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Keep It Simple And Stick to It: What a Business Plan Really Looks Like

February 10, 2026

Do you think a business plan needs to be 40 pages long and written for a bank manager? Think again.

In this week’s Business Success Conversation, we break down why your business plan can be simple, clear, and just one page, as long as it helps you make better decisions and reach your goals.

Create a simple, one-page business plan that keeps you on track, focused on profit, and in control of your decisions.

Start With What Matters Most: Profit

We’ve all heard it:
Turnover is vanity. Profit is sanity.

Start your plan with your goals. Not vague ambitions, but actual numbers:

  • How much profit do you want to make?
  • How many new clients do you need?
  • What does that mean monthly?

Once you’ve got those basics, you can build a simple KPI tracker to measure how you’re doing. From there, it’s much easier to see what’s working and what’s not.

Your Business Plan = Your Filter for Big Decisions

A good business plan doesn’t just live in a folder. It guides decisions.

When someone asks you to sponsor an event, place an advert, or try a new marketing idea, check the plan.

If your goal is to grow via social media and reach younger entrepreneurs, does an advert in the local newspaper help with that? No? Then it’s not in the plan.

And if you want to make a certain profit? Don’t go and spend it on something shiny that doesn’t move the needle.

It’s Okay to Change Your Plan, Just Know Why

You’re allowed to adapt. Business moves quickly. Priorities change.

But if you rewrite your plan on the fly, make sure you still remember:

  • What your original goals were
  • Why you set them
  • Whether your new plan still gets you where you want to go

Otherwise, you’re just reacting not leading.

Start your plan with your goals. Not vague ambitions, but actual numbers.

Helping You Get The Business You Want

Your business plan doesn’t need to be long. It just needs to be used.

Start with your goals. Keep it simple. Use it to filter your decisions.
And if you’d like help writing a one-pager that actually works...
Get in touch today: https://carthyaccountants.co.uk/contact

Get in touch using the form below now, call 01785 248939 during office hours and speak to Client Services or email us.

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