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- Tasks: Support pre-start and growing businesses with tailored advice and mentorship.
- Company: Join Portobello Business Centre, a vibrant not-for-profit empowering entrepreneurs since the 1990s.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive environment, skill development, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: This is a part-time, office-based role for 3 days a week.
- Why this job: Be part of a team reshaping business support for diverse entrepreneurs and learn hands-on.
- Qualifications: Strong finance background; experience with start-ups or small businesses is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Portobello Business Centre (PBC) is a small but ambitious not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to empowering individuals to start and grow businesses, helping them thrive from inception to success. Committed to fostering economic inclusivity and innovation, PBC provides vital resources, support and expertise to budding and existing entrepreneurs. Since our establishment in the vibrant 1990s, we have been a cornerstone for thousands of clients across a multitude of sectors.
We are seeking someone with a strong finance background who is looking to train to become a business adviser in order to help us support the journeys of pre-start, small and medium-sized businesses. Working under the guidance of our Head of Business Advisers, you will provide expert advice, mentorship and support, transforming aspirations into thriving ventures. This is a part-time role for 3 days per week and is office-based.
The Role: We’re looking for someone from a finance background - maybe you’ve worked as a bookkeeper or accountant - who’s ready for a change. If you’re curious about the bigger business picture, we’ll help you make the leap. You’ll work closely with entrepreneurs from all walks of life, including those who’ve faced real challenges - whether that’s financial hardship, health barriers or other life circumstances to help them grow. You’ll bring your financial knowledge to the table and we’ll support you to develop in areas like business data interpretation, marketing performance and strategic planning. This is a hands-on role with space to learn, stretch and grow. We’re looking for someone who wants to be part of a team that’s not afraid to re-write the rulebook.
What You’ll Do:
- Offer tailored 1:1 support to pre-start and growing businesses, including those from underrepresented or challenging backgrounds
- Use your financial skills to help clients build strong foundations
- Learn how to interpret data and evaluate marketing performance
- Support the admin team, delivery of business support programmes and workshops
- Help shape and improve how we work with clients
- Track client progress using our CRM system
- Build networks and connect clients with the right people and opportunities
What You’ll Bring:
- A strong and established background in finance as either a bookkeeper or accountant
- A real interest in making a career shift and learning new skills
- Great people skills and a willingness to muck in
- Curiosity, energy and a can-do attitude
- Experience working with start-ups or small businesses
- Knowledge of marketing, sales or business planning
- Experience working with people from diverse or challenging backgrounds
- Confidence with Microsoft 365, Teams and Zoom
Why Join Us? We’re a small team doing big things. You’ll have the chance to develop your skills, work with a wide mix of businesses and play a key part in shaping how we do things. We offer a supportive environment where learning is encouraged and ideas are welcome. If you want to be part of a team that’s helping people do business differently, we’d love to hear from you.
You must have the right to work in the UK. To apply, send us a maximum 2-page CV and a maximum 1-page cover letter telling us why this role’s right for you.
Business Adviser employer: Portobello Business Centre
Contact Detail:
Portobello Business Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Adviser
✨Tip Number 1
Network with local entrepreneurs and business owners in North Kensington. Attend events at the Portobello Business Centre or similar venues to build relationships and gain insights into the challenges they face, which will help you relate better to potential clients.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of small and medium-sized businesses, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds. Understanding their unique challenges will enable you to provide tailored advice and support, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your data interpretation skills. Since the role involves evaluating marketing performance, being able to analyse and present data effectively will set you apart from other candidates and demonstrate your readiness for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your enthusiasm for learning new skills related to business advising. Engage in online courses or workshops that focus on business planning, marketing, or coaching to highlight your commitment to personal and professional growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Adviser
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your finance background and any relevant experience with small businesses or start-ups. Use specific examples to demonstrate how your skills can benefit the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the mission of Portobello Business Centre. Explain why you want to transition into a business adviser position and how your financial expertise will help clients succeed.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Emphasise your people skills and willingness to learn new areas such as marketing performance and strategic planning. Mention any experience working with diverse backgrounds to align with PBC's values.
Proofread and Format: Before submitting, ensure your documents are well-formatted and free from errors. A clean, professional presentation reflects your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portobello Business Centre
✨Showcase Your Financial Expertise
Since the role requires a strong finance background, be prepared to discuss your experience as a bookkeeper or accountant. Highlight specific examples of how your financial skills have helped businesses in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your People Skills
This position involves working closely with entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds. Be ready to share experiences where you've successfully communicated and built relationships with clients, especially those facing challenges.
✨Express Your Curiosity and Willingness to Learn
The role offers opportunities for growth and learning. Show enthusiasm for developing new skills, particularly in areas like business data interpretation and marketing performance. Mention any relevant courses or training you’re interested in.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role and Organisation
Engage your interviewers by asking insightful questions about the Portobello Business Centre's approach to supporting businesses. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute effectively.