Business plans
We regularly help business managers with preparation of business plans. We provide added value beyond the traditional number-crunching role performed by accountants.
Our business plan services include:
- advice regarding the content of a business plan
- assistance on the preparation of a business plan based on provided information
- production of a set of illustrative financial projections
- independent validation of a business plan
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Business plan validation
Many spreadsheets:
- contain errors
- lack flexibility
- have too little, or too much, data
- apply assumptions which are inconsistent with other data
However, the success of capital transactions is often crucially dependent on robust financial projections.
Financial institutions and regulators often require independent assurance regarding the robustness of financial projections and we have experienced staff who can provide this assurance.
Our approach
We have developed a methodology which is scalable depending on the level of assurance required. This may include comment about:
- the consistency of the business plan narrative consistent with the underlying projections
- the preparation of the financial projections on the basis of specified assumptions
- the robustness, consistency and arithmetical accuracy of logic and calculations in the model
- reasonableness of the principal assumptions
- the key financial risks areas which might prevent the projections being achieved
- independent verification of the assumptions
- sensitivity of the projections to changes in assumptions
- comparability with the results from an independent financial model
Our reviews often make use of both existing Microsoft tools and third party products. These demonstrate how formulae have been copied, improve navigation between precedent and dependent cells, and detect certain common errors. We can also undertake audits of models developed in other tools, such as Brixx.
Our experience
We have on many occasions:
- validated business plans for financial institutions including clearing banks and regulators such as the Financial Services Authority and the Tenant Services Authority
- reported on a range of transactions varying from small to £500+ million
We involve senior staff who are both qualified accountants and experienced model-builders, and who have many years of experience in indentifying common weaknesses in financial model architecture.
Contact details
For further details on any of our business plan validation services:
email: Roland Brook
tel: 020 7131 4173
Business plan modelling
Many spreadsheets evolve over time without well structured design, no integrity checks, and are poorly documented. Making a relatively simple change can often take a long time, result in errors, and/or have unexpected consequences.
We have experienced staff who build robust and flexible models which can meet the needs of different users whether management, financiers or professional advisers.
Our approach to business plan modelling
Development of business plan models usually involves the following steps:
- familiarisation – review of any relevant available data and/or existing model
- kick-off meeting – agreement regarding new model inputs, outputs, calculations, potential model sensitivities, and project timetable
- model outline – design and agreement regarding structure for input, processing and output sheets
- model preparation – detailed model development including internal integrity checks; outline documentation; initial checks using test data
- acceptance testing – model handover for review and detailed testing; appropriate amendments and then final version of the model
How we can help you
Wherever possible, we transfer models to client staff so they:
- have access to a tool which has sufficient detail but also sufficient flexibility to perform e.g. required sensitivities
- can use the models and make changes without always having to refer back to us in future
- obtain maximum benefit from our knowledge and skills
Our experience
Our modelling team are qualified accountants and experienced at modelling in a range of different business sectors. These include:
- banking and insurance services
- e-business
- energy
- housing association
- information technology
- PFI
- professional practices
- property development and investment
- public sector
- sport projects
- travel
Our models have often formed the basis of working capital statements in public offer documents, and have been subject to review or audit by financiers and/or other firms of accountants.
Contact details
Further details on any of our business plan modelling services:
email: Roland Brook
tel: 020 7131 4173
