Business Planning Flashcards
(20 cards)
What is a business plan ?
A business plan is a document that explains what a company wants to achieve and how it plans to do it. It includes goals, market analysis, services, financial forecasts, staffing and timelines.
What is included in a business plan?
- Executive summary
- Company description
- Market Analysis
- Organisational Structure
- Products or services offered
- Marketing and Sales strategies
- Financial projections
- SWOT and PESTLE analyses
Can you tell us about your company’s current business plan?
Gleeds current business plan focuses on sustainable growth, expanding digital capabilities and enhancing client services. Key objectives include:
- Diversifying service offerings
- Investing in staff development
- Improving operational efficiency
- Targeting new markets and sectors
What is your company’s management structure/ business model?
Gleeds operates as a limited liability Partnership (LLP) with a matrix management structure. This means:
- Partners oversee strategic direction
-Regional and sector leads manage day-to-day operations
-Teams collaborate across disciplines and locations
What tools does your company use to manage its business?
Gleeds utilise various tools, including:
- Deltek for project and resource management
- CRM systems for client relationship management
- Financial software for budgeting and forecasting
- Internal dashboards for performance tracking
How do you ensure that you contribute to the achievement of your company’s objectives/ business plan?
- Delivering projects efficiently and to a high standard
- Supporting junior staff development
-Maintaining strong client relationships
-Participating in business development activities
What is contained within an appointment document?
An appointment document typically includes:
- Scope of services
- Fee structure
- Terms and conditions
- Timelines and deliverables
- Dispute resolution procedures
What are your company’s terms of business?
Gleed’s terms of business align with industry standards, ensuring clarity and fairness in all engagements.
What is the relevance of a SWOT or PESTLE analysis to Business Planning ?
SWOT and PESTLE analyses help identify internal and external factors affecting the business:
- SWOT: Assesses Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats
- PESTLE: Examines Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental factors.
These tools informs strategic decision making and risk management.
Why is it important to keep a business plan up to date?
Its important because markets, costs and clients change. A current plan helps the company stay focused, spot risks early and adjust strategies if needed.
How does a business plan help with profit?
It helps by setting clear financial targets, tracking income and costs, and focusing on work that brings in the most value.
What are Gleeds company values?
Professionalism with personality – high standards with a human approach
Excellence with humility – great work, no ego
Innovation with agility – fresh thinking, flexible approach
How do you contribute to your company’s business plan?
By delivering quality work, managing time well, helping colleagues, and supporting good client relationships.
What’s in an appointment document?
Scope of work
Fees and payment terms
Timescales
Legal terms (e.g. liability, termination)
Contact details and dispute resolution
What is a business model?
It’s how a company earns money. For Gleeds, it’s mainly providing consultancy services charged to clients based on time and expertise.
What’s the difference between fee-earning and non-fee-earning staff?
Fee-earning: Work charged to clients (e.g. surveyors, project managers)
Non-fee-earning: Support staff (e.g. HR, admin, IT)
Why is staff turnover a problem?
It leads to higher recruitment costs, lost knowledge, lower morale, and inconsistent service to clients.
How can a firm stay profitable?
Monitor staff time and project costs
Use resources wisely
Build strong client relationships
Review financial performance regularly
What is management consultancy in surveying?
It’s giving strategic advice to clients—like how to plan projects, reduce costs, or manage risks—not just measuring or managing contracts.
How is a consultant usually appointed?
Usually through a proposal or tender process. After agreement, an appointment document is signed to confirm scope, fees, and terms.
