It is widely acknowledged that the role of managing director or owner of a small or medium sized business (typically 10 to 250 employees) can be a very lonely one. However well you know your business, there are times when you wish you had another experienced and independent business person to talk to, just to provide that vital second opinion, or to challenge your thinking.
Large companies usually have a significant advantage over smaller businesses as they are able to afford a professional board of directors with diverse skills and experience, which can manage the business very effectively through this knowledge base.  The Managing Director or Owner of a smaller to medium sized business typically has no such luxury. Nor is it often a realistic option, as a professional executive director can easily cost a business €100k per annum in salary alone. Add other benefits such as company car, pension, healthcare, holidays and of course NI on all that and you are committing to a €120k per annum cost.  And that is for each board member you add.



Our Business Support Scheme, supported by the Institute for Independent Business (IIB) provides the answer, levelling the playing field with larger businesses, and giving you a significant advantage over other SME's - and at a fraction of the cost.  Under the IIB's Business Support Scheme, you will be appointed a business advisor who will be available during normal business hours on the phone to discuss any issues that you have, in any area of your business.  In addition, your advisor will allocate a number of days (typically 2 days per month) for practical 'hands-on' time with you and your company, supporting you and helping you make things happen.  He also has access to the huge resources of over 3,000 qualified and experienced IIB Accredited Executives, any of which can be called on to help you with any specialist aspects of your business at a reduced rate.   IIB accreditation is only afforded to business professionals who meet the Institute's exacting standards: the Associate must have appropriate professional qualifications, as well as substantial executive experience of running a company at director level. Additionally, all Associates must keep up to date by participating in the Institute’s continuous professional development programme. If your business qualifies for the Business Support Scheme, we will act as your personal Business Advisor.  In that role we are there to support and assist you in business in every way possible, and at the same time act as a 'business friend' to you, the Managing Director/Owner.  The Business Advisor:

• Will attend any, or all of your board and management meetings that you wish, to ensure that the company is adequately supported, focused and progressing to plan.
• Will coordinate and project manage the use of consulting time and 'hands-on' practical assistance from any of the Institute's professionals. 
• Will find answer to any business queries you may have, accessing the extraordinary business resources of the IIB.
• Will be available on a local 'hot line' number, free of charge, just to talk through whatever is on your mind, or act as a sounding board for new ideas.

The Business Support Scheme is not at all like traditional consulting.  It's real strength lies in the ability to establish an ongoing hands-on relationship between the Business Advisor and the client.

The Benefits Summarised

Low cost access to a 'virtual board' over 3,800 Executives in 18 countries
Fixed monthly cost
No employer's costs (no pension, holiday, sickness, NI costs etc)
Telephone 'hotline' support to Business Advisor
192 hours (2 days per month, typically) of dedicated practical consulting time with Business Advisor, or otherwise as needed by the client.
Subsidised by the IIB

Click here to contact us now to see if your company qualifies for this scheme.