Business adviser

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

In this guide

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

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.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • business management skills
  • analytical thinking skills
  • knowledge of training 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.

Most relevant

  • Business - Business advisers need a thorough understanding of how businesses operate, from marketing and sales to operations and strategy. They assess clients' business ideas, help develop business plans, and advise on how to reduce costs or increase revenue – all of which requires strong business knowledge.
  • Economics - Business advisers need to understand market conditions, supply and demand, and how economic trends affect their clients' businesses. This helps them give sound advice on pricing, growth opportunities, and when to invest or cut back.
  • Accounting - Business advisers regularly advise clients on finance, grants, and budgeting. Understanding financial statements, cash flow, and profit margins is essential when helping businesses plan their finances and identify ways to improve performance.
  • Mathematics - Business advisers work with financial data, forecasts, and performance metrics on a daily basis. They need to analyse figures, interpret trends, and build projections when helping clients develop realistic business plans.
  • English Language - Business advisers write business plans, reports, and proposals, and need to communicate complex ideas clearly to clients who may not have a business background. They also run workshops and seminars, so strong presentation and communication skills are essential.

Also relevant

  • Law - Business advisers need awareness of employment law, contracts, and regulations that affect their clients' businesses. Understanding the legal framework around starting and running a business helps them guide clients away from costly mistakes.
  • Psychology - Business advisers coach and mentor clients, which requires understanding what motivates people and how to build their confidence. Knowing how people think and make decisions also helps when advising on marketing strategies and customer behaviour.
  • Sociology - Business advisers often work with community enterprises and charities, and need to understand the social context in which businesses operate. Knowledge of how communities, demographics, and social trends shape consumer needs helps them give relevant advice.

How to become

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly
  • specialist courses run by private training organisations

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

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

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

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

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.

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