Lyttelton Review: Fill & Download for Free

In my opinion, no. It’s a tale that touched my pre-Tinder experiences, beliefs and thoughts that originated from the offline world, while it was still possible to stay offline. However, I don’t plan to stick to my opinion in this answer.In his review[1] aptly titled “Cannes Standout: The Lobster Contemplates Love in the Time of Tinder”, Vanity Fair’s Richard Lawson suggests that the people at the hotel reduce themselves, their characters and feelings to “quick bullet points. ‘I like this. Do you like this too? Then we’re a match.’” While I see this as a valid point, I don’t think Tinder and OK Cupid brought us there out of the blue. Our parents might have had that opportunistic approach as well, just not in formal sense through forms we fill in on sites.Telegraph’s Robbie Collin goes along similar lines in his review[2] and calls The Lobster “Buñuel for a post-Tinder world”. In the same tone, Oliver Lyttelton says that it’s “the first great relationship movie of the Tinder and match dot com age” in his IndieWire review[3]. Variety’s Guy Lodge[4] is elaborate, stating that it’s “a brilliant allegory for the increasingly superficial systems of contemporary courtship, including the like-for-like algorithms of online dating sites and the hot-or-not snap judgments of Tinder.”I still say there’s nothing new under the Sun, and that The Lobster can be viewed regardless of the time and place. This brings us to an important aspect of art we all love to mention whenever we disagree on an interpretation: what we see in an artistic piece is usually what is inside us. That’s what Rachel Weisz said [5] about Lobster (and Tinder): “Everybody has their own interpretation … It just speaks of your own attitudes to love, compromise, romance, dating – whatever they are, it speaks to you personally. If it makes you think about Tinder … I’m out of the dating game, so I don’t even know what Tinder is. It doesn’t make me think about that. Whatever you’re going through in your life will probably reflect on that.”Another person unaware of Tinder is Efthymis Filippou, co-writer of The Lobster. In an interview[6] for ASFF he said: “I’ve never used Tinder. In fact I just recently found out what this is all about. I am a lot of steps back from downloading such an app.”Of course, the fact Filippou wasn’t aware of Tinder and what it’s all about at the time of writing The Lobster doesn’t mean he’s blind and that he doesn’t see the consequences of this, as Lodge puts it, contemporary courtship.The Lobster wouldn’t need to be much more than an allegory of the post-Tinder society to be a masterpiece, but in my humble opinion, it is. Much, much more. It’s a Greek tragedy (and no, I’m not calling it Greek because of Filippou and Lanthimos, but because of its timeless essence and strong motifs), a story of different interpretations of love, a question for all of us, and again, much more.Footnotes[1] Review: Cannes Standout The Lobster Contemplates Love in the Time of Tinder[2] Page on telegraph.co.uk[3] Cannes Review: Yorgos Lanthimos’ Outstanding ‘The Lobster’ Starring Colin Farrell, Rachel Weisz & John C Reilly[4] Film Review: ‘The Lobster’[5] ‘I don’t even know what Tinder is’: Rachel Weisz on dating rituals and new film The Lobster[6] ASFF - Interview with Efthymis Filippou, Co-Writer on Lanthimos' The Lobster

Constitutional Development In Nigeria From 1914 Till DateNigeria is unarguably one of the most influential countries in Africa. To better understand its broad constitutional development, one has to first review the concept of “One Nigeria’’ dating as far back as 1914 when Lord Frederick Lugard succeeded in amalgamating the Northern and Southern Protectorates.British colonialism of Nigeria began apparently in 1861 when Lagos ceded to Britain. This occurrence is officially described as the annexation of Lagos. With this annexation of Lagos, British colonialists began spreading their dominance and finally in 1914, Lord Lugard became Nigeria’s first British Governor-General and thereupon, he joined Southern Nigeria with Northern Nigeria.The Federal Republic of Nigeria which gained independence in 1960, after a long period of colonialism by the British government, has a remarkable constitutional development. The constitutional development in Nigeria from 1914 till date can be divided into two generation:Types of Constitution in NigeriaThe pre-independence generation andThe post-independence generation.In its entirety, a constitution is a set of organizing principles, laws or rules by which a State, country, group or region is governed. As a federal republic, Nigeria maintains a written constitution officially referred to as the Constitution of Nigeria. Nigeria’s incumbent constitution was promulgated on May 29, 1999 –precisely after the termination of the then military regime headed by General Adbulsalam Abubakar. Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Fourth Republic began with the enactment of this constitution.As implied earlier, constitutional development in Nigeria can be divided into two broad eras which are the colonial or pre-independence constitutional era and the post-colonial or post-independence constitutional era.Constitutional development in Nigeria from 1914 till date1. The pre-independence generation is made up of 6 constitutional instruments, including:The 1914 constitution, the 1922 constitution, the 1946 constitution, the 1951 constitution, the 1954 constitution and the 1960 constitution.2. The post-independence generation is however made up of :The 1963 constitution, the 1979 constitution, and the 1999 constitution.The Pre-Independence ConstitutionThe pre-independence constitutional era lasted 56 years –from 1914 to 1960. During this constitutional era, Nigeria had a series of constitutions enacted by the then British Governor-Generals. This pre-independence era accounted for 5 different constitutions enacted in 1914, 1922, 1946, 1951 and 1954.During the colonial constitutional era (from 1914-1960), Nigeria served as a Crown Colony under the control of Britain. In course of this British dominance, Nigeria had its first 5 constitutions by order in council. The foremost of these 5 constitutions was the 1914 constitution. Notably, this constitution was laid down in 1913 but actually became effective on 1st of January 1914.The idea of one Nigeria dates back to 1914 with the Frederick Lugard Constitution. This Frederick Lugard’s 1914 Constitution amalgamated southern Nigeria with northern Nigeria. The resulting entity was administered under Lord Frederick Lugard’s government.Constitutional Development In Nigeria From 1914 Till DateThe Frederick Lugard’s 1914 Constitution was later replaced by the Sir Clifford’s 1922 Constitution. The Sir Clifford’s 1922 Constitution formed a legislative council that was given lawmaking responsibilities for Lagos and the southern provinces.In 1922, the foremost colonial constitution was succeeded by a new constitution which remained effective until 1946. Officially regarded as the Clifford Constitution, this constitution was named after the then Governor-General Sir Hugh Clifford. Under Sir Arthur Richard’s control as the British Governor-General of Nigeria, Westminster declared the approval of a new constitution in 1946. In that same year, the constitution came into effect as implemented by Sir Arthur Richards. Officially known as Richards Constitution, the 1946 constitution vested effective power in the then Governor-General and the Executive Council. In spite of this, the constitution was notable for the provision of an extended Legislative Council authorized to meditate on national issues. In addition, below are the other notable features of the Richards Constitution;Provision of separate legislative bodies in order to address local questions, issues, and complaints in each of the three regions. Also, these were meant to serve as advisory bodies to the lieutenant governorsProvision of the federal principle which transferred deliberative authority to the regions and further recognized the diversity of NigeriaEmphasis on the promotion of regionalism as a possible means of achieving political coalitionIn 1946, the Sir Clifford’s 1922 Constitution was replaced by the Arthur Richard’s 1946 Constitution which defined Nigeria for the first time. The Arthur Richard’s 1946 Constitution divided Nigeria into the Northern, Western and Easternregions. This Arthur Richard’s 1946 Constitution came into effect after the end of World War 2.Continuation of the constitutional development in Nigeria from 1914 till date …The enactment of the Richards Constitution in 1946 boosted the level of constitutional development in Nigeria. But due to a vehement demand for intense autonomy, the Richards Constitution was interrupted in 1950.A chain of events resulted in the formation of a body called the National Council for Nigeria and Cameroons. This body later changed its name to the National Council of Nigerian Citizens, (N.C.N.C). This body mobilized indigenous peoples of the country to fight for their political independence.Meanwhile, this gave birth to an inter-parliamentary summit held in Ibadan [the capital city of Oyo] in that same year. At this summit, the terms of a newly proposed constitution were drafted and in the subsequent year [1951], the new constitution was eventually enacted. Named after the then British Governor-General, John Macpherson.Just 5 years after the Arthur Richard’s 1946 Constitution came into effect, another constitution took over. The Sir John Macpherson’s 1951 Constitution came into existence.The Macpherson Constitution came into being in 1951 as Nigeria’s fourth constitution under British colonialism. The Sir John Macpherson’s 1951 Constitution was said to widely reached out to the people than the previous constitutions.Through the most significant changes in the newly established Macpherson Constitution, the two-sided course of constitutional development was strengthened and this paved the way for both federal unification and regional autonomy. In addition, below are the other significant features of the Macpherson Constitution;Significant provision of a central governing body together with a Council of MinistersExpansion of the elective principleReinforcement of political participation and party activity at the national levelProvision of similar regional governments broadly authorized to wield legislative powers. Also, the Macpherson Constitution prevented the newly-introduced 185-seat federal House of Representatives from outweighing these powersThrough similar regional governments, the Macpherson Constitution gave a notable improvement to the idea of regionalismIn 1953, there was massive loss of lives and property which was as a result of fights between the northerners and southerners. This violence, however, led to the formation of a new constitution in 1954.In 1954, a new constitution came into effect. Officially known as Lyttelton Constitution, the constitution was named after the 1st Viscount Chandos, Oliver Lyttelton. Significantly, the Lyttelton Constitution of 1954 allowed for Nigeria’s independence and strongly initiated the federal principle.The Constitution, however, made regional governments independent of the central government. The regional governments were independent of the central government in the sense that subjects and legislative powers were allocated to the regional governments. The Oliver Lyttleton’s 1954 Constitution is however described as the most instrumental constitution that marked the end of the colonial constitution and helped Nigeria gain independence in 1960.Still On The Constitutional Development In Nigeria From 1914 Till DatePost-Independence Constitutional EraIn 1960, Nigeria gained political independence as a sovereign which was also accompanied by a new constitution known as the 1960 Constitution. The 1960 Constitution introduced the parliamentary system of government.Since the era of independence, Nigeria has undergone a series of crises which have resulted in constitutional changes. Beginning from 1963, Nigeria has had four different republics and each republic came with its own constitution. The purpose of each republic was to maintain democracy –a system of government which allows a country to be governed by elected representatives. But due to a series of military interventions, Nigeria failed to preserve its democratic institutions until 1999 when General Abdulsalam Abubakar handed over power to a democratically elected President.Nigeria is currently running it’s the Fourth Republic which was inaugurated in 1999 with its own constitution. Although the associated constitution has experienced some modifications, it remains Nigeria’s supreme document showing the set principles by which the country is governed.Upon independence from British colonialism in 1960, Nigeria came up with its first constitution as a sovereign state. A British order in council promulgated the constitution so that it would take effect as soon as Nigeria’s independence was reached on 1st of October 1960. Regarded as Independence Constitution, this very constitution empowered the Queen of England [Queen Elizabeth II] to maintain her authority as Nigeria’s ceremonial Head of State.1963 Constitution [Constitution of the First Republic]Though Nigeria was already independent beginning from 1st of October 1960, Queen of England remained the ceremonial Head of State of Nigeria until October 1st, 1963 –the third year of independence.However, some flaws in the 1960 Constitution. led to the birth of another one.In 1963, Nigerians began to complain about having a Head of State [the Queen of England] who was of British descent and who lived about 3000 miles away from Nigeria. Though the Queen of England performed no administrative functions over Nigeria, many Nigerian leaders believed it was ridiculous for the country’s Head of State to be far away from them. Due to this, an agreement was reached that Nigeria should have an indigenous Head of State who would be elected by the people to serve a five-year term. At the same time, it was agreed that such a person would be a titular Head of State. In this case, he wouldn’t rule the country directly but his name would be used by Ministers in executing governmental functions.Nigerians succeeded in the decision to have an indigenous Head of State and this gave birth to the attainment of a republican status on 1st of October 1963. Having established Nigeria as a federal republic, the 1963 constitution paved the way for Nigeria to continue adopting the Westminster system which had been in effect prior to independence.One of the main features of the 1963 Constitution was the establishment of Nigeria’s 1st republic under a parliamentary system.However, in 1966, Nigeria experienced its first and deadliest military coup. The consequence of the coup brought about many disasters including great massacre, an abolition of the Westminster system and termination of democracy.In course of this bloody coup (which occurred on 15th of January, 1966), many Nigerian personalities lost their lives. The most notable of these personalities were Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa [Nigeria’s first Prime Minister], Sir Ahmadu Bello [Premier of the former Northern Region] and Chief Ladoke Akintola [Premier of the former Mid-Western Region]. The so-called coup made General Aguiyi Ironsi Nigeria’s first military Head of State. However, another coup was led in the same year [1966]. As a consequence of this, General Aguiyi Ironsi lost his life and was succeeded by his junior army member –General Yakubu Gowan.Briefly speaking, the First Republic lasted few years as it began in 1963 and was terminated abruptly in 1966. Due to Nigeria’s first military coup, the First Republic was terminated together with its associated constitution –the 1963 constitution.Still On The Constitutional Development In Nigeria From 1914 Till Date1979 Constitution [Constitution of the Second Republic]Nigeria’s Second Republic came into being under the influence of the 1979 constitution. As part of the features of the 1979 constitution, an American-oriented presidential system was adopted at the expense of the former Westminster system. Following the implications of the American-oriented presidential system, Nigeria conducted a direct election which produced Alhaji Shehu Shagari as the country’s first Executive President. In order to prevent Nigeria from experiencing the drawbacks of the First Republic for the second time, the 1979 constitution made it compulsory for the Federal Executive Council and political parties to depict Nigeria’s “federal character’’. Going by this, political parties were given the mandate of being registered in no less than two-thirds of the entire Nigerian States. Moreover, each Nigerian State must account for at least one representative among the cabinet members.Like the First Republic, Nigeria’s Second Republic lasted only a few years beginning in 1979 and ending in 1983 as a result of a military coup. Meanwhile, this coup eliminated the Second Republic together with its associated constitution –the 1979 constitution.1993 Constitution [Constitution of the Third Republic]After the abolition of the Second Republic, Nigeria’s democratic institutions were phased out and General Muhammadu Buhari took over in 1983 as Nigeria’s military Head of State until he was overthrown by General Ibrahim Babaginda in 1985.In the hope to restore democracy in Nigeria, some Nigerian elite organized political parties and contested in an election in 1993. Following the result of the 1993 Presidential election, Chief M.K.O Abiola emerged as the winner and was expected to restore democracy by ascending the Presidential seat. However, a lot of controversies flared up and amidst these, the then military President –General Ibrahim Babangida –cancelled the result of the Presidential election of June 12, 1993. Afterwards, Babangida appeared on air to state the reasons why he canceled the results of the Presidential election held on 12th of June 1993.In consequence of the result cancellation, riots flared up in South-West of Nigeria and these claimed the lives of many Nigerians. Due to the vehement opposition and severe tension, General Ibrahim Babangida willingly stepped down from his position as military President. Thereupon, he assigned Chief Ernest A. Shonekan to ascend power as the head of an interim national government.With the intent of bringing back democracy, a constitution was set up in 1993 but without full implementation. The 1993 constitution marked the establishment of Nigeria’s short-lived the Third Republic. On 17th of November 1993, General Sanni Abacha –who served as the Defence Minister of the then interim government –eliminated the constitution and ended the Third Republic after overthrowing Chief Ernest Shonekan. In this manner, General Sanni Abacha became Nigeria’s sixth military Head of State.1999 Constitution [Constitution of the Fourth Republic]After the abrupt abolition of Nigeria’s Third Republic by General Sanni Abacha, the military regime was restored and it continued until 1999 when General Abdulsalam Abubakar fulfilled his promise of stepping down from power. On the basis of the 1979 constitution, a new constitution was introduced in Nigeria in May 1999. Being a democratic constitution, the 1999 constitution paved the way for Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to become a democratically elected President. Since it was adopted in 1999, the constitution has remained effective to date. Being the first time the 1999 constitution will be modified since its introduction, two amendments were proposed and President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan endorsed them in January 2011.So that’s all on ” the constitutional development in Nigeria from 1914 till date “, share your thoughts and suggestions with us through the comment box and like us on http://facebook.com/9jaques

Microsoft Office - is the answer!OK if there ever was a question for me this is the one!I simply don’t know why my brain works in this way, but it does:My eyes and ears feed ideas to my brain and my brain analyses the stuff on its way in. I don’t know why it gives me business ideas, but it always has done and in my mid 30’s it told me that I should be running my own businesses. I grew up in a family where my mum and dad ran their own businesses and I guess this was a big part.It doesn’t always work like that because my son Gideon has developed in a different direction - he studied Chemical Engineering at University and immediately afterwards he started a management career in the finance industry.My daughter wanted to dance and went to dancing school - many years later she got involved in managing a recruitment operation providing nursing expertise on a rota basis. She is now starting her own business in the same environment.Noella my wife runs her own dancing school and lives a life of theatre and dance.SO, WHAT WAS IT THAT LED ME INTO CONTROL OF MY OWN BUSINESSES?At the time I was working as Business Planning Manager for Rank Xerox UK. My role was to develop a new strategy for the field engineering operation. I had previously done this for Olvetti the Italian typewriter company. + for some years I had been UK Director of the Association of Field Service Managers International (this led me into speaking about field service on both sides of the Atlantic. During this period John Bache OBE retired ex-director of IBM UK became my mentor - and later became also a Director of my businesses.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Confidential Document V6 Example Business plan Prepared for……….The content of this promotion has not been approved by an authorised person within the meaning of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. Reliance on this promotion for the purpose of engaging in any investment activity may expose any individual to a significant risk of losing all of the property or other assets invested.This communication is exempt from the general restriction in section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 on the communication of invitations or inducements to engage in investment activity on the grounds that it is made to certified high net worth individuals. A certified high net worth individual is one who satisfies the criteria and who has signed a certificate in the form set out in schedule 5 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 see attached.If you are in any doubt as to the action to be taken, you are recommended to seek immediately your own personal financial advice from a person authorised under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 specialising in advising on the acquisition of shares in unquoted private companies.e-bikes business plan author Richard Grace –follows: 15 pages totalUK e-bikesBusiness PlanA Start-up Business with a winning combination of expertise and circumstantial advantage. This business plan addresses an opportunity to change dramatically the way e-bikes are marketed throughout the UK. Fast enough to become market leader within 2 months. Low start up and running costs lead to significant profitability within 6 months. Growth in UK market expected +30% per annum over next 5 yearsThe rapid route through break even to profitability is driven by a detailed high impact marketing campaign. Entry barriers for copycat competitive attack are built in due to circumstantial advantage.Prepared by:Richard Grace (serial entrepreneur) (www.calfpath.co.uk)The rights to distribute this document are restricted by the confidentiality agreement receivedUk e-bikes Plan index1. The Executive Summary (The idea and business model) p 3-72. The Detailed Business Plan p 8-93. Marketing, Management and Professional Advisors p 10-114. Risk and Opportunity analysis + at risk costs yr 1 p 125. Finance and funding p 13-14Appendix: (Available on request to confirmed interested parties)Appendix 1: CV’sAppendix 2: Financial DataNotes to financial forecastCash Flow Forecast Year 1Balance Sheet at End of Year 1Profit and loss forecast Yrs 1-3Appendix 3 technology explanation and future predictions regarding impact of legislation1. Executive Summary (How THE BUSINESS MODEL “The idea” WAS FORMED)Richard Grace has spent 15 years in corporate management and 25 years as a serial entrepreneur having started and run domestic and international businesses in reprographics, computer consumables, e-commerce and construction markets. For some years Richard has studied the development of the rapidly emerging market for electric bikes worldwide. Using “Google alerts” (key phrase search tool) this tool as formatted auto directs every development in product and markets for e-bikes from all parts of the world direct to Richards inbox.An established market in both man-powered and motorised bicycles has existed for many decades and is mature. Engines have been traditional and all previous powered bikes have attracted taxation and mandatory insurance. The development of electric motors and lithium batteries over recent years have led to the emergence of electric powered bikes as a competitive, attractive, quiet clean and economical alternative to existing transport both for leisure and commuting. Governments have no plan to tax this form of transport currently.Quote from BBC News March 2013-08-01“Millions have been sold in China and the machines are popular in parts of continental Europe - selling about 300,000 a year in Germany and 175,000 in the Netherlands. In the UK sales stand at about 20,000.”The e-bike market is currently growing in the UK at +30% having reached £30-40m pa.This is lagging behind many countries where e-bikes have been adopted faster. This plan addresses the comparative low growth in our market e.g. US market expanding at 60% and proposes a totally new approach to marketing which makes the product easy for consumers to see touch and test in a family orientated low cost environment.Put simply the e-bikes business model is to offer all significant brands at suitable locations where the products can be viewed, sampled tested and compared hands-on.The locations will offer a “family friendly” environment with indoor and outdoor test tracks, café, accessories and expert advice.The first location planned is to be in the North West at Pulford Chester. Close to motorway M56 junction 13. And adjacent to Eaton Hall the home of the Duke of Westminster.Note:Major-General Sir Gerald Cavendish Grosvenor, 6th Duke of Westminster, Bt. KG CB CVO OBE TD CD DL (born 22 December 1951), is the son of Robert George Grosvenor, 5th Duke of Westminster, and his wife Hon. Viola Maud Lyttelton. He is the owner of property company Grosvenor Group.According to the Sunday Times Rich List 2012, the Duke of Westminster is worth £7.35 billion, placing him seventh in the list[1] and making him the richest British-born person. (5 months older than me but considerably more wealthy so-far!)The Pulford location (see CH4 9DG on Google earth) offers 2,500 sq m of indoor space for showroom, cafe and indoor test track/circuit including a short 10-degree incline. Outside will be parking for 50 vehicles and an outdoor test track of two miles including sharp steep incline and long slow incline up and down to the River Dee through farmland. E-bikes and accessories will be offered for sale with expert advice in an environment where the family activities will be offered providing a buying experience for e-bikes unrivalled anywhere else in UK.This approach addresses all the reasons why UK is lagging behind other developed countries in the e-bike market.Stage 2 and following learned information from consumers at the Pulford site site 2 will be opened close to M25 west (A3 junction area – tentative negotiations underway), Future operations in Scotland and Wales should not be ruled out.The approach of providing multiple choice (all leading brands and test facilities) will attract all those interested to visit, spreading the word and leading to total domination of the UK market.Negotiations regarding the Pulford site are at a very advanced stage and investors are being sought to finance this plan. Investors are encouraged to show an active interest in the business development. The ROI / dividend for investors is targeted at 20% per annum leading to full capital payback in 5 years and an ongoing income stream from the market leading company in a market expected to grow by 40% + in the foreseeable future. Of course if the company is sold or floated on the market rewards could be larger.How the idea was bornUK e-bikes is based on a unique idea from Richard Grace. Born from the typical circumstances of luck and interest in the technological advancement of e-bikes throughout the World. In 2005 Richard Grace re-located the family business Garden Structures Ltd design and manufacturing to Lyndale Farm in Pulford Chester. The farm is located adjacent to Grosvenor Estates and borders the River Dee East of Chester City (one of the UK’s premier tourist locations on the Welsh Border).The farm owner George Ashworth is better known to some for his involvement with Bolton Wanderers football club. Due to high competition in his core business (chicken farming), the bird flue scare and his desire to retire George closed down the chicken farming activity and gifted the farm assets to his children.Richard was first to occupy one of the unused buildings for use as Garden Structures Ltd Office and workshop / manufacturing facility. Since 2005 all the other buildings on the site (bar one) have become occupied by a variety of local engineering businesses. In 2009 Richard installed a fixed line telephone system and broadband network on the site after a significant battle with open-reach which culminated in a favourable decision made in the House of Commons. (The site was classed as derelict and did not qualify for fixed line installation).Today only one building remains unoccupied (by far the best one) a 25m * 100m single spans building which can be seen from outer space. A huge shed with full services insulated superbly with vehicle access and parking for 50 + visiting vehicles. This building, which cost £400,000 when first constructed is in virtually unused condition “ready to occupy” and lies at the heart of the Uk, e-bikes marketing idea.An exclusive agreement has been reached between Richard and the Ashworth family for UK e-bikes to occupy this building with immediate effect. (subject to contract)The plan includes minor alterations - some partitioning to create a show and café area + the first e-bikes indoor test track in the UK.Outside a longer test track will be created making use of existing farm tracks and construction of a steep ramp in to demonstrate the increasing power of the modern batteries used to power the highly developed motors currently provided with e-bikes.In a one-stop shop e-bikes UK will offer:1.The widest choice of all brands and models available2.The opportunity to see, touch, feel and test indoor and outdoor these amazing products3.A family orientated environment with off-road parking in a very attractive location + café + expert advice and accessories.In short e-bikes UK will take this fragmented market by storm on opening day planned for November 2013 in time to catch the Christmas marketing opportunity for a very attractive stocking filler.There is no identified uk competition to this proposed facility.The marketing plan will propel UK e-bikes rapidly to critical mass and a commanding position erecting solid barriers to competitive entry.Market research shows potential for over £13m revenue in year 1 At 30% market penetration and expected market growth +30% the annual turnover will exceed £50m before the end of year 5. With total operating costs at under 80% of this profit before tax in 2018 is forecast at £10m .Start-up finance of £350,000 including £50,000 of contingency is needed for Initial stock purchase, modification to the building infrastructure and business infrastructure IT, website, e-commerce facility, Launch PR campaign and consultancy.This plan shows profitability from Month 2 rising as the market grows naturally and UK e-bikes establishes its leading position.2. The Detailed Business PlanAbout the conceptIn UK the e-bike market is immature with few specialist outlets (see The bikes for people who don't cycle) Typically existing bike shops may stock one or two models from a single manufacturer i.e. “traditional dealerships”. The products are not all available on the web where no supplier offers a wide range and price competition is weak.The obvious difficulty with e-commerce is that this emerging product cannot be seen and tested.In order to overcome the “show rooming” effect UK e-bikes will sell at competitive prices from day 1 ensuring that customers are aware of full after sales service and accessory availability from one source without a threat from Amazon, ebay and other large e-commerce outlets. This must remain a fundamental part of the business strategy.Since Greenhouse published their predictions and review of the world e-bike market in 2010 the market has outstripped their predictions and there are estimated to be 50 million e-bikes on the worlds roads today, although only a tiny proportion of this is here in the UK it is estimated that uk-ebikes has the real potential to sell £15 million value in year 1 and up to £100 million value in year 5. Truly astounding potential to sell a developed reliable and proven life style orientated product.To re-cap on the model:·UK e-bikes has a consequential advantage over all other e-bike suppliers in UK at start-up·The existence of the premises arrangement is the key·The market exists and all research confirms a significant “hole”Market Data (source RJG research)Market £m currentGrowth fcast %Units p/a CurrentUnits p/a 2018 fcastChina109,000,00015,000,000Germany48020300,000500,000Holland28030175,000300,000UK403529,00083,000US1954567,000670,000The total annual revenue forecast from uk e-bike sales in 2018 is estimated at £133 million.Once successful in the first location the directors can reproduce the effect in South, Scotland and Wales giving full UK access to UK-e-bikes winning concept3. Marketing Management and Professional AdvisorsMarketing the company will be carried out by press releases, email programmes, web and social media. Consultants have been identified specialising in each of these areas and a budget included in the financial forecasts.ManagementAn experienced manager will be sought immediately (not yet identified) to lead the operation with experience in retail of similar products (Ex Halfords top store manager would fit the bill). Investors are expected to take an active interest in the business as appropriate to their availability and potential to add expertise.Professional AdvisorsDavid Henshaw (the market in UK for electric bikes)Writer and editor – specialised in folding bikes since 1993 and electric bikes since 1999 published “Electric Bikes” in 2010. Owns and manages the database of worldwide electric bike manufacturers. Has contacts and knowledge of the market and relevant press.Gary Jones (Law)Gary Jones of Weightmans (one of the North West’s Leading Corporate Lawyers) is advising on all aspects of the start-up and investor plans.Richard GraceRichard as author of the plan is taking a current very active role in development, expects to invest some £35K however does not wish to take an active role in day-to-day management of the business. (Due to other direct hands on commitments in his fast growing Garden Structures business).Richard is prepared and would like to consult on all aspects after sale service. Has very significant experience in this area including organisation of spares, servicing, maintenance plans, customer satisfaction monitoring etc.Jonathan BellisConstruction Project Management Consultant and Chartered Environmentalist. Advisor on premises alteration, site safety and track construction and environmental issues.Darren JohnsonDarren is an SC Cleared I.T. professional with 29 years I.T. experience covering Aerospace, Banking, Insurance, Manufacturing, Sales, Hire, Police and Software Houses.He has extensive knowledge in Payment Systems, Management Information Systems and Process Management.Professional advice strategyUK e-bikes will continue the strategy of taking professional advice on where necessary in this fast moving business. It is envisaged that Finance, Marketing and Internet / IT will be key issues.4. Risk and opportunity analysisCompetitive company appears using same model.Unlikely due to cost of establishing premises and test track before uk-e-bikes achieves dominationTarget market will not respondSome risk but research suggests lowMen in Lycra brigade will objectThey are getting older and will change their mindsInternet sales / “show rooming” will take biggest share of market.Mitigated by uk-ebikes low operating cost strategyNote: Potential buyers have been research questioned and are keen to visit the centre when open almost 100%. The target market is all but in particular commuters and outdoor types who don’t want to peddle hard.Marketing promotion and IT consultancy cost Yr1Marketing Budget£Website Development£10,000Public Relations Consultancy£10,000Email Programme ongoing “returnpath”£10,000Subtotal£30000Software development and consultancy£20,000Total£50,000The marketing plan will be implemented and results carefully measured. The majority of sales will be made in house or by e-commerce payment will taken predominantly by card or direct bank transfer. Accounts will be kept up to date.5. Forecasts / FUNDING and Financial DataSales ForecastThe sales forecast is based on a 30% penetration of the growing target market in the first ten months. This is supported by experience gained from similar projects marketed in the same way.Cash Flow ProjectionsThe cash flow projections for year 1 (see Appendix 2) show that after the £350,000 cash input from Investor funds and the business will be generating positive cashflow from month 3. A contingency of £55,000 is built in.Profit and Loss Account £ millionsThe company expects to make a substantial pre-tax profit in the first billing year of £2.32m (see Appendix 2 and the summary table below).Projected P/L account in Years 1 to 3 (£m)Year 1Year 2Year 3Turnover£14.40£21.60£32.40Cost of Sales£10.08£15.12£22.68Gross Profit£4.32£6.48£9.72Less Expenses£2.0£2.5£3.0Profit Before Tax£2.32£3.98£6.72- Startup costs£0.3£0.0£0.0Balance SheetThe balance sheet at the end of year 1 (see Appendix 2) shows a healthy surplus of current assets over current liabilities.1.Financing RequirementsFunds Required and TimingThe major investments to make are in stock, marketing and IT infrastructure. The building is available without long-term commitment, without necessity to spend hugely on alteration. The initial layout and design of internals and tracks is done with the help of David and Jon The immediate expenditure is detailed and shown in the cashflow first four months. (see appendix 2)Funding OptionsVenture capitalCrowd fundingContact based private equitySupplier Credit (possible from some suppliers tested)Target funding required £350,000 including £50,000 contingencySummaryA winning idea in a fast growing market driven by people who don’t want to peddle. Lithium batteries are improving in power to weight ratio driven by both the Green thing, the growth in electric vehicles as a whole and last but not least it is a combination of circumstance luck, innovative thinking, understanding human behaviour and simple analysis over time.Business plan written and devised by Richard Grace serial entrepreneur and author of many winning plans over the last 40 years.Further info and contact detail:Anyone interested in funding or participation should contact Richard Grace or Gary Jones for more information and to register interest formally.Email [email protected] mob 07811 322967 Office 01244 679502Ends – second and third documents “legal requirements” attached to same emailRichard Grace - Retired Serial Entrepreneur - UK Pinterest ExpertThats it - Just a few clicks! + one more right here!Pinterest for Business Marketing Expert UK Specialist