Small Business Management and Growth

This assignment delves into the complexities of managing small businesses, examining their unique challenges and exploring strategies for sustainable growth. It analyzes key aspects such as entrepreneurial orientation, business performance, environmental impact, website optimization, and responses to economic downturns. The assignment also discusses the importance of SWOT analysis and draws insights from various academic research papers on small business management.

SMALL BUSINESS
ENTERPRISE

Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................1
TASK 1............................................................................................................................................1
1.1 SWOT analysis of small business of 4com PLC .................................................................1
1.2 Analysis of business using comparative measures of performance.....................................3
TASK 2............................................................................................................................................4
2.1 Appropriate actions to overcome the identified weaknesses in business..............................4
2.2 Ways in which current performance could be maintained and strengthened.......................5
2.3 New areas in which business could be expanded.................................................................6
TASK 3............................................................................................................................................7
3.1 Produce an assessment of business objectives and plans......................................................7
3.2 Business plans to incorporate appropriate changes...............................................................8
3.3 Action plan to implement the changes..................................................................................9
TASK 4..........................................................................................................................................10
4.1 Impact of the proposed changes on the business and its personnel....................................10
4.2 Plan for changes will be managed in the business..............................................................10
4.3 Improvements in the performance of the business over a given timescale.........................11
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................12
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................12

INTRODUCTION
Small business are those industries who size is small and there are small number of
employees are working. This type of enterprises are generally owned, control and managed by
single person. The sales and revenue of these firms is very less. In small industries include
hairdressers, small restaurants, hotels, stores etc. 4 com plc is a small business firm which
provides good communication services to its customers. The culture of this company is good and
it tries to do everything in an effective and excellent way. The main motive of this business firm
is to improving its communication services so that every one can interact or communicate with
each other in all over the world (Storey, 2010). In this present report mentioned about the profile
of 4 com plc and its strengths or weaknesses. This business enterprise use some appropriate
actions to overcome from its weaknesses and to retain its strengths. For any type of change and
modification, this business firm make appropriate business plans and objectives. In this present
report mentioned about the impact of proposed changes on business and its personnel and in
what manner manager managed the changes in business organisation.
TASK 1
1.1 SWOT analysis of small business of 4com PLC
A small business is a privately owned partnership, corporations which has fewer
employees and annual revenue too. A small business can grow by their employees. SWOT
analyse is a useful framework to analyse a organization or company strength, weakness
opportunity and threats .
4com PLC is a kind of small business. It is a company which provide telecommunication
equipment’s, services and solutions for UK's business sector. According to Sunday times, this is
the 1st ranked company in market of UK. 4Com PLC Company was established in 1999. Many
employees and clients are working for this company and serves to company's customer. 4com
company handle 10-million-minute call in a month. This company got 3-star rating in 2013,
2014, 2015 and 2016 (Aterido, Hallward-Driemeier and Pagés, 2011). In the mid of first year
250 employees worked with this company. In context of 4com PLC SWOT analyse is done for
its internal analysis. It is demonstrated as follows: -
1

STRENGTHS: -
 Company's main strength are their customers and their employees
 4com PLC company market and share data which help customer to understand
financial position of the company.
 Through analytical performance this company give a clear view and their
strategies to customers (Storey and Greene, 2010).
 Company rewards their staff with great selection of benefits and shows great place
for work.
 The main strength of this company is that it continue some part of money from
profit in welfare of society.
 culture and values, career opportunity are another strength of 4com plc company
WEAKNESS: -
 4com PLC uses old technology which is outdated in market.
 Call quality issues, good communication is another weakness of 4com PLC .
OPPORTUNITY: -
 this business firm can give advertisement of vacancy with the help of its website
and it will be big opportunity for its business.
 People love to work here and policies are beneficial for employee..
2
Illustration 1: SWOT analysis
(Source: SWOT Analysis,2017)

 Great career progression, job training are the best benefits of 4com PLC company.
THREATS: -
 Racist comment for outsiders, eve teasing and abusive language create Threats in
4com PLC company.
 Global economic shocks, burden of regulation are the threats.
1.2 Analysis of business using comparative measures of performance
4 com plc is a small business enterprise and this firm faces many problems at market
place. Its competitors are large in number (Stokes, Wilson and Wilson, 2010). There is a profit
and loss and balance sheet, with the help of these this business industry can evaluate its business.
Profit and Loss Account for the year ended 30 April 2016 and 30 April 2017
2016
£
2017
£
Sales 200 250
Cost of Sales 195 230
Gross Profit 162 187
Overheads 157 140
Net. Profit 132 112
Balance Sheet 30 April 2016 and 30 April 2017
£ 2016 £ 2017
Fixed assets 40 20
Stock 20 40
Debtors 16 50
Bank 2 3
Total 38 93
Current liabilities
3

Creditors 10 50
Bank overdraft 0 20
Total 10 70
Current ratio = current asset / current liability
2016 2017
38000/10000= 3.8 times 930000/70000= 2.32 times
Interpretation-According to profit and loss statement and balance sheet, this business firm
can easily evaluate its financial position. There is a data given below of year 2016 and 2017 and
with the help of this, organisation can know about its finance or can say net profit. The net profit
in the year 2016 is £ 132 and in year 2017 is £ 112 (Belás and et.al., 2015). According to
evaluating the balance sheet, total fixed assets in 2016 is 40 and current liabilities are 10 and in
year 2017 is 70 and fixed assets are 20. The present ratio is calculated of 4 com plc in year 2016
is 3.8 times and in the year 2017 is 2.32 times.
TASK 2
2.1 Appropriate actions to overcome the identified weaknesses in business
The size of 4 com plc is small and this business firm has some its capabilities and
weaknesses. This organisation provides good telecommunication services to its customers and its
main motive is to improve and increase the quality of its communication services so from this
every person can communicate with each other with out any interaction or issue in networking.
For development or for increasing business, it is necessary to know about its weaknesses and
from it business firm can suffer from loss or any other issue. The main drawback or weakness of
this company is that most of the people do not about it or also do not aware about its services and
products (Adeoye and Elegunde, 2012). 4 com plc does not conduct promotional activities and to
overcome from this weakness, it is necessary to this organisation is to aware people about its
services and products by conducts effective and efficient promotions. It can be with the help of
newspapers, television, banners, holders etc. It will helps in increasing the sales and profitability
of business and company.
4

There is a another weakness of this business organisation is that it does not adopts new
and advanced technology and use obsolescence technology. New technology helps in making
business effective, less workload and improvement in its products and communication quality or
business operations. From this, more and more people will avail its services. It is the best way to
overcome from weaknesses. After adopting new technology and using new machineries, it is the
responsibility of manager is to provide training to its employees so that they can work proper and
in effective and efficient manner. This enterprise can give services online because it will be easy
for customers to use its services and products. Research is very necessary element and with the
help of this, 4 com plc conduct research for market analysis and strategies (Goss, 2015). With the
help of market research, company can know about competitors and existing products and
services which are already available.
From identifying and work on these all weaknesses, this business industry can overcome
from this and sustain in market for long time period.
2.2 Ways in which current performance could be maintained and strengthened
4 com plc uses s very effective strategy and which is total quality in services and goods.
Its objective is to improve the quality of its services and then provide it every where or any
location. With the help of improving the quality, it can satisfy the needs and wants of its
customers. From acceptance of products and services of this company help in increasing the
productivity and profitability of business (Revell, Stokes and Chen, 2010). In this present time
period, 4 com plc is giving quality of its services to its users and it is very important to company
for sustain at marketplace for long period of time. This company should follow some methods
which helps in developing and maintaining its performance.
Customer essence- It is the first method and in this management can so analysis the
present performance of its consumer essence. For analysis its performance, this company use
many resources and also expand them in a proper manner to increase the productivity of its
business. It will helps in enhancing the performance level in future.
Measuring performance- The manager of 4 com plc determine regularly the
performance of its business and also use many different methods to measuring it. With the help
of this, company can achieve its goals and objectives in an effective and efficient manner.
Communication is very important in company and among employer and employees. It is
necessary to manager is to include its employees in decision making process and to take some
5

ides and suggestion from them. The customers wants good services and results from company
and they regularly search for new trends. The main strength of this company is that, it has a good
leader and manager and they both motivate and guide their employees regularly. From this, the
satisfaction level of employees will be increased and their working performance will also be
improves and enhanced. 4 com plc always try to make improvement in its performance level and
the quality of services for changing the thinking or perception people about its services. They
should continue after giving the payment of services (Chow and et. al., 2011). It is very easy and
attractive and from this the payment method for customers will be easy and customers will get
services and products on proper time period or at a reasonable price.
2.3 New areas in which business could be expanded
For expand the business in to new areas, it is necessary to know about its capabilities and
weaknesses. For growth and development of business, it is necessary to expand it in to new areas
or market. For expansion or increase business, it is necessary to know about many different
factors or competition level at marketplace. To increase the market, there will be new
opportunities will be generated and 4 com plc can target new customers. With the help of this,
company can create new and strong relations with its customers.
To expand its market, this business organisation should target young people because they
use more telecom and internet services than the old people. Firm can provide its services at
reasonable price at new market place (Battisti and Perry, 2011). With the help of research many
problem of this business enterprise will be solved and before expansion it know about new
market and its strategies. At the time of designing and formulating its campaigns to its
consumers, then it is necessary to do study on market and well as on customers to understand and
know about the behaviour or taste of buyers. 4 com plc uses and adopts a evaluation system
named ERIC (Evaluating Results in Integrated Campaigns) with the help of this management of
this firm can focus on behaviour, perception or thinking of customers. With the help of this the
impacts on business will be reduced and also give some advantages.
There are some opportunities which are given below:
To identify expansion areas- It is a duty and responsibility of a manager is to
increase in its services in various locations. It means that target location is a presenter of market
share and the productivity of business enterprise.
6

Exporting marketing- With the help of this, the growth and the productivity of
business will be expanded. International trade means when company export its goods and
services in together countries. But in this there are many barriers like for instance cultural
differences, traditions and rules and regulations of government.
Many research techniques- Research is very important and necessary to know
about the marketing conditions or to analyse the market. In research techniques involves
qualitative and quantitative (CGA, 2010). Qualitative methods means to insights and thoughts of
an individual and from outside the company and quantitative means to develop and to collect the
data and information in context to measuring performance level, percentages and to measuring
the actual performance level with the expected performance.
TASK 3
3.1 Produce an assessment of business objectives and plans
4 com plc is a telecommunication service provider business firm and the size of this
business firm is small. The main aim of this company is to connect people with each other from
all over the world. This business firm works world wide and there are many firms of this
organisation. The management always works on improving and enhancing the communication
level. This business firm believes in rewarding and motivating its employees and also provide
them some advantages. Plan helps in doing business in a systematic and in proper manner. It is
the responsibility of top mangagement is top formulating and developing a effective and good
plan. Plan is related with future context. The main motive of this business firm is to maximising
its growth and profitability and also provides good quality communication services. For
satisfying the needs and wants of customers, it is necessary to provides qualitative services at a
reasonable cost and it will be very beneficial for business (Cavusgil and et.al., 2014). This
company can be develop new services in new areas or new markets. With the help of this sales of
this company will be increased.
Objectives of 4 com plc
Vision for employees- The main vision of this vision organisation is to motivate and
support its personnel and provide good safety and positive working conditions.
Consumer vision- The vision for customers is to provide good quality communication
services to its customers.
7

Shareholders vision- Their vision is to increasing the growth and profitability of business.
Business plan- Plan is related with the future protects and it is mainly formulated by the
top management. After making plan, it is the responsibility of manager is to implement it in an
effective way. Plan should be related by introducing new services and to make modifications in
its current services. Plan can be a motivational plan for employees.
3.2 Business plans to incorporate appropriate changes
Company makes a business plan for the future prospectus and it is a gap between where
we are or where we want to go in future. It is necessary to make modifications in existing plan.
To adapt some changes in the business environment, it is necessary to introduce flexible and
workable plan (Mahmood and Hanafi, 2013). There is a plan which is formulated or generated
by top management of 4 com plc ad in this there are some steps are included:
Executive summary- 4 com plc is a small business firm and its main objective is to
render good quality products and services to its customers at a reasonable cost and its another
objective is to enhancing the productivity and profitability of business. Its sales or revenue is
very less as comparison to large firms.
About company- In this firm, there are around 250 employees are working and its
culture is good. This business firm also works for the welfare of society and the people.
Services- The services which this company provided is telecommunication services,
phone installation and also provides good customer services.
Market research- The researcher of this company conduct a research programme to
market analysis and to know about the present competitors at market place. With the help of this
type of research, firm can also know about the needs and preferences of its customers and from
identifying this, it can produce products and rendering its services (Smallbone and et.al., 2012).
Target market- This organisation motley target young people because they use mobile
phones and calling more.
Marketing and sales- After producing products or services, it is necessary to give
promotion at market or to aware people about its services and it can be with the help of banners,
televisions, newspapers, holders, online social networking etc. It will helps in increasing the
sales and the profitability of company.
8

Funding- For doing all these things, there will be need of finance. Without money
company can not do its operations. It is necessary to manage the finance and this business firm
arrange money by taking loans from banks and its investors.
3.3 Action plan to implement the changes
For making the good and effective action plan, 4 com plc can achieve its aims and
objectives. Changes can be good or company and can be impact on business. The tastes and
preferences of customers are change continuously then, it is the responsibility of company is to
design or prepare plan according it. Society plays important role in business and some times it
impacts on busienss operations, to to reduce this and create good image of company in front of
people, then it is necessary to include society in decision making process and also create healthy
relations (Dauda, Akingbade and Akinlabi, 2010). There is an action plan to implement all
modifications:
Market analysis- From conducting research, this company can analysis market areas and
it only focus on two main markets:
 Local area people.
 Those persons who travelling for the purpose of working,education, entertainment
etc.
Market segmentation- The main focus of 4 comm plc business firm is on its marketing
related activities for reaching its products or services to people. With the help of research, this
company can target its customers and provide hem services which can satisfy their demand. In
segmentation, company divide its business in to sub areas or markets. From segmentation, this
business firm can easily fulfil the needs to its customers (Wetherly and Otter, 2014).
Segmentation can be based on demographic, geographic, behavioural and psycographic.
Demographic- In this, market is divided on the basis of age, gender, family size,
occupation etc.
Behavioural- Business is divided according to usage rate, loyalty, attitude, any type of
occasion, user status etc.
Geographical- In this business is segmented according to regions, nations, cities,
countries etc.
Psycographic segmentation- Under this type of segmentation, business is dived on the
basis of lifestyle of customers, personality and social class.
9

It provides communication facilities to its customers, so that all are connected with each
other. This company provides good services to its users for maintaining its loyalty.
TASK 4
4.1 Impact of the proposed changes on the business and its personnel
Changes can be affect on business or its operations. It can be good or can be impact on
business. From the change productivity or sales of business firm can be affected. Most of the
times, employees are not adjust in new working environment, so they do not work properly,.
From this, the sales or revenue will be goes down. Some proposed changes are given below:
Finance- Proposed is good for business operations and if 4 com plc will work in a
systematic way then in this case it can be positive impact on business (Brinckmann, Grichnik,
and Kapsa, 2010). The success of business is totally depend upon its employees, so it is
necessary to recruit those people who have some skills, knowledge and capabilities to do work
properly.
Workload- After implementing plan, it is necessary to make effective plan and schedule
from this work will be complete in proper time. So to reduce workload, it is important to recruit
qualified people who can do work rapidly and to increasing the skills or abilities, it is the
responsibility to provide training to its existing as well as to its new employees, so that they can
work with in a given period of time. From this, operations and process of business will be
complete continuously and smoothly.
Morale- From recruiting new employees, existing workers feel demotivated and
insecure. But the managers of this business enterprise always motivate their employee or
increase their morale that are valuable of company (David, 2011). From this they will not
dissatisfied and work properly. Its impact will be good on business operations.
4.2 Plan for changes will be managed in the business
Advancement is sure after a time frame. Business association ought to have capacity to
keep up themselves agreeing change in condition. Effect of these progressions can be certain and
in addition negative. 4com PLC should interchange itself with advances. So better to design an
administration while a change happen in advertise.
Acknowledge Change-
10

In time of Globalization, advances is going in nations, it is basic to acquaint specialized fluctuate
in advances with representative and workplace. To develop in industry with society, meet with
individuals desire and enhance workplace with foundation of new changes.
Practice Openness-
Hierarchical changes for the most part impact staff part and making complex in working
strategies. Through open entryway strategies, shape an atmosphere of conviction. Enable an
apparatus to criticism to purchasers and look at and assess their input identified with
advancement.
Request Input-
At the point when representative don't motivate opportunity to change and impact by transform,
they don't care for change. Acknowledge and appreciate reasons for advancement and help them
to acknowledge it by giving a case of first activity (Thomason, Simendinger and Kiernan, 2013).
After all worker are the primary individuals with whom costumer meet and judge association.
Being an organization of innovations and way of life, 4com PLC will require to receive all
adjustments in condition to rival matches and to manage in industry.
Give Training-
4com PLC can begin change in organization by giving preparing of item and advances and
decides their insight level identified with development. A fitting preparing and learning
procedure can lead a change into one of qualities of organization which will require authority in
new process.
Acknowledge and Recognize-
Acknowledge changes in innovations and condition and perceive shortcoming of that.
Acknowledge disappointment and absence of new devices and differ in association and
endeavour to deduct all causes which cause to loss of cash or costumers and pass on a positive
message by respecting and perceiving changes in association.
4.3 Improvements in the performance of the business over a given timescale
Fro watching the execution of 4com PLC business firm, this overseer of this firm need to
keep up the records of proposed change. The change of business, can make it compelling.
Consequent to finishing the each and every errand, there is a need to revived and from this the
trough can without quite a bit of an extend consider the progress of association after utilization
the movements (Zortea-Johnston, Darroch and Matear, 2012). If at the period of use, if there is
11

any issue or would de have the capacity to deviation raised by then, it is critical to control all
measures. It is require to keeping up the recoding about control of deviation. To screen the
change, it is critical to gage the certified execution of association with the ordinary.
To screen the any kind of advance, it is basic for association to focus on the advancement
and change of association. This business wander can screen the change execution domain by
doing the SWOT (Strengths Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) examination and it is the
best way to deal with consider the improvements. The trough of this business firm can lead an
examination program to consider the change locales of internal condition and what's more
external condition. 4com PLC should be set up a record as to those segments which are learnt
from the agents or associates at the period of use (Iskanius, Page and Anbuudayasankar, 2010).
The company have to be flexible in accordance to changes which may occur in they environment
in which it is working and its main objective is to develop and conquer success for which there is
requirement of flexibility which will enhance improvements.
CONCLUSION
It is concluded from the above report that 4 comm plc is a small company and it deals in
providing communication related facilities to its customers. The risk involved in small business
is less. The sales of this business is less and there are small number of employees are working. In
this report studied about the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of 4 com plc. This
company do analysis for measuring the performance of business. Top management of this
business firm makes plan and it is the responsibility of manager to implement plan. In this
present report also mentioned about the impact of changes on business or employees and how
manager manage appropriate changes in company.
12

13

REFERENCES
Books& Journals
Adeoye, A.O. and Elegunde, A.F., 2012. Impacts of external business environment on
organisational performance in the food and beverage industry in Nigeria.British Journal
of Arts and Social Sciences.6(2). pp.56-65.
Aterido, R., Hallward-Driemeier, M. and Pagés, C., 2011. Big constraints to small firms’
growth? Business environment and employment growth across firms.Economic
Development and Cultural Change.59(3). pp.609-647.
Battisti, M. and Perry, M., 2011. Walking the talk? Environmental responsibility from the
perspective of small‐business owners.Corporate Social Responsibility and
Environmental Management.18(3). pp.172-185.
Belás, J and et.al., 2015. The business environment of small and medium-sized enterprises in
selected regions of the Czech Republic and Slovakia.E+ M Ekonomie a Management.
(1). p.95.
Brinckmann, J., Grichnik, D. and Kapsa, D., 2010. Should entrepreneurs plan or just storm the
castle? A meta-analysis on contextual factors impacting the business planning–
performance relationship in small firms.Journal of Business Venturing.25(1). pp.24-40.
Cavusgil, S.T and et.al., 2014.International business. Pearson Australia.
CGA, H.C.B., 2010. External environmental analysis for small and medium enterprises
(SMEs).Journal of Business & Economics Research.8(10). p.19.
Chow, A. and et. al., 2011.Broadband network with enterprise wireless communication system
for residential and business environment. U.S. Patent 7,944,948.
Dauda, Y.A., Akingbade, W.A. and Akinlabi, H.B., 2010. Strategic management practice and
corporate performance of selected small business enterprises in Lagos
metropolis.International journal of Business and Management.5(11). p.97.
David, F.R., 2011.Strategic management: Concepts and cases. Peaeson/Prentice Hall.
Gebauer, H., Paiola, M. and Edvardsson, B., 2010. Service business development in small and
medium capital goods manufacturing companies.Managing Service Quality: An
International Journal.20(2). pp.123-139.
Goss, D., 2015.Small Business and Society (Routledge Revivals). Routledge.
Iskanius, P., Page, T. and Anbuudayasankar, S.P., 2010. The traditional industry sector in the
changing business environment–a case study of the Finnish steel product
industry.International Journal of Electronic Customer Relationship Management.4(4).
pp.395-414.
Mahmood, R. and Hanafi, N., 2013. Entrepreneurial orientation and business performance of
women-owned small and medium enterprises in malaysia: competitive advantage as a
mediator.International Journal of Business and Social Science.4(1).
Mole, K.F and et.al., 2011. Broader or deeper? Exploring the most effective intervention profile
for public small business support.Environment and Planning A.43(1). pp.87-105.
Revell, A., Stokes, D. and Chen, H., 2010. Small businesses and the environment: turning over a
new leaf?.Business strategy and the environment.19(5). pp.273-288.
Simmons, G., Armstrong, G.A. and Durkin, M.G., 2011. An exploration of small business
website optimization: enablers, influencers and an assessment approach.International
Small Business Journal.29(5). pp.534-561.
14