Business Advisor, Start-Up Loans – Reading, Berkshire (Hybrid)

The Company: Enterprise ForLife Limited

X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) and X-Emergency Services (XES) are two separate brands helping members of the military and emergency service communities respectively. These communities consist of service leavers, veterans and their family members. Both these brands and their respective organisations are part of the same group; Enterprise ForLife Limited and they have a primary focus on supporting individuals to transition into self-employment and business ownership. The organisations support people in launching their business idea through the provision of business advice, training, access to a knowledge base, access to loan funding, networking and mentoring.

We are a delivery partner for the British Business Bank Start-Up Loans scheme. Since launch in 2013 we have supported over 4000 business start-ups, with the provision of over £40,000,000 in funding. We deal with approximately 250 enquiries a month. We are supported by and work with many well-known corporate organisations, including; NatWest, Cisco, Amazon and Rolls Royce.

The Role

We are looking for an inquisitive, enthusiastic, and approachable professionals who have a keen interest in start-up businesses and the digital economy. Here at Enterprise ForLife, you will be assisting the customers with their own journey into self-employment. You will be a key member of a driven and focused team of advisors who are assessing the viability of funding applications, providing business insights and reviewing relevant supporting documentation. Full training on the systems and processes to use will be given to complement business and life skills.

Main roles and responsibilities:

• Provide ongoing help and support throughout the loan application process
• Support applicants in creating and developing their business idea and articulating this within a business plan with a financial forecast. You should be confident in analysing cashflow forecasts and be able to assess affordability and business viability in a highly effective manner
• Ability to use initiative to achieve positive outcomes
• Make funding recommendations in accordance with Start Up Loans credit policy
• Work towards team KPIs and targets
• Participate in business start-up workshops or boot-camps as required
• CRM record keeping ensuring all company records are accurately reflected
• Signpost clients to support organisations or military charities, who may be able to assist in their transition into self-employment
• Provide weekly reports to the management team on case progression
• Liaising with various stakeholders including marketing, events and external entities

The Applicant Requirements

Essential:

• Excellent communication skills, both written & via telephone
• Strong commercial awareness
• Ability to interpret and understand financial accounts
• Confidence providing advice and guidance
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team and prioritise workload
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Excel
• Be target driven and self-starting
• A keen interest in supporting the military community
• Strong organisation-related skills
• Ability to influence and persuade other stakeholders at varying levels
• Ability to work flexibly from home and the office

Desirable:

• Experience of providing business start-up advice and/or making funding recommendations/decisions
• Excellent interpersonal skills, and an ability to provide applicants with support and guidance in a calm and encouraging manner, taking into consideration the unique issues which customers may be dealing with
• Ideally previous Lending Experience
• Experience with CRM system Zoho

The Remuneration Package

Salary: Starting at £27,000 up to £31,000 dependent on experience and level of entry. Potential of Performance-Related Pay (PRP) based on performance and delivery of objectives. It is expected that the suitable candidate will achieve the necessary skills to obtain PRP within 6-12 months.

There is a contributory pension scheme and 20 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.

Flexible Working Policy

Employees are able to use two Volunteering Days per annum in relation to the military community.

Start-Up Business Advisor – The Interview Process

Please apply with a copy of your CV and covering letter.

There will typically be a telephone interview, followed by two rounds of face-to-face/virtual interviews. One with the Head of Business Lending and one with the company Directors.