yes and No  ;D

I'm upto 16th edition IEE regs BUT I do have my Part P.
To self certificate, i'd need to join up with a IEE organisation like NAPIT.
I spoke to NAPIT a few weeks ago (I know the local rep) and there opinion is .............

Because they know me from the past, they will let me in the door on a low level until I give them more money / do the 17th edition course.
Until then, i'd be stuck on 4 self certificates per year  ;)
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 07 March 2018, 12:45:53
Right, I need to pop out.
When I get back, i'll copy and paste the questions in the plan on here and we will take it from there  :y

Maybe we can get somewhere by Monday  :y

Thanks for the interest lads  :)
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 07 March 2018, 12:55:40
It has been too long since I last formulated a business plan and times change in view of what is needed in your particular sector of business.

However, try this for a free guide that you can access on your PC immediately once you have registered:

https://www.cardellmedia.com/g/lp/how-to-write-a-business-plan/?business_owner=I+want+to+start+a+new+business

No idea how good or not this is, but it must be at least a guide on how you want to proceed and it comes by route of a qualified sourse, Chris Cardell.

Best of luck :y :y
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: aaronjb on 07 March 2018, 13:13:16
Good luck with the job search, Mr Gonads. SE is good provided you are aware that 'payment for work' will be all over the place. Some people, especially those who need certain things to happen at exactly the same time each week will be out of their comfort zone with SE, and fail to thrive.

I know a lot of people look down on the trades but, personally, I am always in awe of people who can make that line of work .. work, for want of a better word! I tried self employment and failed miserably for a great many reasons (lack of structure being one, I've always been a slacker ;D ) so anyone who can make a go of it has to be doing something right in my book.

Sparks, though, they all take the pi... uh, oh, hey Gonads ;D ;)
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Andy B on 07 March 2018, 13:19:52
....

Sparks, though, they all take the pi... uh, oh, hey Gonads ;D ;)

They'll all masters at it here ....  ???  ;D ;D
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Nick W on 07 March 2018, 13:21:44
....

Sparks, though, they all take the pi... uh, oh, hey Gonads ;D ;)

They'll all masters at it here ....  ??? ;D ;D


mere amateurs compared to car painters.
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Bigron on 07 March 2018, 13:33:51
Ain't dat de troof!
I have watched some of "Wheeler Dealers" and the most expensive part of the re-work is usually the paint job, starting at £1.000 for a simple panel respray and anything up to £5,000 for a car body!
How can that be justified?

Ron.
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Nick W on 07 March 2018, 13:38:45
Ain't dat de troof!
I have watched some of "Wheeler Dealers" and the most expensive part of the re-work is usually the paint job, starting at £1.000 for a simple panel respray and anything up to £5,000 for a car body!
How can that be justified?

Ron.


Have you seen the cost of materials lately?


I was thinking more of the way they treat you than what they charge.
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Bigron on 07 March 2018, 13:48:10
Cost of materials? For that small panel at £1,000, a couple of rattle cans from Poundland would have sufficed!

Ron.
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: aaronjb on 07 March 2018, 13:51:59
Cost of materials? For that small panel at £1,000, a couple of rattle cans from Poundland would have sufficed!

£4k to prep and paint the Cobra, taking it from bare gelcoat complete with flash-lines through to fully painted & buffed, including laid-in stripes.. I didn't think that was too bad ;)
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Bigron on 07 March 2018, 14:03:31
OUCH! Covered in go;ld leaf too, was it?

Ron.
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 07 March 2018, 14:08:56
Cost of materials? For that small panel at £1,000, a couple of rattle cans from Poundland would have sufficed!

£4k to prep and paint the Cobra, taking it from bare gelcoat complete with flash-lines through to fully painted & buffed, including laid-in stripes.. I didn't think that was too bad ;)

Del boy would have sorted your Cobra for a monkey. He was also fully-trained in the art of cleaning a priceless 18th century chandelier.
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 07 March 2018, 14:32:01
Have you considered limiting yourself to inspection and test on the sparky front.

Would probably need the part P inspection and test qual plus calibrated test kit but it then means your in with testing only. which is easier work. plus any remedial should you wish to take it on.

As this is now a requirement for all landlords the workload is generally growing and you could even do PAT testing to  :y

Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: STEMO on 07 March 2018, 15:49:56
Have you considered limiting yourself to inspection and test on the sparky front.

Would probably need the part P inspection and test qual plus calibrated test kit but it then means your in with testing only. which is easier work. plus any remedial should you wish to take it on.

As this is now a requirement for all landlords the workload is generally growing and you could even do PAT testing to  :y
I once PAT tested 750 pieces of kit for a large secondary school. Jesus I was bored.  ;D
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 07 March 2018, 17:32:55
Have you considered limiting yourself to inspection and test on the sparky front.

Would probably need the part P inspection and test qual plus calibrated test kit but it then means your in with testing only. which is easier work. plus any remedial should you wish to take it on.

As this is now a requirement for all landlords the workload is generally growing and you could even do PAT testing to  :y


Thought about it Mark.
To do that full time, I would need full ticket from NAPIT ect.
That would include doing my 17th Edition first then paying Napit for the year upfront.
To add, i've just found out that 17th edition (3rd amendment) is to be subsided by the new all singing, all dancing 18th edition this July  ::)  ;D

Whatever happens, I need to start bringing money in fast to fund all this otherwise i'll end up turning to male prostitution again  :D

Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 07 March 2018, 17:33:51
Good luck with the job search, Mr Gonads. SE is good provided you are aware that 'payment for work' will be all over the place. Some people, especially those who need certain things to happen at exactly the same time each week will be out of their comfort zone with SE, and fail to thrive.

I know a lot of people look down on the trades but, personally, I am always in awe of people who can make that line of work .. work, for want of a better word! I tried self employment and failed miserably for a great many reasons (lack of structure being one, I've always been a slacker ;D ) so anyone who can make a go of it has to be doing something right in my book.

Sparks, though, they all take the pi... uh, oh, hey Gonads ;D ;)



I'm easily offended you know  :P ;D
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 07 March 2018, 17:38:45
It has been too long since I last formulated a business plan and times change in view of what is needed in your particular sector of business.

However, try this for a free guide that you can access on your PC immediately once you have registered:

https://www.cardellmedia.com/g/lp/how-to-write-a-business-plan/?business_owner=I+want+to+start+a+new+business

No idea how good or not this is, but it must be at least a guide on how you want to proceed and it comes by route of a qualified sourse, Chris Cardell.

Best of luck :y :y



Registered Lizzie.
Thanks for that but most of it is his ideas is about how to improve website / social media advertising which i've got mini me for  :y
In fact, even though its just the first page / logo, my Facebook site came on line a couple of days ago  :y
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 07 March 2018, 17:39:23
I'll do some copy and pasting later  :y
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: New POD on 07 March 2018, 20:50:16
Basically it's a case of listing everything you know to be true and all your assumptions about how you will run the business.

1) Who is your target customer?
2) What will you offer them?
3) Why will they buy it off you?
4) how will you advertise ?
5) How much will it cost you to offer that service
6) what will you do if you get more or less business than you planned?

Then there's the predicted finances.  So you should do this on a spreadsheet.

Best, worst and most likely case of sales, and costs.

Then there's the actual plan. a project plan, a financial plan (call it a cash flow forcast)
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 07 March 2018, 20:59:26
Basically it's a case of listing everything you know to be true and all your assumptions about how you will run the business.

1) Who is your target customer?
2) What will you offer them?
3) Why will they buy it off you?
4) how will you advertise ?
5) How much will it cost you to offer that service
6) what will you do if you get more or less business than you planned?

Then there's the predicted finances.  So you should do this on a spreadsheet.

Best, worst and most likely case of sales, and costs.

Then there's the actual plan. a project plan, a financial plan (call it a cash flow forcast)

Plus the most important factor of all:  What is your 5 year profit forecast ;)
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: aaronjb on 08 March 2018, 09:16:44
1) Who is your target customer? People too stupid to do their own electrickery
2) What will you offer them? Electrickery
3) Why will they buy it off you? Because I'm awesome
4) how will you advertise ? GayBook
5) How much will it cost you to offer that service? Thruppence
6) what will you do if you get more or less business than you planned? Take a holiday or starve, respectively

There you go, T-G, pre-filled answers for you... (not helping, am I?)

[edit] There may be a reason I was never any good at self employment ;D
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 08 March 2018, 13:15:46
Basically it's a case of listing everything you know to be true and all your assumptions about how you will run the business.

1) Who is your target customer?
2) What will you offer them?
3) Why will they buy it off you?
4) how will you advertise ?
5) How much will it cost you to offer that service
6) what will you do if you get more or less business than you planned?

Then there's the predicted finances.  So you should do this on a spreadsheet.

Best, worst and most likely case of sales, and costs.

Then there's the actual plan. a project plan, a financial plan (call it a cash flow forcast)


Cheers  :y
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 08 March 2018, 13:16:10
1) Who is your target customer? People too stupid to do their own electrickery
2) What will you offer them? Electrickery
3) Why will they buy it off you? Because I'm awesome
4) how will you advertise ? GayBook
5) How much will it cost you to offer that service? Thruppence
6) what will you do if you get more or less business than you planned? Take a holiday or starve, respectively

There you go, T-G, pre-filled answers for you... (not helping, am I?)

[edit] There may be a reason I was never any good at self employment ;D


Oh you are naughty  ::) ;D
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 08 March 2018, 13:45:17
Okay, here are a few of the questions from the booklet that I have to fill in  ::)
This is what I have got upto now ...........

My Business Idea

Return to working as a self employed electrician / alarm system / CCTV engineer after a break of 7 years.

My business will incorporate all aspects of domestic electrical and testing work. Supply and fit and upgrade security systems for homeowners and small business, including intruder alarms, smoke or fire detectors, CCTV cameras, security lighting and access control panels. Will provide testing and repair services and some installer survey properties, provide consultancy and plan or design systems before installation

Build up a business which has a self sustained, regular income.

Due to my wife working full time and all household outstanding bills covered by her wages, it is the intention to run the business using savings and NO Credit.

A wage will be only taken when all business outgoings are covered and sufficient funds are in the business account hence slowly building up a cash surplus for which I can use to improve the business further and branch out into other fields applicable to trades.




Business Aims and Objectives (Short, Medium and Long term)


0-6 months:

Make effort to contact old customers built up over 16 years letting them know that I’m back again and available for work.
Spread the word amongst associates I personally know in business around the area.
Promote the business via social media.

6-12 months:

As above plus ........
Extend on old customer list using tactical advertising when funds allow.
Look to gain work on a sub contractor basis in the local and near surrounding area (max 60 minutes travelling from base)


12 months onwards

Business will be re established.
Look to have a stable income from regular clients.
Look to branch out into other fields applicable to trade.




Serious Answers Please    ;)



Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 08 March 2018, 14:46:08
A good summary, just needs bolstering with realistic costings... :y
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 08 March 2018, 15:25:56
A good summary, just needs bolstering with realistic costings... :y

Cheers  :y
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 08 March 2018, 15:34:00
Next bit .............

Personal Profile (About You)
Why are you interested in running your own business? Any previous work experience? Any qualification and education? Training (or short courses)? C.V.
Personal aims and objectives – Year 0-1, Year 2-3 and Year 4-5

I was a sole trader / electrician, alarm system engineer for 16 years until I was forced to cease trading due to non payment of moneys due. I believe that I am much older and wiser since my last venture and now feel I can make a go out of it.

Personal aims and objectives -  To give myself and family a good, stable income with a year on year improvement both in financial gains and quality of life.

My work experience / qualifications are covered on my CV which is included with this application.


Key Personnel

Who will be involved in your business and what will their roles be?

I will be working as a sole trader initially.
Using previous experience, I will be looking after all aspects of the business.
At a later date if work dictates, I intend to bring people I know and trust in the various trades on a
job by job / sub contractor basis.


My Personal/Business Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats
Strengths

16 years experience in the field as a sole trader.
Over 30 years experience in his field.
Large database of past customers.
Older / wiser.
Since my bankruptcy, I have already built up my score to well above the local average using good financial practices.
   
Weaknesses

Bankruptcy – working on building up credit score, know from past experience will never get in this situation again.

Opportunities

Giving myself a chance to build a successful business.

   
Threats

Any other business competing in my field of expertise.



Blue text is my words
The Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats fields are the ones which i'm struggling to fill with anything relivent if anybody has any useful imput  :)

Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 08 March 2018, 16:03:29
Threats could simply be life... ie things that either prevent you working or temporarily divert your attention...

Doing this debt free is the only way to do it, but to that end, I would consider an emergency fund for both the house and the business... Initially aim for £750-1,000 for each and then as time allows, build it upto 6 months of expenses for both household and business. That way, if your washing machine or Dewalt drill suddenly dies, it isn't going to be a problem, you simply go and buy a new one.

If you can add this into your plan, it will demonstrate a level of preparedness that 'normal' people would go into debt for. :y

Similarly, demonstrate an allowance for retirement beyond the state pension.
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: zirk on 08 March 2018, 17:00:49
My thoughts -

Okay, here are a few of the questions from the booklet that I have to fill in  ::)
This is what I have got upto now ...........

My Business Idea

Return to working as a self employed electrician / alarm system / CCTV engineer after a break of 7 years.
Self Employed Electrician in Electrical Systems and Safety which will also include Value Added services such as Alarm Systems, CCTV Engineering and modern day Data and Network Cabling Installations.

My business will incorporate all aspects of domestic electrical and testing work. Supply and fit and upgrade security systems for homeowners and small business, including intruder alarms, smoke or fire detectors, CCTV cameras, security lighting and access control panels. Will provide testing and repair services and some installer survey properties, provide consultancy and plan or design systems before installation

Build up a business which has a self sustained, regular income.
Build up a Business which has a self sustained and regular Turnover.

Due to my wife working full time and all household outstanding bills covered by her wages, it is the intention to run the business using savings and NO Credit.
My Wife is in Full Time Employment and this presents a major contributing factor to our Household Income, therefore it is the intention to initially Start Up the Business using our own savings and without the need for additional Out Sourced Funds.

A wage will be only taken when all business outgoings are covered and sufficient funds are in the business account hence slowly building up a cash surplus for which I can use to improve the business further and branch out into other fields applicable to trades.
Not sure this is good statement as you will probably by expected to take some Earnings or Drawings during a Start Up stage and you have already stated Funding by Savings which would be included within your Profit and Loss and Cash Flow Forecast Statements., so may be something like this -

Hmm, not sure, still thinking about it.  :-\






Business Aims and Objectives (Short, Medium and Long term)


0-6 months:

Make effort to contact old customers built up over 16 years letting them know that I’m back again and available for work.
Spread the word amongst associates I personally know in business around the area.
Promote the business via social media.
Contact previous Customers built up over 16 years in order to establish their awareness of the new Business Venture.
Promote the Business using Family, Friends and Established Associates I personally know within the Business Capture Area.
Additionally Market and Promote the Business with the help of Social Media Methods.

6-12 months:

As above plus ........
Extend on old customer list using tactical advertising when funds allow.
Look to gain work on a sub contractor basis in the local and near surrounding area (max 60 minutes travelling from base)


12 months onwards

Business will be re established. (I think I would take this out, unlikely any New Start Up will be Established after Just 12 Months)
Look to have a stable income from regular clients.
Look to branch out into other fields applicable to trade.
Look to have a stable Turnover from regular and referred Clients.
Look to expand into other Fields applicable to the Business Trade.

/color][/size]


Serious Answers Please    ;)
[/quote]
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 08 March 2018, 18:29:49
Zirk   :)

That's pretty much what I was thinking in my head but much more eloquently put  :y :y ;D

Thanks  :)



Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Nick W on 08 March 2018, 22:02:05
Zirk   :)

That's pretty much what I was thinking in my head but much more eloquently put  :y :y ;D

Thanks  :)


Eloquence would require less of the redundant jargon.
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 09 March 2018, 14:33:23
Zirk   :)

That's pretty much what I was thinking in my head but much more eloquently put  :y :y ;D

Thanks  :)


Eloquence would require less of the redundant jargon.



The problem is, my lovely mentor loves that sort of shite  :(

Here is another one .............  she is insisting on me researching 3 of my "so called" competitors websites and I have to identify strengths and weaknesses from them including there pricing structure  ::)
Now if I was opening a shop, it would be no problem.
You pop in incognito, eyeball the prices and deco / advertising and bog off  ::)
But I know and anybody else in my game knows that websites don't give accurate prices for labour rates which is what she is demanding.
Also if you ring them up, they are vague as fick until you let them get through your front door. THEN the bartering starts  ;)
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: zirk on 09 March 2018, 16:30:09
Zirk   :)

That's pretty much what I was thinking in my head but much more eloquently put  :y :y ;D

Thanks  :)


Eloquence would require less of the redundant jargon.
I thought the plan was to help out with TG's future Venture, maybe I read it wrong  >:(
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 10 March 2018, 11:27:31
Okay, the last bit which is doing my head in  ;D

My competitors ..........

I HAVE TO  >:( list 3 or more of my competitors and give pricing structures, Call out charges and Labour rates.

The above I can bullshit because anybody in there right mind will not give a figure over the phone.
I can use my old rates then add 10% plus VAT for there's  :y

I also have to list 5 of there strengths and 5 of there weaknesses. 
This bit is really REALLY doing my piggin head in  :-[ >:(



I have a alarm to sort out today so I will be in and out but please feel free to add sensible input  :)
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 10 March 2018, 13:00:06
Just remember the most important point, the PROFIT forecast.

Believe it or not I used to regularly have to remind others in the past that PROFIT is all important, but sometimes even good managers list everything else of they think is important but not that main one!
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 11 March 2018, 13:49:24
Just remember the most important point, the PROFIT forecast.

Believe it or not I used to regularly have to remind others in the past that PROFIT is all important, but sometimes even good managers list everything else of they think is important but not that main one!


True that Lizzie but lets be honest here, all financal projections go out the window after day 1  ;D
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 11 March 2018, 14:39:21
Beyond making you stop and and set out a clear plan for your business, which is a really good thing, and not to be dismissed, is there any other /benefit to this grant?

What I mean by that, is could you not simply become self employed and start the business whilst simultaneously signing on with an agency for some temporary work doing whatever is going just to bring the cash in to help get you going?
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 11 March 2018, 15:04:06
Beyond making you stop and and set out a clear plan for your business, which is a really good thing, and not to be dismissed, is there any other /benefit to this grant?

What I mean by that, is could you not simply become self employed and start the business whilst simultaneously signing on with an agency for some temporary work doing whatever is going just to bring the cash in to help get you going?


Its going to take a while to get the word back out and for people I know to get back to using me again (if they ever do)  :-\
Yellow / Colour pages wont be out for 12 months and leaflet / local paper is a waste of time so £1245 tax free with very little strings attached is easy money IF I get past this stage.

On the part time job front, I have a few irons in the fire right now ............... Halfords for instance (the manager is a friend  ;)).
I could have had 16 hours at The Range were I did a merchandising job last week but it was 4 x 4 hour shifts with no set shift pattern :(
The company who I did the merchandising for (I used to work with the boss at one of my last employers) has agreed to hold payment until I can sign off and contact HMRC for my new self employed reference number

On the plus side, I made a decent impression on a casual merchandising job last week and i've been told I will get more work out of them and a memeber on here has given me a heads up on a product which could make us both some money  :y

I just need a YES / NO answer over this grant.
Once I get a answer either way, its talk to the HMRC time and away I go  :y


Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 11 March 2018, 15:10:42
Going self employed is always a gamble. Only way to find out is to give it your best shot. :y

Are there any work restrictions upon receipt of the grant? ie would you be able to do any job as you get yourself established?
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 11 March 2018, 15:20:00
Going self employed is always a gamble. Only way to find out is to give it your best shot. :y

Are there any work restrictions upon receipt of the grant? ie would you be able to do any job as you get yourself established?


Not really
By rights I have to put more hours into the business then the part time job which is fair enough imo, the great thing on that is the business hours isn't just time on my tools, you can take into count things like paperwork time, internet / social media research time or even hypothetically visiting a potential contact or customer  ;)

I can only see it turning to poo if I do 40 hours on PAYE then claim I run a business too because the first thing they will ask is when do you sleep  ;D
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Rods2 on 11 March 2018, 22:56:37
Just remember the most important point, the PROFIT forecast.

Believe it or not I used to regularly have to remind others in the past that PROFIT is all important, but sometimes even good managers list everything else of they think is important but not that main one!


True that Lizzie but lets be honest here, all financal projections go out the window after day 1  ;D

Correct, like generals and their battle plans and never lose sight that bragging about turnover is ego and profit is reality. There is nobody on this planet that cannot run a business at a loss, making a consistently profitable business needs considerable more effort and skill to work out where you can add value with your unique, well marketed, desirable products and services. Expressing why your offering is better than your competitors to make those profits and thinking about and coherently expressing this is what your business plan should be about. If you can't do that, then be honest with yourself on why your business will succeed as it is a blind situation that rarely ends well. Good service always has value so concentrate on this as your strategy as being just the cheapest can end up as a race to the bottom with the biggest pockets surviving by gaining market share from the fallout as weaker competing businesses fail.
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 13 March 2018, 13:14:41
Well that's submitted
Fingers crossed i'll find out either way over the next couple of days  :y

Thanks to all those who imputed  :)
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: tigers_gonads on 16 March 2018, 11:27:47
I received a email last night stating i've got the grant and it should be in place by the end of next week :y :y

Thanks to all those who imputed, it was a great help  :)

Okay, another quick question about HMRC this time  ::)

When signing up as self employed, it used to be that you had to inform them within 90 days of the first paid job.
Is this still the same ?

Just wondering if I can hang it out informing them until after the 6th April (begining of the new tax year) ??
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: aaronjb on 16 March 2018, 11:38:48
Congrats TG :y No idea on the other question, though, and the HMRC website is confusing: https://www.gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax-return/register-if-youre-self-employed

Quote
You need to register for Self Assessment and Class 2 National Insurance if you’ll earn more than £1,000 from self-employment between 6 April 2017 and 5 April 2018.

You still need to do this if you’ve sent a tax return before.

Register by 5 October in your business’s second tax year. You could be fined if you don’t.

Highlighted part implies you can wait, though..
Title: Re: How the hell do you write a business plan ?
Post by: Kevin Wood on 16 March 2018, 12:11:26
Congrats TG :y No idea on the other question, though, and the HMRC website is confusing: https://www.gov.uk/log-in-file-self-assessment-tax-return/register-if-youre-self-employed

Quote
You need to register for Self Assessment and Class 2 National Insurance if you’ll earn more than £1,000 from self-employment between 6 April 2017 and 5 April 2018.

You still need to do this if you’ve sent a tax return before.

Register by 5 October in your business’s second tax year. You could be fined if you don’t.

Highlighted part implies you can wait, though..

I guess that timing is so they can request a tax return which will then be due (online, at any rate) by the end of the following January.