(London, U.K.) The 6th series of Dragons’ Den returned to our screens on BBC on July 21st. For those unfamiliar with the concept, Dragons’ Den is a popular TV show in the U.K., where entrepreneurs pitch their business plans to prospective investors...

After a business plan has been written, the next stage often involves pitching the plan to prospective investors. This very fact means that the plan authors and management team should be one and the same and that ‘outsourcing’ the business plan writin...

A marketing plan is a core component of a business plan. It relates specifically to the marketing of a particular product or service and it describes: o An overall marketing objective o A broad marketing strategy o The tactical detail related to spec...

Do you run a business but believe that a business plan is just for starting up? Or are you one of those people who believe they just don’t have the time to plan? Well, I have news for you. Business planning is not just for start-ups; it is an essential ...

Now that the New Year has dawned, the top priority for any entrepreneur should be the creation of a business plan. Ideas that exist in entrepreneurs’ heads tend to stay exactly where they are, unless they are documented in a formal business plan. By co...

Top 10 Business Plan Mistakes to Avoid Introduction The importance of business planning is widely documented; however, guidance as to what constitutes good business planning is less clearly defined. This article aims to redress that imbalance by des...

1. Introduction In a world increasingly affected by globalisation, increased competitiveness and maturing products, the need for creativity and entrepreneurship has never been greater. Luckily, the attractions of becoming an entrepreneur have never bee...

Writing a business plan is one of the most important things an entrepreneur must do when starting a new business. However, writing a compelling business plan is easier said than done, particularly when time can be so precious. This article outlines the ke...

by Alan Gleeson, Palo Alto Software Ltd There has never been a better time to enter a business plan competition. However, despite a number of new competitions being launched in the UK in recent months, for many entrepreneurs, the rewards have not seeme...

by Alan Gleeson, Palo Alto Software (UK and Ireland) One of the greatest misconceptions about business planning is that a business plan is useful only for start-ups. While start-up companies are indeed one significant segment of business planners, busi...

by Alan Gleeson Palo Alto Software (UK and Ireland) The Dragons' Den on BBC 2 pits entrepreneurs seeking funding for their businesses against a panel of celebrity investors. Aside from the entertainment, there are a number of valuable lessons that can ...

When I am asked to explain why business planning is so important, my first inclination is to quote Lewis Carroll. In Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Alice comes to a fork in the road and asks: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from h...

Before writing a business plan, it is best to undertake some research to help you develop the various sections in the plan. 1. Research All the Relevant Sections Before commencing with your business plan, make sure you ...

When it comes to starting a business, entrepreneurs face a number of challenges, not least the issue of whether there is actually a demand for their particular product or service. The more unique the concept, the greater the challenge in predicting fut...

Writing a business plan can seem a daunting challenge. However, this skill is a vital requirement for any entrepreneur or business seeking to increase their chances of survival. Here is a list of my top ten tips for writing that winning plan: 1. Write ...