ABSTRACT
This book has attempted to demonstrate that businesses are not suddenly born, but rather that they evolve and emerge through a combination of circumstances, some luck and some pre-planned. Whilst a number of the difficulties which the entrepreneur faces will be of his own making, a function of his own personality, many will be inherent in the type of business he is proposing. For example, manufacturing businesses like Eurobond Laminates which need plant and equipment, and thus money, present different problems from Girogift, the service business which has no credibility. Whichever is the case, however, a point in time will arise when the owner has to choose whether to move from operating in the black economy, through the grey to the white; whether to translate a self-employment activity into a fully fledged business, or whether, as in the case of Certikin, an existing business can grow and so support new owners. At such a point it is important that all aspects of the business are fully considered so that, as far as possible, the balance between luck and judgement is controlled. Indeed, in some cases, the preparation of a formal business plan is a prerequisite of any negotiation for investment capital. This chapter discusses, with the entrepreneur, the questions which he should be considering and, whilst it focuses particularly upon the content and presentation of a written document, the questions and issues raised are relevant to anyone trying to translate the dream of Alan Sealey and Seamach, through the plans of Colin Goss and PEI to the reality for Malcolm Evans and Steel Fabricators.
