Frequently Asked Questions
Who is ibd?
ibd is a Limited company established in 2004 to provide businesses with the best help and support available in today’s marketplace.
Quality v Size
It is of paramount importance that ibd offers the highest quality of service to clients and to achieve this we provide the most comprehensive support infrastructure for a new member which includes a unique Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme. Although we have over 200 highly qualified Accredited Members worldwide there is a strong demand for more.
Who are the clients of Accredited Members?
The clients of Accredited Members are, although not exclusively, independently
owned small to medium sized businesses (SME’s) with less than 250 full
time employees and include every type of business imaginable.
What is an Accredited Member expected to do?
An Accredited Member will review the current position of an SME; which will
include problems, needs, concerns, opportunities and plans. This will then
be followed up with the appropriate implementation thus adding real value
to the client.
Many of our members provide continuous mentoring year on year and over
50 of our members are Non-Executive Directors. It is not uncommon for a
member to acquire equity in the SME. (Full traning
on all aspects can be provided by ibd).
Do I have to work full-time or can I work part-time?
The choice is yours. We have members who want to work 5 days per week and
others who only want to work 1 day per week. Some of our members work 6
months in the UK and then go on holiday for 6 months. We have a number
of Accredited Members who have taken early retirement and only want to
top-up their workload.
It is totally flexible.
Would I have to re-locate?
Each Accredited Member is free to work from home, or in a nearby office.
Would I have to travel abroad?
Only if you choose to get involved in some of the many ibd international
assignments.
Can I take on only occasional work?
The choice is yours.
It is perfectly acceptable to continue to support any existing clients you
may have and, for that matter, any new clients you may obtain who have no
connection with ibd.
Would I be an employee?
Not as an Accredited Member of ibd. However, many of our Accredited Members
find executive employment opportunities with their clients. Non-Executive
positions are also made available by the ibd Non-Execs division.
What is the salary for an Accredited Member?
Only employees get a salary. As an ibd Accredited Member you control your
own hours, income and future without the usual controls and politics of employment.
What would be my earning potential?
We take great care in establishing your personal needs to ensure that you
have every opportunity to fulfil your requirements/expectations. We have
Accredited Members who achieve significant amounts in year one, but then
there are others who do not. Your earning potential also depends on how
much time and work you wish to put in; how many appointments you choose
to attend and how many of the ibd divisions you choose to participate in.
What is the ibd Continuous Professional Development Programme (CPD)?
We at ibd are committed to supporting our members in their own professional
development. We understand that they have different experiences and
skills from a wide range of industries and backgrounds. Recognising this,
we enable them to develop identified specific skills through our comprehensive
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) programme.
The objective of the CPD is to broaden and deepen business skills and knowledge thus enabling our members to offer a more comprehensive service to their clients which ultimately assists in winning more business in all disciplines.
This programme is designed to help a member highlight their individual development needs and access the programme modules accordingly.
One of the benefits of this programme is that it allows members to assist clients in all functions of their business, thus eliminating the need to “sub-contract” some areas of the clients business.
The programme is managed and evaluated by ibd to ensure that our members receive only the training they require, to the highest possible standards. This initiative is unique in the market place and not only sets us apart from competitors, but also supports our philosophy of striving for continuous improvement and offering the best services to our members.
What makes ibd different from other organisations?
- ibd has your interests at heart; the more successful you are, the more successful ibd will become.
- ibd will train you to qualify for a Professional Certificate in Business Advice, issued by The University of Chester. This is a practical qualification, not a theoretical one. ibd is unique in our industry in offering this professional qualification to our advisors, and the training and mentoring given by ibd will assist you to achieve this award.
- ibd offers a unique course for Post Graduates, with the opportunity for our members to act as mentors.
- ibd’s Continuing Professional Development (CPD) is unique.
- ibd’s aim is to find you as much work as will fulfill your requirement.
- ibd have Strategic Partners thus providing you with instant credibility.
- ibd’s selection criteria is second to none
- ibd is a large enough organisation to provide you with the best opportunity to be successful but small enough to have the time and desire to know and understand your real needs.
How is someone selected to become an Accredited Member?
There is a three stage selection process with appropriate training provided.
- Consideration and assessment of your curriculum vitae.
- Subject to CV acceptability; attendance at an information seminar or more often a one to one meeting. ibd need to be satisfied that it understands your current situation, your skills and experience and your needs and fundamentally that there is a need for your skills and services in the market place.
- Recommendation by the interviewing Accredited Member or Director to the Enrolment Board for final assessment and acceptance.
How can I get more information or be considered for joining ibd as an Accredited Member?
Send your CV by email and we will contact you.