Planning for Growth: Opportunities, Funding, and Strategies Report

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of growth strategies for Oak Cash & Carry, a wholesale firm in the United Kingdom. It begins with an evaluation of growth opportunities using frameworks like the BCG and McKinsey matrices, identifying the company's position and potential for expansion. The report then explores the Ansoff Growth Matrix to determine suitable strategies such as market penetration, product development, market development, and diversification. It also details various funding options, including venture capital, and government start-up loans, along with their advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, the report covers the creation of a detailed business plan and concludes with a discussion on exit strategies, such as selling the business to managers or employees. Overall, the report offers valuable insights for sustainable business growth and strategic planning.

Planning for Growth

TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................................................3
LO1..................................................................................................................................................3
P1. Evaluation of Growth opportunities......................................................................................3
P2. Ansoff Growth Matrix...........................................................................................................5
LO2..................................................................................................................................................6
P3.Different type of funding........................................................................................................6
LO3..................................................................................................................................................9
P4. Business Plan.........................................................................................................................9
LO4................................................................................................................................................13
P5.Exist strategy........................................................................................................................13
Sell your business to managers or employees...........................................................................15
CONCLUSION..............................................................................................................................16
REFERENCES..............................................................................................................................17

INTRODUCTION
Planning for growth of business can be define as a process in which firm focuses on
developing product as well services to attract new or old customers. Oak cash & carry is one of
well known wholesale firm in United kingdom and has various opportunities for growth which
can be identify by various matrix such BCG, Ansoff etc. as explain report. It also describes
various source of funding and detail business plan. In the end exit strategy discuses which can
chose by firm for closing business.
LO1
P1. Evaluation of Growth opportunities
Oak Cash and Carry has a number of methods as well as approaches by which firm can
improve its market position in changing business. It become important for the organisation to
frame a strategy by analysing growth opportunities such as after COVID large number of
customers shifted towards organic product in United Kingdom and hence company can take it as
chance to influence customers (Amountzias, Dagdeviren and Patokos, 2017). Organisation
strategy can be successfully implemented by using matrixes such as Mckinsey, Boston
consultancy group and AnsOff. It support growth of firm and expand market in time of
globalization.
Boston consultancy group matrix
Organisation can use BCG matrix for strategic planning and it support firm en expanding
business and increases revenue by considering available growth opportunities by analysing
product portfolio. It helps firm in identifying positions where it can invest and get higher return.
BCG matrix helps Oak Cash and Carry market position and also gives idea the way in which it
can grow by taking proper decision.
Dogs
There are number of products as well as brand which effected by changing business
atmosphere in United Kingdom. Pandemic and BREXIT has created number of challenges for
various grocery product as people become health conscious and hence it become difficult to sell
even old stocks. Oak Cash and Carry supply range of product such as organic, chemically made
etc. and hence firm able to hold its position in market position even after pandemic and hence it
is not fall in this category.
Cash cows
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In the category company focuses on expansion of business and profitability by different
product as well as brand (Dent, Hoke and Panagiotopoulos, 2020). However, it cannot be sure
that people it can attract customers by introducing number of brand that organisation. It is
important for the firm that investment will be done in right way so that people can easily
influence for its services and hence support growth of organisation. Oak Cash and Carry has
invested in taste and trend of customers and hence firm do not fall in this category.
Stars
Organisation in star category has a enormous opportunity in market and investment in
any brand of it can highly be profitable for firm and hence business can run smoothly. There are
number of category which can easily influence customers in changing business but in United
Kingdom it must follow taste and trend. Oak Cash and Carry has number of chances in British
market after pandemic as people become health conscious as demand for firm’s product and
hence firm fall in this category. Organic product range of firm has created high market which can
help in expanding business and increase market share.
Question mark
In this organisation have negative growth because of low market share which created
number of challenges. COVID lockdown has affected number of barrier fir various business but
Oak carries and cash are in wholesale sector with multiple customers and hence doesn’t affected
by it.
McKinsey Matrix
Organisation has number of ways from which in which product & services can be
promoted and strategy can be designed after analysing various aspect of business. It becomes
necessary for company to select right approach for increase in profit share in time of
globalization as well as expansion of market. Firm must have competitive as well attractive
strength so that business can run smoothly and profit can be rise in any situation.
Competitive strength
It become important for firm to take right decision by analysing market so that amount
will be invested on better quality of product as well as services and hence customers can be
easily attracted by it. Firm has multiple option in relation to promote or support goods but after
evolution of competitors product investment has to be made. Focusing on innovation, creativity
as well as sustainability help company in increasing revenue in any type of business. Oak cash
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and carry emphasizes on providing product as per taste and trend of customer and also identify
competitor’s goods & services so that proper changes cab be implemented and increase buyer’s
satisfaction level.
Industry attractiveness
Organisation has to emphasizes on investing in right types of product as well as services
which can easily attract customers and can increase market position in globalise business.
Financial stability of firm must be strong so that investment can be made for changing taste and
trend for company can attract number of investor by creating impactful image in front of them.
Information technology investments can another way by which organisation can generate higher
revenue as it increase efficiency, quality and productivity of work. Oak cash and carry large part
of budget invested for increase in sustainable product range such as organic one which can
highly support growth its market position rise.
P2. Ansoff Growth Matrix
It helps organisation in framing right strategy which can be best suitable for expanding
business and increase profit share in changing business.
Market penetration
In this organisation focus on working in existing market with similar product as well
services. It is less costly strategy and decrease tension of firm to locate new position as well as
buyers and on the other it can implemented on time. Changing business sphere and advance
technology in system can help in the market penetration for example: firm can use multiple
promotion channel to attract customers and increase profit share (Rashid, 2017). However, it is
not best strategy as changing taste and trend of customers can highly affect business and they
take less interest firm’s advertisement as already aware about product as well as services. Firm in
this type of strategy also use discount, membership card etc. to influence customers.
Product development
In product development firm focuses on introducing new goods as well as services in
existing market which can attract customers. Market remain which create less difficult for firm to
reach to buyer’s as well as promotion cost be comparatively low. It decrease chances of failure
of business as owner already know about customers as well as their taste and trend and hence
framing strategy for it can highly be profitable for organisation.
Market Development
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In this strategy organisation focuses on market development when goods as well as
services are of high quality or customers welcomes new business to grow such as they do not
stick to particular brand and product (Littlechild, 2016). Risk remain high in market
development as people cannot easily trust or accept new brands while product & services for
earlier place can be good but not effective for new locations. However, United Kingdom
customers’ welcomes new taste and trend which helps number of firm in expanding business in
different part of country and increase profit share.
Diversification
Diversification can be explained as the process in which product & services as well as
market are new for business. In this firm select location which are new as well as come up with
new product. For this firm has to be sure that customers can easily attracted towards goods and
have high demand of it for example: after pandemic British customers highly influence for
number of product as well services. However, it is one riskiest growth strategy as people cannot
come into influence of new product as well as firm and hence it can make shut down of business.
Oak cash and carry can follow product development strategy as firm has limited location
and investment in new place is highly risky after COVID. Firm can introduce new product as
well as services in market such as organic product has high demand because of pandemic people
become health conscious and it can best strategy for firm to increase profit share in changing
business. Organisation can use some of promotional tools for product development strategy and
hence it creates way for expansion of business (Armour, 2017).
LO2
P3.Different type of funding
Funding can be referred to as pool of financial resources which are available for the near-
term use. Funds have the same meaning as available cash. Funding is basically an act in which
resources are provided in order to finance a need, project or program. This is usually in the form
of money but can also take the form of time or effort form a company or an organisation.
Venture capitalist
It is a private institutionalized investment which is being made to begin a company in
primal level. This investment is generally made by investing parties to invest in the small private
enterprise. This investment has to take a huge risk of opportunities. The people who are investing
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the money became the company’s financial partners and known as venture capitalist. This
funding is more appropriate to obtain funding in the Oak cash & carry. This is also good option
to generate fund when the company needed a huge amount of fund (Islam, Fremeth and Marcus,
2018).
Advantages Disadvantages
The venture capitalist will expertise the
business as from different way from finance
support, it also helps and guide to get upstart of
business which help in decision-making (Kim
and Park, 2017).
The drawback is the member with equity
finance is compound within the ventures
funding. As the venture capitalist invite large
amount of cash in the organization with
bottleful investors this will reduce the power of
the owner in decision-making.
This funding help in creating typically
connection in business communities (Yang and
et. al., 2019).
It will minor ownership as it depends upon the
company venture capital interest in
organisation, that could be more of half and
which lead to loss of control.
Government Start-up Loan
Government loan program’s structure is such that the local entrepreneurs are provided a
chance to gain enough windfall for developing their business at a very low-risk rate. This was
also observed that in UK the company providing the start up loans has offered over 400m in
order to fund the 50,000 business across the country which is backed by the government
(Schelling and Towbin, 2018). This business loan is repayable in one to five years and the
government of UK does not charge for early repayments or any kind of set-up fees. Therefore,
this is a straightforward process which requires a simple process of filling form and answering
some questions regarding the situation along with the money aiming to receive.
Advantages Disadvantages
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It offers better rates of repayment and that also
in such a up-front manner and secure manner.
This will only be available to those whose
eligibility is confirmed by an entrepreneur and
are deemed safe to repay.
If large amount of funding is needed like for
acquiring some office space and expansion
rapidly then it may not be able to secure the
funding level needed by the business.
Under this, the interest rate is fixed i.e., 6%
which offers peace of mind along with
involvement of low sums which result in less
risks.
It is time-consuming in confirming the
eligibility and is draining one for
entrepreneurs.
Crowdfunding
This method of funding is done to raise capital through the collective efforts of large pool
of individuals including the family, friends, individual investors and the customers. This can be
done online through the social media as well as offline through the crowdfunding platforms by
leveraging the networks in order to make the reach greater and enhances exposure.
Advantages Disadvantages
The projects done through crowdfunding gets
huge attention everywhere especially on the
social media which can help in their rapid
growth (Kim and Hann, 2019). Fastest way to
raise finance without any upfront fees.
If the target is not reached then the potential
investors can ask for the money and there is
nothing left for the business (Gallo‐Cajiao and
et.al., 2018). The projects if failed risk damage
to the business reputation and the people who
have pledged money.
Peer to peer lending
This is a form of direct money lending to individuals or the businesses. It has no official
financial institution who can participate as an intermediary in the deal. It is mostly done through
online platforms where the lenders can be matched with the potential borrowers.
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Advantages Disadvantages
It provides higher returns to the investors
making it more accessible source of funding
which generally come with lower interest rates
(Wang, Shen and Huang, 2016).
There are high credit risks possessing low
credit ratings. There is no government and
insurance protection to the lenders. It is
available to only some lenders or borrowers.
Oak Cash and carry must use the government start-up loan as its interest rate is fixed and the
company can have the peace of mind. This can also become as great way to secure money which
can be used in introducing new product in the market and in conducting some scaling in the
industry.
LO3
P4. Business Plan
Executive Summary
Oak cash and carry is wholesaler firm in BANBURY, United Kingdom and offers retail
& wholesale of product as well as services. Organisation provides variety as well as range of
goods to retailers, caterers, offices, off licences, newsagents, and other local businesses. After
pandemic it becomes important firm to frame a proper plan by analysing market and design
strategy according to it.
Objectives
 Organisation focus on increase in profit share by 35% by the end of 2021.
 Sales of product as well as services will rise by 25% by 2021
 Market share of organisation will increase to 17.5% in last quarter of 2021
 Organisation will focuses on selling organic as well other product by setting proper
strategy as well as objectives
STP
Segmentation
It helps organisation to understand need and demand of customers by segmentation on
the bases of location, belief etc.
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Behavioural segmentation- In this organisation focuses on behaviours of customers such as in
United Kingdom taste and trend of customers continuously changes and hence Oak according to
present scenario offer organic product (Tonini, Albizzati and Astrup, 2018).
 Geographical- Oak cash and carry can expand business in crowded cities such as
London where wholesale product have high demand.
 Demographic segmentation- In this fir has chosen 18-60 years buyer’s which focuses on
retail purchase
Targeting
In this firm has targeted local retailers of London which purchase stock from wholesale
and hence focusing on them can help firm in expanding business.
Positioning
Oak cash and carry must select proper position of product such as it can use online
market in London as well as open stores which can easily accessible for buyer’s to purchase its
product as well as services (Lea, 2020).
Marketing mix Price
Organisation follow competitive price strategy which helps in attracting customers and
increase profit share and gaining competitive in changing business in United Kingdom. It
also gives offers as well as discount People
Organisation hire talented and skilled workforce which increase efficiency, quality and
productivity of work and increase profit share of Oak cash and carry. Firm maintain
diversify culture which innovation and creativity of work. It can also try to build good
relation with stakeholders. Promotion
Social media marketing strategy will be highly effective for firm as it attract number of
customers easily and support business of firm. Firm use digital as well as media
marketing for promotion of its product Product
Firm is focusing on developing sustainable product and in general provides several of retail
products which help in gaining customers as well increase profit share. Organisation emphasizes
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on analysing customers demand and according to that product is developed. It also takes
suggestion, feedback, opinion of customers related to goods which help in making changes and
providing right type of product as well as services. It enhances customer experience support
growth of organisation in time of globalization (Cheglov and et.al., 2020). Oak cash and carry
started supplying organic product range which influence health conscious customers in United
Kingdom and increase market position of organisation. Place
Firm is located in BANBURY, United Kingdom where it able to attract local retailers as
well as other customers. However, expansion of business can highly be profitable for
firm. After introducing organic product range which is in high demand firm can opt for
crowded cities such as London, Edinburg etc. Physical evidence
Organisation focuses on giving product that are sustainable in nature and hence increase
customer comfort. Firm has a range of product which helps in targeting consumers and
enhance customer experience. Physical evidence
Organisation has number of operation because of variety product which helps in full-
filling demand of customers.
SWOT
Strength
Customer has highly satisfied by firm products as well as services. Handle challenges raise by
high competition in market by effective planning and skilful management. Oka cash and carry
focuses on selling product that support sustainable environment and hence has a good reputation
in country.
Weakness
Organisation is limited to few cities which can become major challenges by rising small
wholesaler entrepreneurs (Filimonau and Gherbin, 2017). Promotion channels are not so
effective which can influence customers and increase market share of organisation.
Opportunities
Firm has good range of organic product and increase demand in different countries can help in
gaining customers as well as increase revenue.
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Threat
Stability in few cities can highly affect its market gaining strategy as number of small
entrepreneur started in United Kingdom which helps in influencing customers.
PEST
Political factors
United Kingdom is one of political stable country which helps in same types of industrial
policies and hence gives chances to various wholesaler firms to expand business and increase
profit share. COVID lockdown has highly affected business of Oak cash and carry and
dependency on physical store again hampered by Lockdown in United Kingdom.
Economical factors
There are number of economical changes stated because of COVID such as GDP in negative and
it also affected retail as well as wholesale business. Unemployment and inflation rate in country
raises which decrease purchasing power of buyer’s of Oak cash & carry and hence affected on its
business (Kuzman, Prdić and Dobraš, 2017). However, government will soon introduce new
policies which can be in favour of wholesale companies.
Social
In United Kingdom people loyalty chances with taste and trend but Oak cash & carry able to any
types of challenges related to it. Organic product also started selling by firm.
Technological
Oak cash & carry is technological advance company which increase quality, efficiency and
productivity which positively impact on customer satisfaction level.
Finance statement
Organisation has set budget of €9,500 but it come out €10,500
Basis Amount
Worker €2,500
Raw material €3,000
Technology €3,500
Miscellaneous €1,500
Total €10,500
Source of funding
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Oak cash & carry can take loan for its business and it will help in expanding business in
new targeted location in United Kingdom. Government also providing special schemes for
wholesale firm in loan and hence it will be best source of funding.
Exit strategy
Succession business in family will be highly profitable for firm as it will help in continues
following legacy which was created devotion of owner and it will him in mentoring business.
Monitoring and Controlling
Key performance indicator can help firm in analysing performance of workers as per the plan
and if found any mistake can be address on time and hence support continuous growth of
business. Oak cash and carry use various KPI for monitoring and controlling business activities.
LO4
P5.Exist strategy
This strategy is mostly in demand of investors in the small business. Yet, it is needed by
the business govern by an individual person for himself and the investors of that business. Exit
strategy leads in advance the solution of their problems and help in giving certain power over the
small business approaching.
Liquidation : In this strategy the owner use to sell all its assets and close it financials accounts.
As for a Oak cash & carry which are mainly depends on the actions of particular person.
Sometime this is only option for the businessman to sell all the goods of Oak cash & carry.
Advantages
The liquidation process is very simple as all the asset are to be sell no re-ownership lead
this process simpler.
The process of winding up take less time as well.
Disadvantages
This process is lead to less return to its owner. The disposal of current assets only return
the money by there sale. The intangible assets value is lost in this.
The asset value will decrease as the assets become second hand as machinery cost reduce
with depreciation.
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The business have to settle the liabilities first from the sell of assets than very less amount
is with the owner and the organization partners.
Liquidation over time : In this process of liquidation over time the Oak cash & carry's owner
take way the profit that is generated by the business rather than investing in the business
expansion. This profit take out though dividends before winding up the business as per the
owners' preference as the owner want to increase the lifestyle rather on business enlargement.
Advantages
Liquidation over time leads to enhancement of lifestyle with profit withdrawal of self
usage. Before winding up as the owner is not willing to continue the business so far that is why
owner withdraw the profit out of business for personal use.
Disadvantages
If the profit is not used in the business work than it will reduces the growth and
ultimately the organisation will not expand with the same.
The shareholder will oppose with this as they are also the owner, and they need to
compensate accordingly with the owner.
The business profit should be remained in the organisation for better expansion and taxed
as primary gains when ever the company is sold out.
Keep your business in the family : if the Oak cash and carry want to transfer there ownership
within there family leads to survive the legacy and give a living to legally entitled owner.
Advantages
It will lead to smoother work of transferring the ownership within the family. As the
family members know and comfortable with each other so there is less chance of any kind of
conflict in the process of transition.
It will also lead to remain the advisory power of recommendation to the future owner.
Disadvantages
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This practise can suppose to do difficulties and any conflict among the family members
for being the owner of company.
All the members in the family are not so skill and educated to govern the organisation as
it want a huge knowledge of business management (Agha-Jaffar and et. al., 2016).
The business customers not like the way of business and the changes in their commodity.
Sell your business to managers or employees
In this process of existing the Oak cash & carry will sell its business to the interested
manager or the senior employee of Oak cash & carry.
Advantages
This will help in growth of organization as the manager and employees are familiar with
the work profile, and they will show interest in the work better than a unknown person.
The arrangement of long buy out with employees lead to increase in trueness and
motivating the employees to perform their best.
This will also allow to be advisory and give the recommendations for enhance the
business (Zhou and et. al., 2016).
Disadvantages
All the employees are not so qualified to take the owner role in the Oak cash & carry
business. Some are working lower level of work and some are senior most so all of them are not
so skill to take over the business (Childress and et. al., 2017).
The customers are not happy with the new owner policy and the production styles.
Recommendation for Oak cash & carry
The Oak cash & carry organization must use sell your business to manager or employees
exist strategy to winding up its business because the manager know the company very better than
any other in the market. By transferring the ownership to the qualified manager will lead to
enhancement of business and motivate the other employees as well. By doing this the owner can
sell its goodwill with a favourable value.
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CONCLUSION
It can be evaluated from the report that planning for growth need robust strategy as well
detail analysis on market. Oak cash & carry growth opportunities explain report for example
organisation can focuses on product development by introducing new range of product. It also
describe various source of funding such as loan which can be easy source and government also
providing schemes related to its which can be highly profitable for organisation. Business plan
also explain report by internal as well as external analysis. Different types of exit strategy
describe in report such as succession in family, Acquisition etc.
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