trustpilot

Business Strategy Planning Masterclass

Overview In a UK economy with 5.7 million private sector businesses, standing out requires clear strategic direction. The Business Strategy …

4.7 4.7 Rating ( 13 Reviews )
246 Students
Bestseller
Great Service
Highly Rated
i Last Updated: 25th August 2026
◎ English
Flexible Schedule
thumbnail

Unlock 3,000+ Courses & Unlimited Free Digital Certificates for £99 Only! Grab Now

Overview

In a UK economy with 5.7 million private sector businesses, standing out requires clear strategic direction. The Business Strategy Planning Masterclass helps learners understand market conditions, analyse competitors, and build structured business plans that support long-term growth and informed decision-making.

This course removes uncertainty in planning by giving practical frameworks for real business situations. It strengthens strategic thinking, improves commercial awareness, and supports confident decision-making in fast-changing industries. Designed for aspiring managers, consultants, and entrepreneurs seeking structured career progression. Study online at your own pace and unlock opportunities such as Business Analyst, Strategy Executive, Operations Manager, and Business Development Executive roles. 

Start learning today and gain practical strategy skills that help you grow confidently in competitive UK business environments with flexible online study access now.

Key Benefits Included

► Accredited by CPD
► Instant Access
► 24/7 Learning Assistance
► Self-paced learning and laptop, tablet, smartphone-friendly
► Fully online, interactive course with audio voiceover
► Developed by qualified professionals in the field

Sneak Peek

Learning Outcomes

This course builds essential business strategy and planning knowledge for organisational decision-making and long-term business growth.

By the end of this course, learners will be able to:

► Understand core business strategy and planning principles clearly
► Analyse internal and external business environments effectively
► Develop structured and practical strategic business plans
► Identify competitive strengths and weaknesses in markets
► Apply strategic thinking to business decision-making processes
► Support long-term organisational growth through planning methods

Who is This Course For?

This course is designed for learners who want to develop strong business strategy knowledge for career development and professional success.

► Beginners interested in business strategy and planning careers
► Entrepreneurs building structured business growth strategies
► Managers improving leadership and decision-making ability
► Students studying business, management, or related fields
► Professionals moving into consultancy or strategy roles
► Career changers entering corporate business environments

Certification

CPD Certification

After successfully completing the assessment of this Business Strategy Planning Masterclass course, you can apply for the CPD accredited certificates.
PDF certificate: £9.99
Hardcopy certificate: £15.99

Career Opportunities

This course supports UK business strategy, management, consultancy, operations and leadership roles where planning, analysis and decision-making knowledge can support stronger organisational performance and business growth.

► Business Analyst — Average UK salary: £30,000–£55,000 per year
► Business Development Executive — Average UK salary: £28,000–£50,000 per year
► Operations Manager — Average UK salary: £35,000–£65,000 per year
► Strategy Executive — Average UK salary: £32,000–£60,000 per year
► Management Consultant — Average UK salary: £40,000–£70,000 per year
► Business Manager — Average UK salary: £35,000–£60,000 per year

Course Curriculum

The course covers a wide range of essential topics, including:

► Learn Business Fundamentals and Create Your Own Business Plan
► Quickfire Strategy Quiz: Business Strategy Awareness
► Quickfire Strategy Quiz – Answers Explained
► How to Get the Most from This Course
► Using the Course Map Matrix
► Guide to Course Assignments
► Download All Course Materials

► Connecting Business Strategy to Business Plan
► What is Business Strategy?
► Understanding Business Plans
► Corporate Strategy Explained
► Creating Shareholder Value
► Introduction to Strategic Management

► Introduction to Strategic Analysis
► What is Strategic Analysis?
► Key Strategic Analysis Frameworks
► Apple Case Study: Strategic Analysis in Practice

► Importance of Business Models
► Hedgehog and Fox Theory
► Management Theories in Strategy
► SWOT Analysis
► Porter’s Five Forces
► Lafley and Martin Strategy Model
► 5Cs Model
► PEST and PESTEL Analysis
► Ansoff Matrix
► Value Chain Analysis
► Business Model Synthesis
► Black Swan Events and Business Impact

► Vision and Leadership Principles
► Management Skills in Business Strategy
► Purpose of Vision Statements

► Understanding Products and Services
► Product Differentiation Strategies
► Product Diversification
► Quality Management in Strategy
► Competitive Advantage Explained
► Bowman’s Strategic Clock
► Technology and Product Strategy in Business Planning

► Competitor Analysis
► BCG Matrix
► Competitive Forces and Industry Analysis
► Competitive Intensity
► Industry Life Cycle
► Linking Competition to Business Planning

► External Business Environment Analysis
► Industry and Market Evaluation
► PEST Analysis in Practice
► Business and Funding Life Cycles
► Value Chain and External Environment
► Total Addressable Market (TAM)
► Market Segmentation
► Supplier Power Analysis
► Buyer Power Analysis
► Industry and Competition Planning

► Business Operations Overview
► Business Model Canvas
► Corporate Structure and Strategy
► Organisational Development
► Operational Review
► Click and Mortar Business Models
► eCommerce Strategy Models
► Internal Strategy and Business Planning

► SWOT Strategy Exercise and Application

► Customer Value Proposition
► Market Positioning Strategy
► Profit Models in Business
► Delta Model Strategy
► Switching Costs and Customer Retention
► Customer Experience Management
► Customer Journey Mapping
► Customer Strategy in Business Planning

► Marketing Principles (5Ps)
► Marketing Planning Techniques
► Push Marketing Strategy
► AIDA Model
► Customer Engagement Framework
► Pricing Strategy Models
► Sales and Marketing in Business Planning

► Digital Strategy Blueprint
► Skills for Digital Entrepreneurs
► Customer-Centric Digital Transformation
► Digital Customer Experience Strategy
► Channel Transformation
► Customer Engagement in Digital Business
► Digital Skills Development
► Tools and Resources for Digital Strategy

► Financial Statements Overview
► Accrual vs Cash Accounting
► Income Statement Analysis
► Balance Sheet Fundamentals
► Cash Flow Statement
► Financial Metrics
► Apple Financial Case Study
► Financial Reporting in Business Planning

► Introduction to Financial Analysis
► Profitability Ratios
► Balance Sheet Ratios
► Cash Flow Analysis
► Valuation Ratios

► Apple Financial Analysis Case Study
► Growth Measurement Analysis
► Profitability Evaluation
► Trading Performance Review
► Working Capital and Liquidity Analysis

► Future Strategy Development Exercise

► Introduction to Goal Setting
► SMART Goals Framework
► Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
► Strategic Dashboards
► Corporate Performance Management
► Objectives and Key Results (OKRs)
► Year-on-Year Performance Analysis

► Organic vs Inorganic Growth
► First Mover Advantage
► Business Scalability
► Mergers and Acquisitions Strategy
► Buy and Build Strategy
► Business Recovery Strategies
► Post-Crisis Growth Strategy
► Growth Strategy in Business Planning

► Business Valuation and Funding Overview
► How to Value a Company
► Equity Funding Sources
► Pre-Money Valuation
► Investor Pitch Deck Creation
► Sources and Uses of Funds
► Cap Table Explained
► Exit Strategies and Returns
► Transaction Cost Management

► Strategic Risk Assessment
► Risk Planning and Mitigation

► Business Plan Structure and Synthesis
► Executive Summary Development
► Business History and Background
► Management Summary
► Appendices Preparation
► Business Planning Checklist
► Audience Targeting Strategy
► Business Type Considerations
► Final Business Plan Refinement

► Final Summary and Key Takeaways

► Downloadable Course Files and Assignment Materials

Excellent

4.7 Average - 13 Reviews

★ Reviews
James Carter
This course helped me understand acupressure clearly. I now feel more relaxed and confident using the techniques.
Olivia Bennett
Great learning experience with clear explanations and practical examples. It has improved my decision-making skills in my current role significantly.

Course Curriculum

Section 01: Welcome - How to Get the Most Out Of This Course
Learn Business Fundamentals and Create Your Own Business Plan Today! 00:02:00
Quickfire Strategy Quiz How much do you know about your business strategy? 00:02:00
Quickfire Strategy Quiz – My “Answers” 00:10:00
How to get the most from this Course 00:09:00
Using the Course Map Matrix 00:06:00
Guide to the Course Assignments 00:04:00
Download All Course Materials Here 00:03:00
Section 02: Business Fundamentals: Connecting Business Strategy to the Business Plan
Section Introduction: Connecting Business Strategy to the Business Plan 00:02:00
Business Strategy to Business Plan 00:04:00
What do we mean by Business Strategy? 00:02:00
What is a Business Plan? 00:06:00
What do we mean by Corporate Strategy? 00:07:00
Should You Be Creating Shareholder Value? 00:07:00
Introduction to Strategic Management 00:06:00
Section 03: Business Fundamentals: The Value of Strategic Analysis
Section Introduction: The Value of Strategic Analysis 00:01:00
Strategic Analysis – The First Step 00:02:00
What is Strategic Analysis? 00:05:00
Frameworks for Strategic Analysis 00:10:00
Strategic Analysis Frameworks Case Study: Apple 00:11:00
Section 04: Business Fundamentals: Frameworks and Theories Business Strategists Must Know
Section Introduction: Frameworks and Theories Business Strategists Must Know 00:02:00
Why are these Business Models important? 00:02:00
The Story of the Hedgehog and the Fox 00:03:00
Why are Management Theories Useful in Business Strategy? 00:09:00
SWOT Analysis 00:05:00
Introduction to Michael Porter’s Five Forces Model 00:06:00
Lafley and Martin Five Step Strategy Model 00:06:00
The 5Cs Model 00:06:00
What is PEST or Broad Factors Analysis? 00:05:00
PESTEL Analysis 00:05:00
Ansoff Matrix 00:07:00
Value Chain 00:05:00
Business Model Synthesis 00:08:00
Black Swan Events – Coronavirus 00:05:00
Section 05: Critical Evaluation of Leadership
Section Introduction: Critical Evaluation of Leadership 00:01:00
Vision and Leadership – Starting at the Top 00:06:00
What Skills Are We Looking For In Management? 00:07:00
What is the Purpose of a Vision Statement? 00:03:00
Section 06: Products and Services and Competitive Advantage
Section Introduction: Products Services and Competitive Advantage 00:02:00
What do we mean by Products and Services 00:03:00
Why Product Differentiation is Critical 00:05:00
Product Diversification in Business Strategy 00:06:00
How Does Quality Management fit into your Business Strategy? 00:04:00
What do we mean by Competitive Advantage? 00:06:00
Bowman’s Strategic Clock – Strategic Positioning 00:09:00
Products, Services and Technology in the Business Plan 00:06:00
Section 07: Competition - Know Your Enemy
Section Introduction: Competition – Know Your Enemy 00:02:00
Competitor Analysis 00:05:00
BCG Matrix 00:06:00
Competitors and Competitive Forces 00:10:00
Competitive Intensity 00:09:00
Industry Life Cycle 00:05:00
Competition – Business Plan Tie In 00:02:00
Section 08: External Strategic Analysis - Industry, Markets and Competition
Section Introduction: Industry, Markets and Competition 00:02:00
What do we mean by External Strategic Analysis 00:09:00
How Does Industry Analysis Help? 00:05:00
Conducting PEST or Broad Factors External Analysis 00:11:00
What are the Business and Funding Life Cycles? 00:10:00
Value Chains: Connecting Companies to their External Environment 00:08:00
Addressing the Total Addressable Market (TAM) 00:05:00
Market Segmentation: Choosing Customers 00:07:00
Bargaining Power of Suppliers 00:06:00
Bargaining Power of Customers/Buyers 00:06:00
Business Plan: Industry, Markets and Competition 00:04:00
Section 09: Internal Strategic Analysis - Operations and Customer Management
Section Introduction – Operations and Customer Management 00:02:00
What are Business Operations? 00:03:00
Strategic Analysis with the Business Model Canvas 00:14:00
How can Corporate Structure impact Strategy? 00:07:00
Organisational Development 00:04:00
Reviewing the Operations of the Firm 00:03:00
Click and Mortar – Online meets Offline 00:05:00
eCommerce Business Models 00:06:00
Internal Strategic Analysis – Business Plan Tie In 00:05:00
Section 10: Six Minute Strategist SWOT Assignment
Section Introduction: Six Minute Strategist SWOT Assignment 00:02:00
Section 11: Customer Value Proposition
Section Introduction: Customer Value Proposition 00:02:00
Understanding the Customer Value Proposition 00:03:00
Positioning Your Firm in the Market 00:04:00
What do we mean by a Profit Model? 00:05:00
Hax’s Delta Model 00:09:00
Switching Costs and Customer Strategy 00:03:00
Managing the Customer Experience 00:05:00
What is the Customer Journey? 00:06:00
Customers, Customer Value and the Business Plan 00:03:00
Section 12: Sales and Marketing Strategy
Section Introduction: Sales and Marketing 00:02:00
The 5 Ps of Marketing 00:06:00
How Can You Plan Your Marketing? 00:11:00
Push Marketing Strategy 00:03:00
Understanding AIDA 00:07:00
Progressive Sequence of 9 Agreements 00:07:00
Pricing Strategies 00:11:00
Sales and Marketing in the Business Plan 00:06:00
Section 13: Digital Business Strategy Transformation
Section Introduction: Digital Business Strategy Transformation 00:02:00
Why Do You Need A Digital Strategy Blueprint? 00:07:00
What Skills and Assets do you need to be a Digital Entrepreneur? 00:07:00
Digital Strategy Blueprint Overview 00:18:00
Digital Strategy – Customer Centric Transformation 00:07:00
Digital Strategy – Customer Experience Transformation 00:05:00
Digital Strategy – Customer Channel Transformation 00:06:00
Digital Strategy – Customer Engagement Transformation 00:19:00
Digital Strategy – Digital Skills Transformation 00:04:00
Digital Strategy – Tools and Resources 00:02:00
Section 14: Finance - Understanding Financial Statements
Section Introduction: Understanding Financial Statements 00:02:00
Overview of Financial Statements 00:03:00
GAAP: Accruals vs Cash Accounting 00:06:00
Income Statement or Profit and Loss Account 00:08:00
Introduction to the Balance Sheet 00:11:00
Cash Flow Statement 00:06:00
Cash Flow Metrics Explained 00:09:00
Case Study – Apple Financial Statements 00:04:00
Financial Statements in the Business Plan 00:06:00
Section 15: Finance: Strategic Financial Analysis
Section Introduction: Strategic Financial Analysis 00:01:00
What is Financial Analysis? 00:11:00
Income Statement Profitability Ratios 00:04:00
Balance Sheet Ratio Analysis 00:12:00
Cash Flow Statement Analysis 00:05:00
Valuation Ratios 00:04:00
Section 16: Finance: Financial Analysis - Case Study and Assignment
Section Introduction: Financial Analysis – Case Study and Assignment 00:01:00
Apple Inc Financial Analysis – Solution 00:03:00
Discussion of Measurements of Growth Analysis 00:05:00
Discussion of Measures of Profitability Analysis 00:07:00
Discussion of Trading Performance Analysis 00:03:00
Discussion of Working Capital (Liquidity and Efficiency) Analysis 00:12:00
Section 17: Future Business Strategy Analyser Assignment
Section Introduction: Future Business Strategy Analyser Assignment 00:01:00
Section 18: Goal Setting and Financial Performance
Section Introduction: Goal Setting and Performance Management 00:02:00
Introduction to Goal Setting 00:03:00
What do we mean by SMART Goals? 00:04:00
Key Performance Indicators 00:04:00
Strategic Dashboards 00:07:00
Corporate Performance Management 00:04:00
Objectives and Key Results 00:04:00
Year over Year Performance 00:04:00
Section 19: Business Fundamentals: Growth Strategies
Section Introduction: Growth Strategies 00:02:00
Organic vs Inorganic 00:03:00
The Advantage of First Mover Advantage 00:05:00
The Importance of Scalability 00:04:00
Merger and Acquisitions Growth Strategies 00:10:00
Buy and Build Growth Strategy 00:08:00
Negative Growth- Company Recovery Strategies 00:09:00
Post Coronavirus Strategies 00:06:00
Growth Strategies Business Plan Tie In 00:03:00
Section 20: Valuation Funding, Exits and Returns
Section Introduction: Valuation, Funding, Exits and Returns 00:02:00
Valuation and Funding – A Consequence of our Business Strategy 00:04:00
How to Value a Company 00:11:00
Sources of Equity Funding 00:08:00
What is a Pre-Money Valuation? 00:06:00
How to Create a Pitch Deck for Investors 00:06:00
Sources and Uses of Funds in the Business Plan 00:02:00
What is a Cap Table? 00:05:00
Exit Strategies and Returns 00:09:00
Transaction Cost Management 00:02:00
Section 21: Risk Assessment
Section Introduction: Risk Assessment 00:01:00
Risk Assessment – Strategic Plan Summary 00:02:00
Section 22: Business Plan Synthesis
Section Introduction: Business Plan Synthesis 00:03:00
Business Plan Synthesis 00:03:00
Business Plan – Executive Summary 00:02:00
Business Plan – History and Background 00:02:00
Business Plan – Management Summary 00:04:00
Business Plan Appendicies 00:04:00
Key Questions Check List 00:01:00
Business Plan – Audience Targeting 00:03:00
Business Plan Refinement: Types of Businesses 00:02:00
Section 23: Summary and Wrap Up
Summary and Wrap Up 00:05:00
Section 24: Additional File
Additional File 00:00:00
Assignment
Assignment – Business Strategy Planning Masterclass 00:00:00

Certificate of Achievement

Upon completion, you will receive a CPD-accredited certificate recognised globally. Choose from:

Pdf Certificate & Transcript  £7.99
Hardcopy Certificate & Transcript  £17.99

This certification validates your knowledge and skills, boosting your employability in healthcare.

1. What is the Business Strategy Planning Masterclass? +

This CPD accredited course teaches how businesses develop strategies, analyse markets, and create structured plans for growth. It focuses on practical decision-making, competitive analysis, and strategic planning methods used in UK organisations to improve performance and long-term business success.

2. Is this business strategy course suitable for beginners? +

Yes, this course is suitable for beginners. It starts with basic business concepts and gradually introduces advanced strategy tools. Learners can easily follow step-by-step explanations and develop strong understanding of business planning and strategic thinking without needing prior experience.

3. What will I learn in this business strategy course? +

You will learn strategic planning, SWOT analysis, market research, competitive positioning, financial awareness, and business model development. The course also builds decision-making skills and teaches how organisations create long-term growth strategies in competitive and changing business environments.

4. Can this course help my career in the UK? +

Yes, this course supports UK career development in business, management, consultancy, and operations roles. It strengthens analytical thinking and strategic planning skills that are highly valued by employers across industries, helping learners progress into senior and leadership positions.

5. What jobs can I get after completing this course? +

After completing this course, you can pursue roles such as Business Analyst, Strategy Executive, Operations Manager, Business Development Executive, and Management Consultant. It also supports entrepreneurship by improving planning, analysis, and decision-making capabilities.

top