ibd has a flexible approach to meeting the needs of  UK businesses – from small family operations to large corporations. We focus on delivering results in the most cost effective and efficient way, so the way we operate can change from one project to the next. You may only need one advisor to offer guidance on a particular issue, or you may need a whole team of people to plan, design and implement a large scale project. Whatever it takes, ibd can deliver.

Many smaller companies have difficulties in managing aspects of their business, simply because they do not have enough people, skills and experience to handle all the different disciplines necessary (finance, sales, IT, HR and so on). We are keenly aware of these issues, and have accordingly set up the Business Development Programme. This is designed specifically to help small and medium sized companies (SMEs) to address their issues in the same way that a larger company might, but for a fraction of the cost.

With over 200 top business executives working within the programme, an SME has access to all necessary specialist(s) who are available to provide ‘hands on’ assistance. In just the same way as a managing director (MD) or owner of a multi-million pound company has a chairman with a board of directors to call on for advice, companies can call on ibd advisors for ideas and guidance on how to implement those ideas.

Starting a Project

Following an agreement between the company MD and the ibd advisor, a project manager is appointed. Usually this is the advisor who carries out an initial Business Review. The project manager acts as a sounding board for any ideas or problems the company might be facing. He or she will always be contactable and will also be the MD’s ‘eyes and ears’ regarding information of relevance to the company. The project manager will also act as the liaison between the company and any specialists needed to implement solutions to problems that the MD and ibd advisor have identified.

Costs

For top executives similar to ibd advisors, companies could expect to pay in the region of £2,500 to £3,500 per day for such services. However, because of the way that ibd is structured, fees under the Business Development Programme range from only £600 to £800 per day. All costs should be repaid many times over, by efficiency savings and profit growth as the result of a Development Programme.

Delivering Solutions

Following the Business Review or initial meetings, an ibd advisor will present a plan with defined deliverables to the managing director, outlining what resources and commitments are required. Sometimes there are higher costs at the start of a Business Development programme so that critical problems that are causing excessive losses can be fixed early on. Once the major issues have been taken care of then a more relaxed ongoing programme might be agreed – such as a one, two, three or more days a month. At all times, the MD is in full control of the programme and costs.

The Business Development Programme effectively gives an SME a board of directors and a supporting management team for less cost than employing a secretary. And of course the company is not liable for PAYE, holidays, or sickness or other benefits as with a full-time employee.

Large Corporations

ibd also has advisors who are experienced with large enterprise operations, and who work routinely on projects delivering specific solutions, or providing ongoing consultancy support.