I think that most people will agree that establishing and sustaining a small business in today’s economic climate is challenging to say the least.  Indeed when you are thinking about starting a business – or wanting to know how best to survive in business, any number of friends and “self styled experts” will be on hand to offer advice and tell you what you should or shouldn’t do.

However, anyone who is really serious about succeeding will surely agree that accessing good quality support is vital.  So where do you go to get the right sort of advice?  Certainly a bank may be a starting point but will they be able to provide the in depth service that you might need?  Often you need to discuss more than just the financial implications – for instance, you may want to speak to someone who can provide advice about the most appropriate legal structure for your business or can help you develop your business and marketing plans.  You may need advice on leasing premises, budgeting or employing people…..so where do you go to get the right advice from people who really know – someone who will be on your side without trying to influence your decisions?

There is no legal reason why anyone cannot set themselves up as a business support advisor – so how can you be sure that you are speaking to someone who will be professional and who will act in your best interest?  The answer is simpler than you might think!  Just ask the question…. Are you SFEDI approved?

….so just what does that mean then?

Being a SFEDI approved business advisor means that the person who is supporting you has been assessed against the national occupational standards for providing business support and appears on SFEDI’s national directory of approved advisors.  You can therefore be confident that the advisor will provide you with a professional, impartial service at all times.

What does SFEDI stand for?

Small Firms Enterprise Development Initiative.  It is the Government’s recognised UK Standards Body and is a benchmark of best practice for anyone that provides Business support and Enterprise development.

How does an advisor become SFEDI approved?

There are a number of SFEDI award centres throughout the UK.  By looking on the SFEDI website, business advisors can access details of the centres that can provide the qualification they are looking for.

Genesis Training Solutions Limited, based in North East Lincolnshire, is an approved SFEDI centre.  We offer a wide range of SFEDI awards and accreditations to suit all business and enterprise development advisors.  Working throughout the UK, our team of experienced assessors have all been trained and approved by SFEDI.  We offer a wide range of programmes, from Practitioner Certificates through to Level 5 accredited programmes and diplomas.  Whether an advisor offers support services to small private business or social enterprise, is an enterprise trainer or coach, provides business information or skills advice, Genesis is able to help. 

How does SFEDI make sure that the advisors are keeping up to date with changes in business support?
To remain on the SFEDI register of approved business support advisors, each advisor must complete a re-approval process every two years.  This means that an assessor will review the amount of continuous professional development that they have completed in order to update their knowledge and skills.

I know I need help with my business so what should I do next?

If you are thinking about starting a new business or wanting some help to sustain or grow your company, there are a number of business support providers in the area that can offer free advice and support or who will signpost you to the organisation that is best able to support your needs.  One of these in North East Lincolnshire is, of course, E Factor.  Their team of SFEDI approved business advisors will be pleased to hear from you!

Anne Hames
Director
Genesis Training Solutions Limited
Tel: 01472 232293
Email:
www.genesistrainingsolutions.co.uk