A Backer-Focused Blueprint for Business Success

Summary of the Book:

Whether you’re launching a startup or scaling an existing business, securing backing—be it financial or strategic—is often the make-or-break moment. The Financial Times Essential Guide to Writing a Business Plan by Vaughan Evans is the definitive resource to craft compelling, evidence-based business plans that speak directly to what funders care about. Unlike generic templates, this guide flips the script—viewing the plan from the investor’s perspective and aligning every section with their expectations and concerns.

Fully updated, this second edition addresses the modern challenges of entrepreneurs, from defining a niche in saturated markets to setting realistic KPIs and milestones. With its structured approach and real-world insights, this guide will help you write a business plan that doesn’t just inform—but convinces.

What You’ll Discover in This Book:

How to write a focused, convincing business plan that speaks the language of backers
Key strategies to differentiate your business and clarify your competitive edge
The most effective ways to pitch your plan and communicate performance metrics
Real examples, appendices, and a full sample business plan to guide your writing
Fresh insights into alternative funding sources in today’s capital landscape

Why This Book is a Must-Read:

This book is more than a how-to manual—it’s a practical playbook for winning the backing you need. Whether you’re seeking venture capital, bank financing, or board approval, this guide helps you anticipate objections, structure your argument, and close the deal. With new content on tracking performance, it also supports ongoing management and accountability after the funding round.

If you’re serious about launching or scaling a business and want to improve your chances of success, this is the business plan guide to keep at your side.

About the Author:

Vaughan Evans is a leading UK strategy consultant with over 40 years of experience in business planning and strategic due diligence. A Sloan Fellow of London Business School and a Cambridge economics graduate, Evans has authored several top-selling strategy books, including KISStrategy and Key Strategy Tools. His clients range from startups to private equity firms, and his practical, backer-first approach has helped hundreds of businesses raise capital and grow successfully.