Course Summary: No business can succeed without financial planning and control. It is absolutely vital. The budget is a plan that estimates how an organisation might perform financially over a given period - normally 12 months. Drawing up a budget is an opportunity to see what combinations of resources such as finance, people, equipment, technology etc. will produce an acceptable financial result. Once the budget is in place, it plays an important part in helping to control costs. Participants: Someone starting their own business and managers with budgetary responsibilities. Course Content: - calculating start-up costs - forecasting sales and revenue - what should be included in the operational budget - determining cashflow requirements - controlling the budget - reviewing the budget - the management accounts - automated accounting programmes - a budget exercise Course Delivery: A relaxed participative approach which balances theory and practical application.