A business needs plans if it is to have a clear direction of where it is heading. Putting together both the detailed financial plans and the overall business plans is the perfect opportunity to think through the realities of delivering the dream. How will you deliver twice as much product? Who will process the extra orders? Do you need more associates? And, of course, what is the impact on profit.

I tried growing vegetables in my garden for the first time this year – some worked and some didn’t. This experience has lead me to decide to grow more courgettes and carrots, and less beans – which is all very well as long as I remember to plant them at the right time of the year – planning again!

Defining your objective helps you recognise success when you achieve it, but planning the steps to that achievement is essential if it isn’t to remain a pipedream.