Business adviser
Business advisers give advice and support to new business start-ups and help established companies to grow.
Also known as: Business consultant, enterprise adviser, business coach
- Starter salary£27,000 a year
- Experienced£65,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 42 a week
What you'll do
As a business adviser, you could:
- assess clients' business ideas to see if they have potential
- help clients to develop business plans
- advise on finance and grants
- explain the benefits of emerging technologies, like artificial intelligence
- give business advice, such as how to reduce costs or improve sustainability
- draw on the expertise of your contacts in the business community and enterprise organisations
- develop and run advice workshops and seminars
- offer personalised business coaching and mentoring sessions
Working environment
You could work at a client's business, in an office or remotely.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- business management skills
- analytical thinking skills
- to be flexible and open to change
- knowledge of human resources and employment law
- customer service skills
- the ability to use your judgement and make decisions
- the ability to work well with others
- knowledge of training and the ability to design courses
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a business adviser
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- an apprenticeship
- applying directly
- specialist courses run by private training organisations
University
You could do a foundation degree or degree in:
- business management
- business enterprise
- marketing
- finance
- business studies
- project management
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- at least 1 A level, or equivalent, for a foundation degree
- 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship related to business or management to get into this career. There are several schemes available, including:
- Junior Management Consultant Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Business Analyst Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Project Manager Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
Direct application
You can apply directly to employers if you have proven experience, for instance running your own company, or working in management, finance or human resources.
You'll need to show a wide range of skills, like:
- business planning
- marketing
- finance
- project management
- professional networking
You'll also need a good understanding of the commercial sector and current trends, such as the potential benefits of artificial intelligence.
Other routes
You could develop your knowledge and skills by doing business support and mentoring qualifications, like those offered by the Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative .
Qualifications include:
- Level 3 Award in Enterprise Mentoring
- Level 3 Certificate in Coaching
- Level 5 Certificate in Professional Business and Enterprise Support Services
Restrictions and requirements
You'll need professional indemnity insurance.
Career path and progression
If you're working for a business support organisation, you could become a senior adviser and manage a team.
You might specialise in particular areas of business support, for example:
- diversification
- sustainability
- mentoring, coaching and leadership
You could also get involved with community or social enterprises and charities that support business start ups, or become a freelance consultant.
Career tips
You can use online social media sites, like LinkedIn, to promote yourself, build up your network and show recommendations from colleagues and clients.
Professional and industry bodies
You could join the Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurs for professional development, training opportunities and to make industry contacts.
Guides for this industry
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