IT Business advisor

Business advisers are responsible for providing independent advice and guidance to small and medium sized businesses. They can assist a new business to start up and work with established businesses supporting them to develop, grow and become more competitive.
They can work for business enterprise and support organisations, or they may be self-employed consultants.
A business adviser's day-to-day responsibilities may include:
looking at clients' businesses or business plans to gain a full understanding of their commercial activities and long-term potential
advising on sources of funding and grants
helping clients to devise and implement a marketing strategy
assisting clients in identifying ways to improve productivity, reduce costs and streamline procedures
providing advice, and identifying and recommending specialist services
encouraging clients to network with relevant enterprise organisations
running workshops and seminars.
A business adviser generally works between 37 and 40 hours a week, from 9am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday. Additional hours may be required to attend evening and weekend events.
Salaries range from approximately £20,000 to over £50,000 for senior positions.
A business adviser should have good interpersonal and communication skills. They need up-to-date knowledge of funding and grants available to start-up businesses. It helps to have an interest in business and commerce and working with people.
Opportunities are found throughout the UK. Vacancies may be advertised on enterprise and business support organisations' websites and in trade publications, such as the Institute of Business Consulting's journal, Business Adviser. The local and national press may also advertise positions.
Academic achievement in itself is not enough and there are no specific academic entry requirements. However, an established track record in business and commerce is required.
Training is on the job and includes in-house training courses and qualifications. Advisers working for a business support organisation will receive induction training, followed by Continuing Professional Development. All business advisers in Scotland are required to take Scottish Enterprise's Premier Adviser programme.
Business advisers are usually employed by a business support agency. From there they can be promoted to team manager or work their way up to senior management. Alternatively, they may become self-employed