Many people think of a business plan as a document predominantly used to secure external funding. This is important - as potential investors, including banks, may invest in your idea, work with or lend you money as a result of the strength of your plan.

But there are other benefits to creating and managing a realistic plan - even if you just use it in-house. It can:

• help you spot potential pitfalls before they happen
• structure the financial side of your business efficiently
• focus your development efforts
• work as a measure of your success.

The following people or institutions may request to see your business plan at some stage:

• banks
• external investors - whether this is a friend, a venture capitalist firm or a business angel
• grant providers
• anyone interested in buying your business
• potential senior partners.

You should also bear in mind that a business plan is a living document that will need updating and changing as your business expands and develops. And regardless of whether you intend to use your plan internally, or as a document for external people, it should still be an objective and honest look at your business. Failing to do this could mean that you and others have unrealistic expectations of what can be achieved and by when