Copyright © 2001 Freddie Meynell. All rights reserved.
Revised: April, 2006.
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Formula for success: Rise early, work hard, strike oil. OK, so that was John Paul Getty’s strategy and it worked for him. For the rest of us, running a small or medium sized business in the UK today is likely to be a bit more problematic. Like most independent business owners, you probably started your company so you could develop your product or service in complete autonomy, away from the politics of the large-corporate world – looking forward to the challenge of being your own boss. |
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How much of your original vision have you achieved so far? And how much is progress hampered by the day-to-day responsibilities of management – staffing problems, logistics or facilities issues, accounting, audit, banks, VAT, legal matters, computer systems – and the all-important cash flow? MDs tell us they simply want more time – time to get back to being creative and innovative, time to focus on customers, to develop new products and services and to plan new sales strategies. Do you feel that your business is running you? Whereas managing directors of large corporations can call upon an executive team of specialist directors for marketing, finance, production and human resources expertise, in a small business these skills are often not available within the company. Little wonder that being the managing director of a small business is considered one of the loneliest positions in the business world.
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The Business Support Scheme from The Institute for Independent Business
The Institute for Independent Business (IIB) is an internationally recognised research and accreditation body dedicated to representing the interests of small and medium sized companies (SMEs). Since 1984 the IIB has been an independent supporter, advisor and professional ally to thousands of SMEs in the UK and worldwide.
IIB Accredited Associates are experienced senior-level business executives whose range of expertise covers every imaginable discipline. They commit to providing low-cost consultancy and support to all businesses that are accepted onto a Business Support Scheme.
Over 1000 Associates are working with SME's worldwide to improve their business performance and profitability.
If your business qualifies for a Scheme, you will be assigned a dedicated Scheme Coordinator, who will plan and manage all the business improvement activities that your company needs.
You decide how and when the projects go ahead – and we manage it for you, sourcing the skills and expertise to deliver the most benefit to your company.
As an added benefit, while you are on a Business Support Scheme, we will also review other areas of your business activity to identify additional opportunities for increased sales or cost savings.
And the bottom line…?
On a Business Support Scheme, you can call upon the skills and experience of a “virtual” board of directors - giving you direct access to some of the country’s top professionals to support, advise and improve your business operation.
In return, you are only required to contribute towards these professionals’ charges an amount equivalent to the cost of employing an office clerk, but of course without the additional overhead costs that come with permanent employees – holiday pay, NI, sick pay and all the hidden charges – and you can obtain tax relief on your contribution.
