Business & Strategic Planning
In today's world of rapid change, many clients are requesting that we assist them in the production of business plans which will provide them with guidance on how to manage their business to achieve determined goals.
Occasionally we are asked to write business plans which are informational in their content. Such plans may be used to communicate the objectives of the business to other stakeholders, such as banks, investors or employees. These plans tend to be not very strategic, but nevertheless can fill a useful purpose as a communication tool.
Other plans are more strategic in nature. We examine with a business proprietor or the management team the options available for the business in relation to the goals of the organisation. In some cases we assist in the goal setting process.
We work with the management team to determine strategies that will allow the organisation to realise its goals and objectives.
Goals and objectives can cover a variety of areas - rate of growth, position in the market place, quality, profit levels, return on investment, exit strategies, diversification or specialisation to name a few.
Importantly, the setting of plans and strategies means that a business will proceed in a more controlled fashion and with a sense of direction. Not having a plan, especially when the business environment is changing so rapidly, is seen by many as 'planning to fail'.
Jaquillard Minns have developed a unique methodology which allows the components of a business plan to be tailored to the needs of the client. Using contemporary planning methodology and what are widely regarded as best practice methodologies, we use a combination of tools to prepare a plan which will have depth and substance.
We will not use an out of the box software product, as these are generally little more than word processing templates with a set of headings. It is the processes that are undertaken in the planning process that contribute to the quality and functionality of the plan.
Depending on the reason for the plan, our approach can be to commence with an enterprise review, which seeks to identify major issues facing the organisation and determine goals for improvement within the organisation. The plan is not a document that will sit on the shelf - it is a working document that is referred to often and is regularly updated.
The success of the planning process will of course depend to a large extent on the implementation of the actions, strategies and recommendations set out in the plan. We can be involved in the implementation phase, and will generally always schedule review points after the plan is completed to ensure that the plan is being implemented. Any problems in implementation are dealt with during the reviews.
As with all of our services, the objective of the business planning process is to help our clients to achieve their personal and business goals.