Business Name: FRAGRANCESCompany SummaryFragrances is a new natural and herbal cosmetics company proposing to set up a signature herbal cosmetics store in Central London. The store will deal in herbal cosmetics including perfumes.The company has been setup by a team of three members who have years of experience in understanding and managing cosmetics business, channel marketing and high-level sales. The promoters will initially fund the business themselves as they believe strongly in their product idea. Market research among over 1000 women in various age groups shows that there is a demand for such products.Sales projections for Fragrances are estimated be over £1 million for the first year, with a decent net profit.The promoters feel that, by creating awareness of their products, many women will prefer to purchase their products for their own use, as will friends and family members.ObjectivesCreate a niche market in herbal cosmetics industryGenerate retail sales of over £1,000,000 in year one.Maintain a gross margin of over 65%.MissionTo give an unlimited opportunity to women of all ages to become beautiful naturallyKeys to SuccessFragrances will:Offer a unique line of herbal cosmetics that will take into account the differences in requirements of diverse age groups. Herbal cosmetic products are currently in demand today and are also available but there are no differences in cosmetics available for different age groups.Satisfy the demand of women who do not want to use cosmetics containing harmful chemicalsExecute a targeted marketing campaign to generate awareness of the their productsFragrances will be a UK-based herbal cosmetics company offering its customers a series of unique herbal cosmetics including skincare products, hair care products and perfumes. There will a wide variety in these cosmetics and will take the differences in requirements of diverse age groups. The store will have two product experts who will help the customers choose the right products according to their ages and requirements. The company will reach out to customers through their own signature store as well as its website.In the future, the company will also explore the possibility of expanding to the entire UK by setting up a chain of such stores.Company OwnershipCosmetics industry in the UK is a growth industry dominated by a few key players. Fragrances needs to pool funding to be able to make its presence felt in the industry. It will be set up as a private limited company as the three promoters will pool in their funds and will form the core management team. As a private company it will be able to achieve its initial standing which would not have been possible as a sole proprietorship or partnership firm.Start-up SummaryStart-up costs for Fragrances include legal costs, computer supplies, new product marketing, website design and regulatory costs for cosmetics[1]. Start-up assets are mostly dedicated to start-up stock.Start-up Expenses £Legal1,000Computer Supplies1,250Marketing15,000Web design2,500Regulatory4,000General Administration (including rent and salaries)137,000Total Start-up Expenses£160,750Start-up AssetsCash£10,000Start-up stock£60,000Other current assets0Fixed assets (Including fixtures)£20000Total assets£90,000Total Requirements for Expenses and assets250,750To start with, Fragrances will introduce its herbal range in skincare products perfumes.Skincare productsThese will include day creams, night creams, exfoliating creams, anti-wrinkle or anti-ageing creams. Within these there will be creams for specific age-groups and skin types.PerfumesFragrances will start-off with a limited range of perfumes for the working women. In stage two, more variety will be introduced.Source: National Statistics, accessed from http://www.statistics.gov.uk/cci/nugget.asp?id=6Market SegmentationThe three main segments of the market who would buy herbal cosmetics are working executives, college and university students and ageing women. There will also be those who would shop for women, perhaps a husband, friend or a family member. Though the store will be in Central London it will cater to the needs of entire UK. Women living outside London will buy the cosmetics online through the company website. The absence of a store in small towns will not impact the sale as the product will be extremely effective and safe. The confidence will be based on additional expenditure on creating awareness about the products.As per the mid census estimates, the total women population in all age groups in UK is 30,730,300 (Source: NSO Statistics). In addition, statistics indicate that on an average 93% of total women in all age groups buy cosmetics. The potential market may be set at 28,579,179 (93% of total women). Based on the primary and secondary segments, the projected sales forecast is conservatively set at less then 1% of the total potential market (285,790), as highlighted in the following table and chart.Potential CustomersGrowth200820092010CAGRWorking women0%142,895142,895142,8950%Young girls0%107,171107,171107,1710%Ageing women0%26,79326,79326,7930%Others0%8,9318,9318,9310%Total0%285,790285,790285,7900%Product Elasticity:The product is a necessity and is not highly price elastic. Consumers are ready to pay a higher product if they become aware of the unique benefits from the product.Industry AnalysisThe UK cosmetics industry accounts for £5 billion sales. (Source: Euromonitor – Consumer Europe 2002/3 – 18th Edition Pub. Euromonitor International Plc)) 93% of British women use cosmetics in some shape or form making us one of the highest users in Europe. (Source: Key Note Report – Cosmetics & Fragrances – A Market Sector Overview 10th Edition, Ed. By Eleanor Hughes) Convenience and benefits continue to be a key trend for British cosmetics consumers. Easy application and usage, as well as effectiveness, are the main requirements. Some of these products have a higher price positioning, but consumers appear willing to pay higher unit prices if products can offer genuine benefits in terms of saving time.Fragrances will be a small segment of the cosmetics industry. The market is dominated by major players. Significant shifts in overall value share in this sector have primarily been achieved through major mergers and acquisitions such as L’Oréal’s purchase of The Body Shop.Competition AnalysisNatural and herbal cosmetic products is a growing sector with the presence of a few big players such as L’Oréal’, Bodyshop, Boots and Johnson and Johnson. It is becoming stronger in the UK and UK is now competing with other European countries for product launches. There has been a 170 per cent increase on launches from the comparable period in 2006. According to a recent Mintel report, the UK has seen the largest increase in herbal beauty products of any European country even in the first quarter of 2007. The country accounted for a mere five per cent of the 1600 organic cosmetics launched worldwide in 2006, which has now risen to 19 per cent of the 1053 products that have already been launched globally in 2007.In recent years there has been an explosion of activity as consumers have become more aware of the health benefits of using natural ingredients. Supermarkets have now begun to pick up on this trend, with leading chains such as Asda, Tesco and Waitrose all developing own brands to capitalise on the growing consumer demand for organic and ethical products.Our marketing strategy is to create product awareness among women using cosmetics by strategically placing Internet ads, using direct mailers and generating PR.Competitive EdgeThe present herbal cosmetic retailers carry a mainstream line of cosmetics that are appealing to the masses. Due to their mass distribution model, it would not be prudent for them to carry small amounts of specialty items for specific age groups. By positioning in the market as a specialty store, Fragrances is confident that word of mouth will help to create product awareness across UK.Fragrances unique selling proposition is that its products will be exclusive and customised for women in accordance with their age groups, skin types etc. Currently, no major cosmetic retailer and online stores offer such customised herbal cosmetics.The primary weakness of Fragrance will be to generate awareness about the cosmetics and highlight how these are different from the other products available in the market. To generate sales, there is a need to first create awareness about the existence of the product and make it easy for potential customers to locate the speciality store. However, it will not be difficult to establish its presence in the cosmetics industry.Marketing StrategyFragrances marketing strategy is crucial to its success. The company will need to create awareness of its products through:Strategically-placed ads in women’s magazines and women related websitesDirect mail and e-mail advertising to working womenNew product PR in publications for womenSales StrategySales are dependent upon creating awareness and generating excitement about the herbal cosmetics. The company will strategically place pop-up and banner ads on web-sites relevant to both women, use direct mail and e-mail lists and seek public relations coverage in relevant media sources.Fragrances will fulfil orders through its speciality store. It will also offer returning customers an option to place their orders on the company’s official website, or fax in orders to the company.E-orders: Customer can purchase online 24-hours a day, seven days a week.Fax orders: Customers can fax in an order 24-hours a day, seven days a week.Sales ForecastThe sales forecast for First Year 2008 takes into account slower sales at the beginning as the company creates awareness of its product and website. Initially the company will be selling limited range of skincare products and perfumes. As the company grows, it will explore the demand for other types of customised products.The following table illustrates unit sales of 109,500 units for the first year. This would require the company to sell to less than 1% of its target market. FY 2008FY 2009FY 2010Unit Sales   Units Sold109,500115,000121,000Average unit price£ 10£10£10Sales Revenue£ 1,095,000£1,150,000£1,210,000Direct Unit Costs£3£3£3Direct Cost of Sales£ 328500£345000363000Initially the company will be managed by its promoters. They will oversee product development, the online store, speciality store and marketing efforts. Outsourcing will be used on some initial tasks, specifically the website design and maintenance.Personnel PlanAs the company’s launch date approaches, two product experts will be hired to help with the speciality store sales. As the company grows, more personnel will be added as needed.Personnel Plan FY 2008 (in £)FY 2009 (in £)FY 2010 (in £)Management team for 3 Members£45,000£45,000£45,0002 Employees£20,000£21,000£22,050Total People555Total Payroll£65,000£66,000£67,050Fragrances project the gross margin to be healthy percent (70%). Sales projections for 2008 are at over £1 million. Refer appendix for a projected profit & loss account, projected cash-flow statement and projected balance sheet for the period 2008-2010.Start-up FundingThe promoters of the company will use personal funds to finance the start of this business. The primary start-up costs are as follows:Start-up Expenses £Start up Funding Start up Expenses to fund160,750Start up Assets to fund90,000Total Funding Required250,750Assets Non-cash assets from start-up80,000Cash10,000Additional cash Raised0Cash Balance on Starting Date10,000Total Assets90,000Liabilities and Capital Liabilities Current Borrowing0Fixed liabilities0Accounts payable0Other current liabilities0Total Liabilities0Capital Planned Investment Shareholders equity250,750Investor0Additional Investment Requirement0Total Planned Investment250,750Loss at Start-up(160,750)Total Capital90,000Total Liabilities and Capital90,000Break-even AnalysisThe following Break-even Analysis shows what is needed in monthly sales to break even.Break-even Analysis (Year 2008)Monthly units break-even1,914Monthly Revenue Break-even£19,140  Assumptions: Average per-unit revenue£10Average per-unit variable cost£3Estimated monthly fixed cost£13396This Confidentiality Agreement (the “Agreement”) is by and between (hereinafter “Disclosing Party”) and the undersigned recipient of information. (hereinafter “Recipient”)Recipient and its Representatives shall not disclose any of the Confidential information in any manner whatsoever, except as provided under Permitted Disclosures. Recipient hereby agrees to indemnify Disclosing Party against any and all losses, damages, claims, expenses and legal fees incurred or suffered by Disclosing Party as a result of breach of this Agreement by Recipient or its RepresentativesAppendix AProjected Profit & Loss 2008 (£)2009 (£)2010 (£)Sales1,095,0001,150,0001,210,000Direct cost of goods328,500345,000363,000Other costs–––Cost of goods sold328,500345,000363,000Gross Margin766,500805,000847,000Gross Margin %70%70%70%Total Operating Expenses396,025375,667352,917Profit Before Interest and Taxes370,475429,333494,083EBITDA370,475429,333494,083Interest Expense–––Taxes148,190171,733197,633Net Profit222,285257,600296,450Projected Cash Flow 2008 (£)2009 (£)2010 (£)Cash Received   Cash from Operations   Cash sales1,095,0001,150,0001,210,000Subtotal cash from operations1,095,0001,150,0001,210,000Additional cash received   VAT received000New current borrowing000New other liabilities000Sale of other current assets000Sale of fixed assets000New Investment received000Subtotal cash received1,095,0001,150,0001,210,000Expenditure   Cash spending58,00086,00095,000Bills payment652,232691,342727,276Total spent on operations710,232777,342822,276VAT paid000Repayment of current borrowing000Purchase of other current assets000Purchase of fixed assets000Dividends000Subtotal Cash Spent710,232777,342822,276Net Cash Flow384,768372,658387,724Cash Balance394,768767,4261,155,150Projected Balance Sheet 200820092010Assets   Current assetsCash394,768767,4261,155,150Stock60,00060,00060,000Other Current Assets000Total Current Assets454,768827,4261,215,150Fixed AssetsFixed assets Accumulated20,00020,00020,000Depreciation000Total Assets474,768847,4261,235,150 200820092010Liabilities and Capital   Current LiabilitiesAccounts payable53,90057,08560,020Current borrowing000Other current liabilities108,583220,456308,795Long term liabilities0  Total liabilities162,483277,541368,815Capital including profits312,285569,885866,335Total liabilities and Capital474,768847,4261,235,150BibliographyBarrow Colin, Barrow Paul, Brown Robert, The Business Plan Workbook, (2001) Kogan Page LtdBlackwell Edward, How to Prepare a Business Plan, (2004) Kogan Page LtdBranson, Richard, The Best-Laid Business Plans: How to Write Them, How to Pitch Them (Virgin Business Guides), (2005) Virgin Books; New Ed editionCovello Joseph, Hazelgren Brian, The Complete Book of Business Plans (Jan 1993), SourcebooksEleanor Hughes, Key Note Report – Cosmetics & Fragrances – A Market Sector Overview 10th EditionEuromonitor – Consumer Europe 2002/3 – 18th Edition Pub. Euromonitor International PlcFinch Brian, How to Write a Business Plan, (2006), Kogan Page LtdMcKeever Mike P., How to Write a Business Plan,(1992) Nolo PressUK Population data accessed from http://www.statistics.gov.uk/glance/#populationFootnotes[1] The UK cosmetics industry is regulated under the the Department of Trade and Industry’s 1996 Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations.Get Help With Your EssayIf you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help!Find out more