The Business Enterprise Handbook is designed to help all entrepreneurs who wants to grow and develop both their business and themselves. It is based on research at Cranfield School of Management, where the accounts of some 15,000 firms have been analysed over the past 15 years. From this work the authors have distilled the very essence of how to achieve profitable growth. They#ve also charted all the problems owner-managed firms are likely to encounter, and suggest ways to anticipate and resolve them. Packed with assignments and useful case studies, it will help you to answer these key questions: Where is your business now # what are its strengths and weaknesses? Where can you take your business from here # what strategies can you pursue? How can you create the complete business plan and achieve your growth objectives? The Business Enterprise Handbook has helped hundreds of participants on the Business Growth and Development Programme achieve their ambitions. Many of their businesses have grown spectacularly while others have raised millions in new capital to fund expansion. Now it#s your turn. INDICE Part 1: Where are we now? Your mission Opportunities and threats Strengths and weaknesses The financial position How to diagnose your organisation Assessing people, structure and systems Part 2: Where are we going? Marketing options Marketing strategy: focus and priorities Choosing between alternatives Financing growth Acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures and divestments Visionary leadership Part 3: How will we get there? The marketing plan The people plan Managing change The financial plan Writing and presenting your business plan Exit routes References Index