Start & Sustain Adviser in Nottingham

9am on 1 September 2026 closing date but may close earlier if there are sufficient applications. £40,000 to £42,500 per annum. Pro rata for part time. Permanent, full time (35 hours per week). Part time also considered at a minimum of 21 hours (3 days) per week. Nottingham with agile working (operates in the community at least 60% of the working week).

Overview

Are you passionate about entrepreneurship and supporting people to turn business ideas into successful businesses? Do you have experience in helping aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and early-stage businesses to start, survive and thrive? If yes, you could be our next business support team member.

As a Start & Sustain Adviser, you provide expert advice, coaching and practical support to aid businesses with becoming established, resilient and ready for growth. Managing a portfolio of clients across Nottinghamshire, you’ll spend much of your time meeting clients in local communities. You will deliver one-to-one business support and help individuals navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business – from initial engagement through to programme completion, providing tailored advice, mentoring and account management support.

Using innovative diagnostic tools, including GrowthCanvas, you will assist clients to identify opportunities, overcome challenges and develop practical Business Plans and Action Plans including business planning, cashflow forecasting to marketing, productivity improvement, digital adoption and access to finance. You will also be an important part in connecting businesses to the wider business support ecosystem, ensuring clients can access specialist expertise, workshops, Growth Hub services and future growth opportunities.

Key areas of responsibility

• Provide one-to-one business advice, coaching and mentoring to aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups and businesses trading for less than two years.
• Undertake business diagnostics and develop tailored Business Plans and Action Plans.
• Support businesses with business planning, financial forecasting, sales, marketing, access to finance and business growth.
• Manage a portfolio of clients, providing ongoing account management, reviews and progress monitoring.
• Identify businesses with growth potential and support progression into specialist Growth Hub services.
• Build relationships with local partners, stakeholders and referral organisations.
• Maintain accurate records and programme information using CRM systems.
• Achieve programme targets, quality standards and customer satisfaction measures.

Applicants will possess

• A high level of motivation and passion about facilitating success in business.
• Experience providing one-to-one business advice and support to entrepreneurs, start-ups or SMEs.
• A commitment to delivering excellent customer service and measurable outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of business planning, financial forecasting, sales, marketing and business development.
• Experience helping businesses improve performance, productivity and growth.
• Excellent coaching, mentoring and relationship management skills.
• An ability to build trust and credibility with business owners and entrepreneurs.
• Strong organisational and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience using CRM systems and digital business tools.
• A business advisory qualification (e.g. SFEDI Level 5 or 7) or equivalent professional experience.

What you can expect in return

• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays each year (pro rata for part time).
• 28% employer contribution to pension scheme (non-contributory for employee).
• Wellbeing support including access to Westfield Health plan, Mental Health First Aiders, self-help toolkits, discounts and more.
• Your Birthday off plus an extra day of leave after 5 and 10 years' service.
• Life assurance (death in service support scheme) for your beneficiaries.
• Agile working and dress for the day policy (subject to role).
• Two CSR days to take per year (volunteering activity).
• Access to tax-free childcare and Bike2Work schemes.
• Special leave for bereavement, compassionate leave & dependent related time off.
• Learning and professional development opportunities.
• Flexibility to take unpaid leave, paid study leave & special leave for territorial army.
• Recognition and engagement schemes including Praise Exchange.
• Tax free 55p per business mile for cars (up to 10,000 miles per year).

Company Overview

About us: East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire) is a well-respected and award-winning membership, representation and business support organisation that aims to enhance businesses and communities in the three cities and three counties. With more than 4,100 members and working with 12,000 businesses each year, we have established a reputation as the voice of the region’s business community.

Our accreditations and awards: East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire) is an equal opportunities employer and Disability Confident Leader. All suitably qualified people are encouraged to apply for vacancies regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. Applicants require current eligibility to live and work in the UK, they must also disclose any unspent convictions or cautions and company director disqualifications in their covering letter. Please inform recruitment@emc-dnl.co.uk of any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process. The business is dedicated to retaining talent and therefore it may decide to prioritise and support internal applicants.