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Business adviser

Alternative titles for this job include Business consultant, enterprise adviser, business coach

Business advisers give advice and support to new business start-ups and help established businesses to grow.

Average salary (a year)

£25,000 Starter

to

£54,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

37 to 39 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends attending events or appointments

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become 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
  • 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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You can start by doing a junior management consultant higher apprenticeship.

This typically takes 24 months to complete.

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

More Information

Direct Application

You can apply directly to employers if you've got proven experience like running your own company, or working in management, finance or human resources.

You'll need to show a wide range of skills, including:

  • marketing
  • finance
  • business planning
  • project management
  • professional networking

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 Certificate in Coaching
  • Level 3 Award in Enterprise Mentoring
  • Level 5 Certificate in Professional Business and Enterprise Support Services

More Information

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.

Further information

You can find out more about working in business advice from GOV.UK and your local Growth Hub.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • business management skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of teaching and the ability to design courses
  • to be flexible and open to change
  • the ability to use your initiative
  • customer service skills
  • the ability to work well with others
  • knowledge of human resources and employment law
  • to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need professional indemnity insurance.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

In your day-to day duties you could:

  • assess clients' business ideas to see if they have potential
  • help clients to develop business plans
  • advise on finance and grants
  • do research on behalf of a business
  • give business improvement advice, like how to reduce costs or increase sales
  • network with the business community and enterprise organisations
  • run advice workshops and seminars
  • offer personalised business coaching sessions

Working environment

You could work at a client's business, in an office or remotely.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

You could be employed by a local business support organisation.

You could also get involved with community or social enterprises and charities that support business start ups, or do freelance work.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Junior Management Consultant Apprentice

  • Wage: £23,500 a year Annually
  • Location: Clapham, Worthing

Courses In England

Creative Enterprise

  • Provider: HAVANT AND SOUTH DOWNS COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2025
  • Location: Waterlooville

Business Enterprise Award level 2

  • Provider: LEICESTER COLLEGE
  • Start date: 26 February 2025
  • Location: Leicester

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