Urban Planning for Sustainable Growth

This assignment delves into the complexities of urban planning with a focus on achieving sustainable growth. Students analyze various approaches to regional planning, examining their effectiveness in promoting economic development while minimizing environmental impact. The role of smart city initiatives and place branding in shaping urban growth strategies is also explored. Case studies from different regions provide real-world examples of successful and challenging implementations.

Planning for growth

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK1.............................................................................................................................................1
P1. Analyse key consideration SME should be consider when evaluating growth opportunities
................................................................................................................................................1
P2. Evaluate the opportunities for growth applying Ans off's growth vector matrix.............2
M1:.........................................................................................................................................4
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
P3. Assess the various sources through which organisations access funding........................4
M2:.........................................................................................................................................7
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
P4. Develop a business plan and communicate to intend scaling up as business.................7
M3:.........................................................................................................................................9
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
P5. Various ways for small business owner to exit or succeed the business and the
implications of each option..................................................................................................10
M4:.......................................................................................................................................11
CONCLUSION:.............................................................................................................................11
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Small and medium-sized enterprises(SMEs) are referred as independent firms where the
number of employees are employed across various countries as compared to other firms. There
are less than 500 employees of SMEs who worked in united states. SMEs contributes to the
enhancing system through creating new products and adapting active products according to the
requirement of the consumers. The primary purpose of this report is to know and identify the
opportunities for growth through applying techniques and collaboration. It is required to clearly
studied about How SMEs attract investors and what are the sources of investment finance. The
importance of making informed choice in terms of growth need to be clearly discussed and also
the potential risks vs rewards involved with growth.
TASK1.
P1. Analyse key consideration SME should be consider when evaluating growth opportunities
SMEs will able to identify the key priorities for their business through following factors: Maintain a sharp focus on the market: As the market environment environment changes
rapidly therefore if SMSs fails to implement these alteration then they could be a chance
to loose stable position in market. It is essential for small and medium enterprise to
identify its position in the market and whether their standing position is appropriate in
market or not. Bring more to the party: SMEs should need to offer something innovative that their
competitors doesn't have. Otherwise there will be a no chance for their reliable customers
to get some benefit to do business with them or for existing clients to repeat business.
SMEs should need to offer something to the new market through utilising latest
technology that will help them to move ahead than their competitors. Build resilience and operate with financial discipline: Poor financial management will
bring down the success of SMEs therefore SMEs should need to have higher retained
earnings than other firms and should have capable to borrow or raise funds through
different sources. This will help SMEs in attaining more financial stable future that's free
of overbearing debt. Right sizing: It can be deciding factor for SMEs to survive in future which helps in
sustaining growth and efficiency in order to improve their enterprise structure with their
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current market in mind, concentrating on business development as well as latest
technology which help them in considering about their market position achieve in future
and also knowing where they should be operated. It is required for SMEs to implement
new strategic actions that will help in identifying any innovative skills which can be
needed in future so they can educate or direct workers accordingly and compete with
their rivals. Increase international outlook and extend geographic footprint: SMEs should need to
extend their business beyond local or regional markets in order to develop their business
growth. They should also need to concentrate on the customers form a new geographical
area which helps them to attain a valuable position in the market.
 Manage for today and lead for tomorrow: The quality of SME's management team plays
an important role in achieving growth and success. Therefore in order to develop growth
and have a clear vision for the future, small and medium enterprise need to use latest
technologies to compete with their rivals in effective and efficient manner. So it is
important to appoint a person who plays a managerial role in effective and efficient
manner.
P2. Evaluate the opportunities for growth applying Ans off's growth vector matrix
The Ans-off matrix provided a roadmap for firms depending on whether they are
launching new products or entering new markets. Therefore Ans-off matrix includes:
Market penetration: SMEs should need to market their existing goods and services in
order to improve market share which help them to compete with their rivals. The SMEs has to
ensure that it leverages the current capabilities, resources and gears towards a growth orientated
strategy. It is the safest route for business in order to develop growth of the business. It should
need to concentrate on the following in order to sell their existing products:
 Existing consumers
 Customers who buys and uses similar products from their rival business firms.
Therefore in order to improve market share the business firm should need to follow marketing
promotions in more effective way so that it helps in establishing and adding more customer
value.
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Market Development: The second choice recommended by Ans-off is to bring current
products into new markets. There are various structure ways to do this:
 Implementing pricing policies for certain market segments example offering discounts to
students etc.
 Spread their products on the internet with the necessary search engine so that the
customers can easily find out their products.
 Moving their products across worldwide which require the business to acquire new
capabilities such as exporting, knowing different cultures and languages skills.
Product development: In this, the business should need to identifying the needs and
demands of the consumers and thereafter need to make changes in their products so as to retain
existing customers and attract other new customers. It is necessary for the business to improve
the characteristics of the product in order to maximise level of satisfaction to their customers.
The business has may ways to alter their existing products such as:
 To regenerate existing products that makes better than the rival product.
 To provide complementary products that customers has compulsorily need to buy for
consuming main product.
 To sell other products the customers purchase as a way to strengthen or leverage the
relationship and to provide added convenience.
The SMEs should need to perform activity with existing supplier enterprises with available
resources and capabilities and provide them new path to the markets.
Diversification: In order to develop new products and tapped the new markets
diversification happens. The firm can only enter into new market if they ensure that they are
ready to compete with the rivals products. There is less chance for the firm to get high returns on
their new product as they are many rivals to which they need to be competed in effective and
efficient manner. There are different levels of diversification:
 Diversification into related markets: While the consumers and products are both new,
there is a logic about the move that makes sense to the outside world.
 Diversification into unrelated markets using existing resources and capabilities: While the
customers and products are different, they all focusing on their capabilities and existing
strengths of the business.
 Diversification into unrelated markets which require new resources and capabilities.
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Diversification is more risky growth strategy in Ans-off growth matrix and especially if it
requires the improvement of new resources and capabilities. It has also known as the “suicide
cell”.
M1:
In order to analyse business environment, the management need to conduct PESTLE analysis
which are briefly described as below:
Political: It includes the factors which are related with taxation policy, stability of government
etc. which affects lot to small business enterprise.
Economical: It includes such factors which are related with inflation, deflation, economy of
country on which the revenue of company has depend.
Technological: It includes such factors which are related with advanced technology used by
small business enterprises in order to operate business operations in an effective and efficient
manner.
TASK 2.
P3. Assess the various sources through which organisations access funding
There are different sources of finance for growth of the organisation which are as
follows:
Bank loans: The organisation should collect funds in terms of bank loan through which
they can acquire inventory and equipments as well as to acquire operational capital and money
for business expansion. Banks do not interfere in operation of business enterprise to which a
bank gives a loan. Once the business borrower has settled a loan then there is no more
obligations to or involvement of bank unless they should extend their loan period or amount.
Merits:
 Bank loans offer tax benefits: The interest on business banks lending is tax-deductible
thus it is the one of the biggest advantage of taking loan from the banks.
 Loans are not repayable on demand-this means the business borrower have time to plan
ahead more reliably for the whole term.
 Less rates of interest: Banks provide loan amount at minimum rate of interest than other
financial institutions or agencies and instruments like credit card.
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 The business has right not to give a percentage of their profits or share to company to the
lender.
Disadvantages: Difficulties in obtaining loan: It is very difficult for the business to get a loan if a
business dose not have any substantial track record or valuable assets such as real estate.
Banks may show strictness in terms of lending to businesses. Bank have fear that if
business unable to repay their loan than they must face losses in future. Cost of bank loans: Raising funds from taking loan from bans should cost more to the
business as the bank charges high on their amount and their their lending amount may be
less as expected by the business to meet their requirements. Preference given to existing, running businesses: Banks prefer running businesses
because they can gauge its profitability and credit history before sanctioning the loan.
Crowdfunding: If the business owner has an innovative idea to run the business then he
need to share his ideas to different different people on internet who helps him in providing funds
in order to convert his ideas into action. He should need to share his profile of their project on a
website through which investors show their interest to engage in their business operations. The
businesses advertise their project on a crowdfunding website and the potential investors should
decide whether they are willing to pledge money and if yes then how much and should the
businesses in position to provide return on their investment.
Merits:
 It can be a fast and cheapest way to collect funds without any charging fees.
 Investors can keep their eye on the business progress which helps them in promoting their
brand through their networks. Ideas that may not attracted to conventional investors can often get funds more easily.
Demerits:
 Raising funds through these sources is not an easy process as compared to the traditional
way of collecting funds. If the business failed to achieve their desired target then there is a chance that their
investor will taken their money back which reduces the financial position of business.
Peer to peer lending: It is the practice of lending money to businesses through online
services that match lenders with borrowers. It is the process of raising funds without involving
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any middlemen but it also involves more time, effort and risk than the general brick-and-mortar
lending scenarios.
Advantages: Quick process: Loans applications are either approved or denied instantly , and the loans
are typical fulfilled within two weeks or less. Lower interest rate: Annual percentage rates on peer-to-peer loans are typically lower
than most banks.
Disadvantages:
 High interest rates apply
 Borrowers with bad credit might be out of luck Serious consequences apply if the business wont able to repay properly
Business angels: If the businesses decide to enter into new market and need to raise
funds then collecting funds through business angels should be a better option. Business angel
provide funds and capital required in run the new start up business. Angel investors helps in
providing funds in the upcoming start-ups and helps in growth and expansion of newly
businesses It has its shortcoming too. Angel investors invest lesser amount than the venture
capitalists.
Venture capital: If the business has new and innovate ideas but due to lack of finance
they are unable to implement their ideas then they have option to raise funds through venture
capital where the person who is financially good helps in providing the finance in order to
implement their ideas into action. This is known as venture capital.
Advantages:
 There is no need to repay to their investors as venture capital is not such as loan. Many venture capital have consultants and professional who guides the business and
avoid many of the difficulties that are usually related with start-ups.
Disadvantages:
 Some Venture capital require much more ROI than expected form the business.
 Usually venture capital want to add their members to the company management's team
which may creates internal problems.
M2:
There are different sources from which an organisation can raise funds. Such sources includes:
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Bank Loan: It includes raising funds from financial institutions such as Banks which
provide them sufficient at certain rate of interest.
Crowd funding: It includes raising funds from public thus it takes more time and more
interference of investors into business functions.
TASK 3.
P4. Develop a business plan and communicate to intend scaling up as business
Company description:
Small business enterprises such as Clearly Drinks Limited which provides beverage
products and services in UK. They also indulge in providing sugar free drinks as the tatse na
preferences of customers.
Mission: The main objective of Clearly Drinks Limited is to attain strong position in market and
expand their business operations
Strategic objectives:
to adopt digital technology for future growth
Creating new and innovative ideas in order to perform business operation more smoothly.
Introducing new drinks product to achieve competitive advantage.
Products and services:
Clearly Drinks Limited deals in providing wide range of beverage products such as Whisper
juicy water, perfectly clear kids etc. This will help them in achieving their desired goals and
objectives.
Internal analysis:
Strengths:
 Attained good reputation in market
 Following distribution channels which facilitate customers to get their products. Implementing digital technology which maximises efficiency of work.
Opportunities
 To introduce new product into market which make them different from their rivals
 Enhancing quality of products
 Adoption of marketing tools such as online marketing which grab lots of attention of
customers.
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Target market:
It includes the determination of different segments of market on the basis of needs and
requirements of customers.
Financial Projection of Clearly Drinks Limited
Currency in GBP.All numbers in thousands
Period Ending 2/25/2017 2/27/2016 2/28/2015 2/22/2014
Current Assets
Cash And Cash
Equivalents 3032000 2528000 1549000 2021000
Short Term
Investments 3011000 3520000 593000 1016000
Net Receivables 1488000 1421000 1785000 1881000
Inventory 2301000 2430000 2957000 3576000
Other Current
Assets 630000 412000 292000 2567000
Total Current
Assets 15417000 14684000 11958000 15572000
Long Term
Investments 1562000 1863000 1915000 1301000
Property Plant and
Equipment 18108000 17900000 20440000 24490000
Goodwill 1792000 1827000 2288000 2286000
Intangible Assets 925000 1047000 1483000 624000
Other Assets 2254000 1860000 2224000 2681000
Deferred Long
Term Asset
Charges 707000 49000 514000 73000
Total Assets 45853000 43904000 44214000 50164000
Current Liabilities
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Accounts Payable 8875000 8293000 9677000 10359000
Short/Current
Long Term Debt 12153000 13943000 12659000 11365000
Other Current
Liabilities 1283000 841000 860000 2036000
Total Current
Liabilities 19405000 17866000 19810000 21399000
Long Term Debt 9490000 11029000 10520000 9340000
Other Liabilities 8151000 4700000 6641000 4564000
Deferred Long
Term Liability
Charges - - - 885000
Minority Interest -24000 -10000 - 7000
Negative Goodwill - - - -
Total Liabilities 39439000 35288000 37143000 35442000
Stockholders' Equity
Common Stock 409000 407000 406000 405000
Retained Earnings 332000 3265000 1985000 9728000
Treasury Stock 601000 -141000 -414000 -498000
Capital Surplus 5096000 5095000 5094000 5080000
Other Stockholder
Equity 623000 -134000 -397000 -478000
Total Stockholder
Equity 6438000 8626000 7071000 14715000
Net Tangible
Assets 3721000 5752000 3300000 11805000
M3:
Business plans are such as standards which direct employees working in an organisation in more
effective and efficient manner. The plan is based in the financial resources on which all business
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activities has been execute. Such pan has made with a motive of expanding business functions
and achieve stable position in competitive market.
TASK 4
P5. Various ways for small business owner to exit or succeed the business and the implications
of each option
Various Ways to exit the business by small business owner are as follows:
Liquidation: When there is single owner of the business firm on which the business are
based upon him have only option to liquidate their business as there is no one who can perform
through which business can run in future. Therefore if the small business owner faces losses and
think that there is no chance to earn profit in future as well then he should decide to wind up the
business. Here are the some merits and demerits of liquidation:
Advantages:
 Simpleness in winding up the business. The business can be dissolve quickly when its whole assets are sold as early as possible.
Disadvantages:
 Business owner get minimum return on their investment through liquidation. He can get
money only through disposal of capital assets such as land, equipments or stock.
 The value for second hand business asset like machinery etc. can be sold at very low
price even in a non-depressed market. Creditors should be first paid after selling assets.
Sell the business in the open market: When the small business owner is ready to quit and
do not want to run the business then he should have option to sell its business at certain price that
he expected form his business. Therefore in order to get value for business then selling business
in open market is the best option for business owner.
Advantages:
 A well reputed business should easily attain the buyers toward them and therefore able to
sell their products quickly. Business capital and reputation of dissolving business helps in maximising the return to
the owner while valuing the business for sale.
Disadvantages:
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 Business may find difficulties while selling their products at less price to their customers.
 Finding a buyer can be a long process
There are also different ways the small business owner can succeed their business:
Assign to employees and avoid micromanaging them: A manager has duty and
responsibility to delegate the work to the their employees according to their specialization and
knowledge so that they can perform effectively and efficiently which indirectly helps the
business to achieve their goals and objectives. Proper training and orientation program should be
conducted for their employees so that can put their maximum efforts towards the organisational
goals. Using an incentive-based rewards system helps in restricting conflicts arise between
employees and organisation.
Use the internet: If the business gathering people, using social media communication
system such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and blogging to build rapport with the market
therefore it is incredibly powerful and very cost effective but it consumes more time and skills.
The business need to provide training to advertise their business which helps in competing with
their competitors.
M4:
Exit and Succession are two decision made by management after analysing the actual position of
company in market. If the company unable to achieve its desired target then they may decide to
wind up the company whereas if the company's revenues has been increases over a period of
time then the management should take decision regarding expanding business.
CONCLUSION:
With the help of this report it can be concluded that for development and growth of SMEs
in future they should need to attain good financial position through retained higher earning than
their competitors and should need to have in stable position that will help them in raising funds
from different sources such as bank loans, crowdfunding etc. They should need to re-evaluate
their business structure focusing on the market development and new technology and should
need to implement new strategic plans that will identify the skills which may required in near
future. If they do not concentrate on the changes happened in the market environment then they
may have chance to lose their existence in the competitive market and should wind up the
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company. So it is better for the business to develop their product and skills of their employees in
order to sustain in the market and attain a stable position towards their competitors in future.
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