"The need to improve the level of planning and hence the financial control over a business is a key reason why SME owners make the decision to bring on board a part-time Finance Director"
Preparing a business plan is one of the most important tasks for a business owner. If you don't know where you are going - how do you know how to get there or when you have arrived?
The truth of the matter is that most businesses don't plan effectively. Our research shows that less than 10% of businesses have an annual budget. Even fewer businesses compare budget against actual figures.
Most small to medium sized businesses, if they produce monthly accounts at all, simply rely on prior month or last year's figures to measure performance. This historical approach does not provide the direction and information needed to grow the business.
Different forms of financial planning
Plans are often given different names such as a budget, a forecast, a business plan, or a strategic plan. Irrespective of the name, a plan is more than a set of numbers, it is a road map.
At The FD Group, we differentiate between Financial Planning for the short term, by which we mean the next 1 to 2 years, and Strategy which looks at the long term 5 to 10 year outlook for a business.
The FD Group business financial planning service deals with short term matters such as:
The starting point for this process is the question 'Where is the business now?' We offer all new clients a Business Health Check. By reviewing the current position and immediate past. Using our business advisory services can help identify what changes to systems and processes would most benefit their business.
Short term planning means assumptions and actions associated with the numbers must be implemented as a matter of urgency to ensure the business stays on course to achieve its longer term goals. Taking action in a timely fashion is extremely important to business success.
Our Financial Directors will help you with planning issues which includes the following:
A financial health check
The forecasting and budgeting process
Identifying and quantifying the key assumptions
Integrated financial modeling
Profit and loss account, cash flow forecast and balance sheet
Preparing a business plan to seek funding

Our financial planning pillar consists of 12 elements which we are happy to discuss with you at length during our FREE initial consultation. Why not book yours today?
If you want to strategic plan your road to success, then call our Finance Directors today on
0800 112 3375 or complete our contact form.