Summary

This is about delivering a business support service that meets the requirements of the Business Link brand.  This involves operating in a way that meets accepted Business Link practice and managing client expectations on confidentiality while delivering business support that is appropriate to each client.

What you need to show

You must make sure that your practice meets the following requirements.

a.    Use communication methods and consulting styles that are appropriate to each client and that meet accepted Business Link practice.

b.    Use your knowledge and understanding of how small businesses work in practice to deliver a business support service to clients that meets the requirements of the Business Link brand.

c.    Make best use of Business Link resources when meeting and communicating with clients.  

d.    Manage client confidentiality in accordance with the requirements of the Business Link brand and your organisation

e.    Explain the limitations on client confidentiality to the client and obtain consent.

f.     Explain to clients who do not consent to the Business Link confidentiality procedures the limitations of the service that you will be able to offer.

g.    Explain the situation clearly to clients who are not eligible for the Business Link service they have requested and recommend suitable constructive alternatives.

What you need to know and understand

You need to know, understand and be able to apply each of the following.

Business Link service

1.    What the Business Link service includes and who is eligible for it.

2.    What alternatives are available for those not eligible.

3.    What resources are available as part of the Business Link service.

4.    The protocols for communication that should be followed and how to agree them with the client.

5.    How to choose and use a range of client-led consulting styles including acceptant, catalytic, confrontational and perspective.

Business support

6.    The major functions that are required in a small business, how they link to and support each other and the challenge for small businesses in successfully managing them. 

7.    How to judge the strengths and weaknesses of different types of small businesses, by looking at the market sectors those businesses are in, the businesses’ potential for growth, their stage of growth and their management abilities towards people, finance and physical resources.

8.    How to help small businesses identify and build on the unique selling points of their business

9.    The main issues that affect business start-ups and growing businesses and what will help some small businesses succeed when others fail.

10. How to evaluate business problems and opportunities and how to enable clients to make sense of the business analysis process and the results.

11. How outside factors are affecting small businesses, including UK and European regulations, Government projects, economic trends, industrial trends and developments, geographical features and political and social issues.

12. The different personal or business support people starting up and developing small businesses require.

Personal behaviours

You need to show the following behaviours.

13. Appreciate how an organisation operates in different client sectors. ^{IiP 1.1}

14. Tailor your approach to align with the client’s goals and circumstances. ^IiP1.2

15. Respect the client’s need for information, commitment and confidentiality. ^IiP1.3

16. Gain respect by operating in a credible and professional manner. ^IiP2.1