Latest news with #businessplan
Reuters
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Reuters
Maserati ready to present new business plan very soon, brand boss says
MODENA, Italy, June 5 (Reuters) - Maserati plans to present a new business plan shortly, soon after parent company Stellantis' new CEO Antonio Filosa officially starts in his job later this month, the head of the struggling luxury carmaker said on Thursday. The loss-making Italian brand, the only one in the luxury segment for the world's fourth largest automaker, has no new model launches scheduled at the moment, with Stellantis reviewing Maserati's strategies after a previous business plan was put on hold last year. Maserati CEO Santo Ficili said the plan was being finalised and would not just include new products but also redesign relations with dealers and the assistance network. "We have clear ideas about what we want to do, we hope we can be ready very soon," Ficili said at the Motor Valley Fest in the Italian city of Modena, where Maserati is headquartered. "Let's wait for Antonio to take up his job," he added. Stellantis last week named its North American chief Filosa, an Italian national, as its new CEO. His appointment will be effective from June 23. "Antonio loves the (Maserati) brand, I am sure we'll do great things," Ficili said, adding Maserati will continue to design, engineer and manufacture all its models in Italy. Asked about market speculation that Stellantis could assess a sale of Maserati amid poor results and falling sales, Ficili reiterated the group had no plans at all to divest from it. Ficili, who is also the head of Stellantis premium brand Alfa Romeo, said a review of the Alfa plan was imminent too. The group has hired consultant McKinsey to advise on strategies for Maserati and Alfa Romeo as they face a hit from U.S. tariffs. Maserati makes around 30% of its sales in the U.S., while Alfa Romeo generates some 15%.
Forbes
28-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Three Tips On How To Share Your Business Plan
Business plan concept hand drawn on blackboard A business plan is a crucial part of starting your business or thinking about taking your business to the next level. Once you have drafted and polished your business plan, you're ready to share it with the world, but that can be challenging too. Here are some tips and tricks for doing so. 1. Review the plan with a mentor Find a business mentor to review your final business plan before sharing it with external groups. A mentor can be a former business owner or a professional who advises entrepreneurs. 2. Draft the perfect outreach email First impressions are everything and this includes any email outreach on behalf of your business. Work with your mentor or advisor to craft the perfect outreach email that can highlight important and interesting parts of your plan. You want to make sure that whoever you send it to is going to want to read it. 3. Keep a few printed copies on hand Be sure to have a few printed copies on hand in case you have a funding opportunity that arises unexpectedly. Having a physical copy for you and the potential investor also makes referencing items in the plan much easier. Business plans often contain sensitive financial information and market analysis and strategy. Be mindful of who you share this plan with, as you would not want it to be shared widely. In addition, the life of a small business is constantly evolving. Be sure to build in monthly or quarterly checkpoints to review and revise your business plan so it stays up to date as your business grows and adapts.
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
5 signs that your business plan needs to be revisited in today's economy
A business plan is never set in stone. It should reflect the realities of your operating environment, especially considering how quickly economic conditions seem to be shifting in 2025. While some economists remain optimistic, predicting growth of up to 2.1% this year, the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) recently trimmed its 2025 forecast down to 1.7%, citing ongoing supply constraints and weak demand. With the effects of global trade tensions, rising costs and looming tax increases already being felt across the small to medium enterprise (SME) sector, it may be necessary to revisit your business plan. Here are five signs that your plan may no longer be fit for purpose in today's economic environment: 1. Your revenue assumptions haven't changed If your plan still assumes consistent or growing customer demand based on pre-2025 expectations, it may be out of step with reality. As of now, VAT is set to increase to 15.5% from 1 May and again to 16% in 2026. This will erode consumer buying power and place added pressure on input costs - particularly for SMEs that are not VAT-registered or that supply end-consumers directly. At the same time, electricity tariffs are increasing by 12.7% for Eskom direct customers, and at least 11.32% for municipal customers from July. This, combined with the potential return of load-shedding, is likely to impact both costs and productivity. If your projections don't reflect these pressures, your forecasts could be overly optimistic. 2. Your operating model depends on stable input costs After months of volatility, the recent April fuel price cuts have come as a welcome reprieve, especially for SMEs in logistics, deliveries or field services. But this relief may be temporary. Fluctuating commodity prices and global supply chain risks remain a reality, particularly as global trade tensions escalate. The United States' recent decision to extend tariffs to all trading partners, including South Africa, has reignited fears of a global recession. These external factors can increase the cost and complexity of doing business, especially if your model relies heavily on exporting goods. 3. You haven't re-evaluated your cost base When costs rise, margins shrink – unless you actively manage your overheads. Many SMEs have already built leaner operations during previous periods of load-shedding or economic slowdown. But as power cuts resurface and inflation-linked increases take hold, those cost-saving measures may no longer be enough. Some useful questions to ask yourself include: Is your staffing model still appropriate? Have you reviewed your suppliers or renegotiated contracts considering the latest VAT and electricity hikes? Are there non-core activities that could be outsourced or automated? A business plan that doesn't include a strategy for cost containment in a rising-cost environment needs rethinking. 4. Your competitive landscape has shifted Economic pressure is forcing businesses to adapt faster than ever before, and your competitors are no exception. Some may have exited the market, while others are pivoting to new offerings, geographies or pricing strategies. You need to understand these shifts and respond accordingly. Perhaps the opportunity lies in serving a different customer segment, launching a more affordable product range, or adjusting your sales model to reduce reliance on in-person channels. These changes must be reflected in your business plan if you want to stay ahead. 5. You're not tracking against updated KPIs A business plan isn't just a funding tool; it's a management tool. It should guide your decisions, provide a framework for measuring progress, and help you course-correct when conditions change. If you haven't updated your key performance indicators (KPIs) or reviewed your cash flow projections in light of energy costs, or changing customer behaviour, you're essentially flying blind. Now is the time to revise your assumptions and adjust your goals to reflect 2025 realities. South Africa's economic picture remains complex and uncertain, shaped by global developments and domestic headwinds. But this doesn't mean you should sit still. Revisiting your business plan isn't a sign that things are going wrong; it's a sign that you're paying attention, taking control, and preparing your business to succeed in an economy that demands resilience and forward thinking and planning. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
