Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help aspiring founders turn their business dreams into reality with expert advice and support.
- Company: Join the innovative Virgin StartUp team, part of the dynamic Virgin Group.
- Benefits: Enjoy unlimited leave, flexible working, and a learning budget to fuel your growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by guiding start-ups through their journey to success.
- Qualifications: Experience in assessing business plans and strong analytical skills are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and unique perspectives.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 38000 £ per year.
Are you self-motivated, have a passion for business and want to help aspiring founders bring their business dreams to life? As we look to support even more founders at greater scale, we’re searching for x3 Business Advisors on fixed‑term contracts, to support founders through every step of the Start Up Loan application journey.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct initial assessments of the viability of business ideas, determining what support is needed, agreeing action plans, and providing feedback and support to founders.
- Review Business Plans and assist applicants to further develop their underlying proposition and ensure Cash Flow Forecasts are accurate and financially sound.
- Evaluate applications, providing written assessments to support decisions to approve or decline, and present to our in‑house Loan Panel for final decisions to be made.
- Ensure that the support provided conforms to the Start Up Loans Company’s Minimum Standards and Lending Standards and any additional policies set out by Virgin Start Up.
- Manage caseload effectively to ensure the right founders are supported through their start‑up journey in a reasonable time frame and are kept motivated to proceed.
- Keep our Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform updated with interactions and documentation received.
- Maintain all quality procedures relating to client files and records, in line with our requirements.
Requirements:
- Direct experience in assessing Business Plans and Cash Flow Forecasts.
- Solid business acumen.
- An understanding of commercial businesses gained through either previous employment or experience of running your own business.
- Previous experience within a Start Up Loans Company is desirable but not essential.
- Reasonable knowledge of key aspects of business that affect the success of start‑ups.
- Strong analytical skills, including the ability to assimilate complex information, identify and prioritise key issues and assist an applicant to identify practical solutions.
- Well-developed or keen to learn coaching, mentoring and motivational skills.
- Solid IT skills, proficient in Microsoft Office, especially in MS Excel.
- Ability to multi‑task and manage a high volume of applicants.
- Accustomed to delivering excellent results against targets and meeting deadlines.
Role details:
- Role type: Contract (12–15 months)
- Location: Your home space + our London HQ (approx. once per month)
- Salary: £38,000 – £44,000 plus bonus
- Working hours: Full time – We embrace flexible working.
- Benefits: Unlimited leave for your globe‑trotting dreams, a learning budget, top‑notch health care, family support, a pension plan, electric vehicles, flexible volunteering and more.
Closing date: 09 January 2026
We pride ourselves on welcoming people from all walks of life, with all sorts of skill sets. We truly value passion for Purpose and Sustainability, welcoming creative thinkers and innovators. Any uniqueness is a strength and will be considered an asset to our workforce.
Ready to turn your career into the ultimate adventure? Virgin’s got the map, the compass, and the crew. Your great adventure awaits!
Business Advisor employer: Virgin StartUp
Contact Detail:
Virgin StartUp Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Advisor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up social media groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Business Advisor role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! You never know when you'll get a chance to impress someone with your skills. Prepare a short, snappy summary of your experience and what you can bring to Virgin StartUp. Make it memorable!
✨Tip Number 3
Research, research, research! Know everything about Virgin StartUp and their mission. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in helping aspiring founders succeed.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Virgin Family. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Business Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for business and how you can help aspiring founders.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Show us how your background aligns with the Business Advisor role and the mission of Virgin StartUp.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; give us examples of how you've used your skills in real-life situations. Whether it’s assessing business plans or mentoring others, we want to hear about your successes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining the Virgin Family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin StartUp
✨Know Your Business Basics
Before the interview, brush up on your understanding of business plans and cash flow forecasts. Familiarise yourself with common challenges start-ups face and think about how you can help founders navigate these issues. This will show your passion for business and your readiness to support aspiring entrepreneurs.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Since the role involves mentoring and motivating founders, prepare examples of how you've successfully coached or supported others in the past. Think about specific situations where you helped someone overcome a challenge or achieve a goal, as this will demonstrate your ability to inspire and guide.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Real-Life Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience with assessing business viability. Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you evaluated a business idea or plan. Highlight your analytical skills and how you identified key issues, as this will showcase your expertise and problem-solving abilities.
✨Embrace the Virgin Spirit
Familiarise yourself with Virgin's values and culture. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with their mission of supporting entrepreneurs. Show enthusiasm for being part of a diverse team that drives change and embraces creativity, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.