Accessibility links

You are using an outdated browser. Upgrade your browser today for a better experience of this site and many others.

Planning and strategy

Tips and advice when planning ahead

This section provides tips and advice for business strategy.

An introduction to strategic planning

Key elements of strategic planning.

Avoiding traps in strategic planning

Strategy errors to avoid.

Building strategic alliances

How collaboration can benefit your business.

Finding your market niche

Capitalise on your corner of the marketplace.

How to survive when times get tough

Protect your business in a downturn.

Innovate to grow

The three basic skills behind innovation.

Make your planning meetings count

Tips for effective planning meetings.

No business is an island

Understanding your place in the chain.

Pricing strategies

Different approaches to setting a price.

Six reasons why business plans fail

Business planning traps to avoid.

Six steps to an effective business plan

Review your business planning.

Small is profitable

The advantages of being a small business.

Strategies for increasing revenue

Including the product/market matrix.

The right kind of growth

Is growth always healthy?

Latest news

02 Apr 2026

Middle East conflict drives economic confidence to new record low

Business leader optimism over prospects for the UK economy is at a record low after the outbreak of war in the Middle East, according to the Institute of Directors (IoD).

Accessibility links

Planning and strategy

Latest news

Middle East conflict drives economic confidence to new record low

Hot topic

Avoid April Fools by complying with the National Living Wage

Try a site search Tax return, dividends, pension, autumn statement...