How to build a business plan

Businesses at any stage in their life cycle can benefit heavily from creating and implementing a business plan.

Not only is a business plan there to map out your goals and aspirations, but also to identify any financial risks and operational challenges you may encounter.

According to research conducted by Fundsquire, 20% of small businesses fail in the first year, and around 60% fail within the first three years of trading, while CB Insights discovered:
• 29% fail because they ran out of cash
• 18% fail because of pricing and cost issues
• 17% fail due to a lack of a business model
• 14% fail because of poor marketing.

A business plan will usually outline strategies to avoid all of these issues – that’s why it’s important to create a thorough plan as early as possible in your business journey.

Here are some things you should include and what your business plan can do for you.

Read more on How to build an effective business plan here: 

You might be interested in...

  1. UK tax implications of working abroad

    27 May 2026

    UK tax implications of working abroad

    Domicile. Residency. Double taxation. The tax impacts that you need to know about working or living abroad.

    Learn more

    UK tax implications of working abroad
  2. Top 5 tips for SMEs starting their AI journey

    27 May 2026

    Top 5 tips for SMEs starting their AI journey

    Cut through the AI hype and demo overload with our five practical tips to help SMEs adopt AI in a controlled, business-focused way.

    Learn more

    Top 5 tips for SMEs starting their AI journey
  3. Mortgage Types Explained

    26 May 2026

    Mortgage Types Explained

    A bite-sized guide to the residential and letting mortgage types.

    Learn more

    Mortgage Types Explained
  4. Play icon

    22 May 2026

    Beyond the Books Episode 5

    Jordan is joined by business owner and ex-corporate finance expert who talks about the move from corporate life into the property world and what she’s learned as a business owner.

    Watch now

    Beyond the Books Episode 5