Only 50 per cent of surveyed businesses across the two counties have a formal written business plan and only 10 per cent have engaged with their staff on the subject of planning.

The effect of this means that those people necessary to deliver the plan, are at risk of working blind and 90 per cent of businesses are missing a key opportunity to engage their teams positively. During the uncertain economic times that we are currently dealing with, it is vital that businesses use this to review their business strategy and operations to maximise any opportunities for change.

In order to address this, Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce and Bishop Fleming will host a strategic business planning workshop event on Friday, February 7, to discuss the challenges and benefits strategic business planning can bring.

Attendees will be able to engage in roundtable discussions with other businesses regarding the advantages and difficulties business planning gives an organisation regardless of their size or sector.

This peer-to-peer learning session will provide the opportunity for businesses demonstrating best practice to share their insight into business planning, staff engagement and internal communications. For those without a business plan, this event provides the perfect learning opportunity to speak to those who have already been through this process.

This event is ideal for any business that wants to review or create a strategic business plan for the coming year or for any company who feel that they have seen the advantages this brings and would like to share their experiences with others. Businesses all sizes and sectors are welcome.

On the importance of strategic business planning, Chris Walklett, Partner at Bishop Fleming, said: “Failing to plan, is planning to fail. After years of uncertainty surrounding both Brexit and the political direction of the country, you would hope that businesses would be formulating and revisiting business plans with verve – controlling the controllables is the key to any business success story.”

We will also be introducing at the event the new Quarterly Economic Survey Quarter 4 2019 Report, produced in partnership with Bishop Fleming. The report looks at a wide range of issues that are collected from businesses around Herefordshire and Worcestershire. The theme of this report considers strategic business planning, resilience in uncertain times and communicating the vision of your business to your staff. Attendees will receive an exclusive first look at the data and find out what this means for the business environment.

The event will be held at Worcestershire County Cricket Club from 7.30am-9.30am and is FREE for Members and Non-members.

To book your place, visit hwchamber.co.uk/product/improve-your-strategic-business-planning/ or contact our Events team on 01905 673612.