Livery yard - business plan/proposal

[tigger01]

I may (stress may) have the chance to take on a livery yard which has basically for one reason or another been run down and become unprofitable due to lack of interest and illness. I have been in contact with the owners and they are putting in the hands of an agent to find the next manager. They will be requiring a business plan/tender. Not something I've ever done before and it sounds terrifying. Anyone have any experience/hints and tips as how to put such a thing together professionally?

Many thanks!

 

[merlinmagic]

Your best bet would be to get in touch with your local business link or the 'federation of small business' and they will be able to help you put a plan together. Your personal business bank manager will also be of some help, best get in his good books now as you will need him for that overdraft later !! lol

When I ran a yard the 'repair bill' was far more than expected - amazing how taps just break, guttering just falls off the wall, and the invisiable horse chewed the fencing, ate the flower baskets, kicked a hole in the stable wall,and their equal invisiable owner backed the car/trailer into the wall, etc etc etc .

Hope you also understand that you will not be rich running a yard, more over worked, run ragged but probably very happy !

Good luck

 

[jaquelin]

You can get a template for this on-line; also the business desk at your bank can give you a template. See if you can get some free advice/assistance in putting it together. It is not for the faint-hearted and has to show marketing plan, and figures such as cash flow my personal non-favourite!

Do consider the cost of keeping everything in order. Although you will lease the facility, unlike when you rent a flat or house, you, not the landlord, have to repair everything. You will probably get a "full-repairing" clause in any lease.

While it is a real fag, it can be very helpful for budgetting purposes and identifying just how much money you need to take in every month to keep the ship afloat. Good luck!

 

[Tinsel Trouble]

Highly recommend Business Link.

They are fantastic and have loads of really great courses and provide advise to everyone! They will also help you tap into grants that may be availble and have a wonderful reputation!