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How to Build a Better Business Plan - Alastair Thomson
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In this episode we explore Alastair's new book How to Build a Better Business Plan. We evaluate the importance of planning and the opportunities for investment and growth borne out of a well drafted and impactful plan.
We look at the key steps required to structure a comprehensive and universally understood business plan and set the guide in context with the demands of businesses emerging from a global crisis.
This is probably as good a time as ever to stand back and consider the purpose and direction of your business. Even if you have a plan it's worth checking in to see if you have all the bases covered because Alastair leaves no stone unturned.
Our guest Alastair Thomson is a Law graduate and qualified accountant who’s worked at C-Suite level for a number of multinational organisations.
His financial qualifications have seen Alastair in great demand within a range of senior roles including manufacturing, B2B services, utilities and financial services.
In his many CEO assignments Alastair has created high growth businesses out of formerly staid performers, typically doubling revenues in 3 years or less, with improved profit performance to match.
These results are in no small part due to the entrepreneurial side to Alastair’s management approach. His focus has always been on growing revenues and profits than the traditional cost management pre-occupation accountants are better known for.
As he often says, “The problem with cost cutting is that if you spend £10,000 on something now, the most you can ever add to the bottom line with cost cutting is £10,000, because once you get the cost down to zero you can’t save any more. However, with a good product and effective marketing, your opportunity to grow sales is effectively unlimited. So that’s where you get a better return for time invested.”
Currently, Alastair supports a range of ambitious entrepreneurial businesses with significant growth plans as a board advisor and fractional CFO.
Alastair has written two books: “Cash Flow Surge: 101 No-Cost and Low-Cost Fast-Action Strategies to Boost Your Business Cash Flow” and “How to Build a Better Business Plan”, both of which help business owners and entrepreneurs demystify the financial side of building and running their businesses.
In addition to his executive roles, Alastair has served as Chairman and Non-Executive Director for a range of charitable organisations, mainly in the education sector. He also served as Chairman of the Northern Business Forum, an organisation dedicated to supporting business growth in the North of England, working with government agencies, business membership organisations and employers of all sizes.
Books: How to Build a Better Business Plan and Cash Flow Surge
Website: https://thebetterbusinesscompany.com
Twtter: FinanceDirCFO
LinkedIn: Alastair Thomson
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