The real value of a business plan is in the process of developing it and the process of reviewing it. Once you have developed a multi-year forward plan with all these details in it you have a great tool for managing your organisation and keeping the forward momentum going through periodic reviews. How often you review depends on the particular needs of your organisation and how quickly things change but most organisations need to revisit plans annually to up-date the details - and carry out a more detailed review and forward planning exercise every two or three years. On the other hand, reviewing the budgets and cash flow forecasts, and comparing these to reality, should be undertaken more regularly.

You might be able to get help with the whole Business Planning process – or you may need to use different agencies to assist with different aspects of it and to provide any specialist skills or knowledge needed. Your local development agency (Rural Community Council, Council for Voluntary Service or Voluntary Action) may be able to help. Details of how to find these and other useful agencies are included in the Getting Help section of the Finance Hub website – and a few are provided at the end of this overview.

While you might want to bring in some help with developing your Business Plan you should avoid simply paying someone else to write one for you. The real benefit to your organisation is the process of developing and reviewing the plan — missing this stage out can make the plan a liability rather than an asset. You could end up using information you do not understand to attract funding or finance, and this can be very risky, since if the plan succeeds in attracting the finance, those providing it may well expect you to deliver in line with the plan.