Writing a business plan on your own can be hard work. This page gives information about where you can go for assistance.
Enterprise Agencies
If you are setting up a new business or have up to 5 employees, your local enterprise agency will be able to provide free advice and guidance on how to draw up a business plan and how to make it acceptable to potential funders like bank managers. The National Federation of Enterprise Agencies website will give details of your local agency. Alternatively they can be contacted on (01234) 354055.
Business Link
Business Link is set up to help established businesses of between 5 and 200 employees. They can give advice on business plans and can provide Personal Business Advisers who get to know businesses and give a wide range of business advice. Charges for their services vary across different Business Links. Details of your local Business Link can be found on the national Business Link website or by phoning the Business Link Signpost Line on (0845) 756 7765.
Business Plan Consultants
There are business plan consultants who write plans for businesses or who can give feedback on existing plans. Try asking your business banking contact if they can recommend one. While we no longer write external business plans, we can often recommend someone.
Accountants
Many accountants do produce business plans. However, while they should be very good at the financial aspects of a business plan, check that they have the experience and knowledge to deal with non-financial aspects such as marketing and PR.