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, a learning budget, and flexible working hours.
- 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 required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values creativity and sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 44000 £ 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.
- Identify founders who may not be right for funding and ensure any decisions are communicated promptly and in a supportive manner.
- 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, 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 in England employer: Virgin StartUp
Contact Detail:
Virgin StartUp Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Advisor in England
✨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 related to business advising. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with business plans and cash flow forecasts. Share specific examples of how you've helped others succeed – it’ll make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Virgin StartUp, and express your interest in working with them. A little initiative can go a long way in making a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning! Stay updated on the latest trends in business advising and entrepreneurship. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops. This not only boosts your skills but also shows potential employers that you're committed to personal growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Business Advisor in England
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 show your passion for business and helping others. Authenticity goes a long way!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the Business Advisor role. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at Virgin StartUp!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; give us examples of how you've used them in real-life situations. Whether it’s assessing business plans or mentoring founders, we want to know how you’ve made an impact!
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. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining the Virgin Family!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin StartUp
✨Know Your Business Basics
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of business plans and cash flow forecasts. Familiarise yourself with common pitfalls and success factors for start-ups, as this will help you demonstrate your solid business acumen during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Since the role involves mentoring and motivating founders, think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully coached someone. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and support aspiring entrepreneurs through their journey.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your analytical skills and decision-making abilities. Practice articulating how you would evaluate a business idea or handle a challenging situation with a founder, showcasing your problem-solving approach.
✨Emphasise Your Organisational Skills
With a caseload to manage, it's crucial to highlight your time management and organisational skills. Prepare to discuss how you prioritise tasks and ensure timely support for multiple founders, demonstrating your ability to juggle responsibilities effectively.