How to write an effective and reliable business plan

The essentials of writing a great business plan.

So, you’re ready to write your business plan.

First of all, congratulations on deciding to go into business!

The business plan is one of the first (and most important) documents to complete when starting a business.

Making it a good one is vital for many reasons.

Whether it is to apply for finance, attract a business partner or give you a clear path to achieving your business dreams, ensure that your plan achieves what you set out for it to do.

What needs to be covered in a business plan?

Executive Summary

The purpose of your Executive Summary is to make your business proposition understood by others.

Think of it as a short paragraph outlining what your business is and what it sets out to achieve.

Business Description

In addition to your summary, the business description should further detail your business’s purpose.

Here are some key questions to consider when writing this section.

• What are the products/services it will provide?
• What is its overall structure?
• How will it achieve the business goals?

Market Analysis

This section is dedicated to the research underpinning your decision to go into business.

It includes market, competitor, and customer research.

It may be helpful to use SWOT analysis here.

People & Processes

Outline the people and processes that will be used to run the business effectively.

Organisational charts and process maps are your friends when constructing this section.

Marketing Plan & Sales Strategy

How will you attract customers/clients?

In this section, describe the activities that will take place to attract customers to enquire and buy from you.

Financials

Reveal the financial goals and expectations of the business in this section.

This proves the financial viability of the business.

Profit and loss, cash flow and balance sheets are good models here.

How a franchise model helps your business plan

With a franchise business like ServiceMaster Clean, you have the support of a world-renowned franchisor and nationwide brand.

As a result, the stress of writing a business plan is massively alleviated as much of the content is pre-established.

Can’t think of a sales pitch? We already have.

With over 60 years of experience in what we do, our proposition (delivering professional commercial and residential cleaning services to residents and commercial properties across the UK) is already set out.

As are our core services, the market, competitor and customer research.

ServiceMaster Clean’s systems for success have been tried, tested and proven to provide excellent results.

As a global name in lawn care for over 30 years, TruGreen helps entrepreneurs thrive by providing the support to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself.

Our franchise models give you the support, tools, technology, and expertise in operations, sales, marketing, and recruitment to set up a thriving business.

Commercial Cleaning Opportunity:

The value of the commercial cleaning market in the UK was estimated to be around £5.6 billion in 2022.

So, you can expect an average gross profit percentage of 31%* and an average turnover of £1.1 million!

*These are projected averages based on franchisee turnover YTD 2021-2022, not financial certainties or expectations.

Residential Cleaning Opportunity:

There are approximately 27 million dwellings across the UK.

This multi-million-pound residential market consists of homeowners, tenants and landlords looking for a solution to maintain the appearance of their carpets, floorings and furnishings.

This means that by completing 423* cleans a year at a national job average of £133, you can earn £56,206 p.a.

*Based upon nine jobs per week, 48 weeks a year, five working days a week.

Working with our dedicated team, you’ll have support in your operational, sales and marketing activities to ensure you hit the ground running and are on the path to continued growth and success.

This includes a comprehensive starter pack that contains all the marketing and branding materials you need to make a great first impression.

Including:

• Marketing and promotional materials
• Vehicle branding package
• Fully bespoke and maintained website
• Pre-launch support from over 40 head office staff
• Products, equipment, uniforms, stationery
• Pre-planned Marketing Launch: local PR, Google Ads and a leaflet drop, targeted directly at your key customer base

As part of a franchise business, you’ll still be writing a business plan, but with the content and support behind you.

Don’t know where to start? We do.

There’s so much to get from a world-renowned franchisor.

Everything that we offer is to help you on your way to business success.

Whether that’s providing support with finances or giving you the tools for an excellent business plan.

Contact our head of franchise sales, Emma Chappell, by calling 0116 275 9000 or emailing franchisesales@servicemaster.co.uk to find opportunities near you.