[davep]

Hi, i am putting together a business plan as i am looking to borrow some money for a decent porty (Ninja or Speedster) and a small sign writtten van.

Any ideas on things i need to put in from anyone who's done one before?

Ta 

[Ben Staerck]

1. Cash flow forecast
2. Profit & loss account
3. What you'll do with the money
4. Why it will work
5. Contingency plans

There's probably a bunch of other stuff you need to include but thats all I can think of at the minute. Your best bet is to ask the person whom you will be borrowing off.

[davep]

Thanks, do you know if there is a ready made sheet to fill out or is it all done from scratch?

[prodry]

Try
http://www.businesslink.gov.uk/bdotg/action/layer?topicId=1073869162

There is also one on M/soft Word but its a bit American and I am sure your bank manger has seen it before

[davep]

Thanks prodry

[Mike Osbourne]

Work out your start up costs, then add about 30%  

I set up on the back of interest free credit cards so I had 6-12 months head start. If you have a good credit rating you don't have to go cap in hand to the bank who will then charge you double figure interest.

These deals are gradually becoming less generous. I still have 4k to pay off but can do a balance transfer for 2.5% then interest free for another year if need be.

I would say though the discipline of doing a full business plan is essential and update it as things change. I find accounts tedious, but understand it is important.

[davep]

Ta Mike, im lucky as in a friend is lending me the money interest free, he is a business man so this is why i need the plan, and for myself of course.

[Mike Osbourne]

Good luck with it, I got a standard Ninja that's earning it's keep, but with hindsight would be looking to the speedster or scorpion with inline heat. 

[Ian Gourlay]

Dave,

The Secret is Marketing and that does not come cheap.

So in your plan you must show where and how you are going to get customers week in week out.

[davep]

Thanks ian, i suppose through leaflets, paper ads, letting agencys, pubs etc..

[D woods]

Does anyone actually work to the business plan once they get the money?

[davep]

prob not, but i suppos it would show if it is viable.  i have a full time job now as a Posty but its not what i want to do for another 30 years (already done 10!)  The jobs going down the pan with a view to everyone being part time like in the Netherlands. .

Still a big risk to take 

[angela stone]

if you log onto the natwest website using this link:

http://www.natwest.com/business01.asp?id=BUSINESS/BUSINESS_GUIDES/STARTING_A_BUSINESS

they offer a free start up guide which they email in sections - one of which is a a "how to write a business plan". 

It's free so worth a look.

Hope this helps

Ange

[davep]

Ta angela

[Neil Grainger]

Dave

dont you posties already work part time 5 till 11 is not exactly full time is it

[davep]

Hey, 5 till 12 with no break!  Longer rounds, 5 sets of leaflets a week coming soon, and all new staff part time (we do the extra prep work for them..  all for £16k,  or earn loads more like you??   

[Ian Gourlay]

Well you should be able to get your leaflets out.

[craigp]

Don't expect it to be easy, its a very competive market.

[mark_roberts]

Well done for starting at the start with a plan.  Many just jump in and go belly up.

Your in an excellant position as you can work in the afternoons part-time and deliver your own flyers in the morning with the other junk mail.

First of all get good training from Prochem as its more starter friendly.  NCCA can come when funds are available.  Practice on your friends along with your sales pitch for free.  Get feed back.

Buy clean and tidy second hand gear.  Loads out there.  Also a clean and tidy second hand van.  All available funds will need to be set aside for marketing of which you need to study and learn.

Go part-time to assess the demand, learn the trade etc.  It may take a few years (depending upon you) before you clear £16k.

Price wisely and make local cleaner friends. 

Also get some experience now as you may hate cleaning carpets.

Mark

[davep]

Ta mark,  i have done the NCCA and have a 2nd hand machine.  i have also practiced and took some jobs on via my flyer.

 How much do you think marketing should be?  I was looking towards flyers (£80 for 5000 full colour+£20 per thousand delivery) as well as letters for comercial work?