We're Hiring: Business Advisor / Trainer

Job Title: Business Advisor / Trainer  

Location: 7-15 Pink Lane, Newcastle  

Salary: £31,000 FTE  

Hours: 30 Hours  

Contract term: Fixed term until 31st March 2027, with the potential for extension subject to funding and organisational requirements. 

Responsible to: Enterprise Projects Manager  

Flexibility: We welcome applications from candidates who run their own business, freelance or bring entrepreneurial experience alongside their work. We are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements that support the right candidate, while ensuring the responsibilities and requirements of the role can be met. 

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Business Advisor / Trainer to make a meaningful contribution to the local enterprise community. The role will support aspiring entrepreneurs, start-ups, established businesses, social enterprises and purpose-driven organisations to develop sustainable, ethical and resilient business practices. The postholder will provide tailored one-to-one advice, deliver engaging training sessions and help clients move from ideas and challenges to clear, practical action. 

Role Purpose 

The purpose of this role is to provide high-quality business advice, coaching and training to individuals and enterprises, with a particular focus on social enterprises and purpose-driven organisations. The postholder will support clients from idea stage through to growth, helping them to develop viable, sustainable and impactful businesses. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver tailored one-to-one and group business support to pre-starts, start-ups, existing businesses and social enterprises. 

• Support clients to develop, test and implement business ideas, helping to turn concepts into viable and sustainable enterprises. 

• Provide advice on business planning, financial sustainability, funding routes and legal compliance, within the scope of the role and relevant programme requirements. 

• Provide guidance for social enterprises, including governance models, social impact and ethical business practices. 

• Manage client relationships, providing ongoing coaching, encouragement, and progress tracking.  

• Identify client needs and develop practical action plans to support growth, resilience and long-term sustainability. 

• Deliver and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and cohort-based programmes.  

• Build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships across public, private and voluntary sectors. 

• Signpost and refer clients to specialist support, funding opportunities, and partner organisations.  

• Plan and support outreach activities and events to raise awareness and attract new clients.  

• Ensure services are delivered flexibly, including in-person, online, and group-based formats.  

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of business support trends, funding, and the social enterprise landscape.  

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria 

• Proven experience in a business support, advisory, training or enterprise development role. 

• Demonstratable experience of working with or supporting social enterprises, charities, community organisations or mission-led businesses. 

• Strong understanding of business planning, finance and start-up processes. 

• Experience of delivering one-to-one advice and group training, workshops or learning sessions. 

• Ability to build positive relationships and engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders and clients. 

• Ability to analyse client needs and develop practical, outcome-focused solutions. 

• Knowledge of local and national business support ecosystems and funding opportunities. 

• Commitment to ethical, inclusive, and sustainable business practices. 

Core Skills (Essential) 

• Confident user of Microsoft Office, CRM systems and virtual delivery platforms such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom. 

• Ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise tasks and meet deadlines effectively. 

• Able to identify challenges and develop practical, creative solutions for clients. 

• Clear written and verbal communication, with the ability to explain complex business concepts simply. 

• Ability to build trust, rapport, and maintain professional relationships with a diverse client base. 

• Capacity to balance competing priorities and deliver high-quality support. 

• Ability to interpret information, assess business viability and support informed decision-making. 

• Confidence in delivering engaging workshops, presentations, and training sessions. 

Desirable Criteria 

• Experience of starting, running or owning a business, including a social enterprise or trading community organisation. 

We value candidates who bring current, hands-on insight from running their own business or freelance practice, and who can balance this experience positively alongside the responsibilities of the role. 

• Understanding of social impact measurement and reporting. 

• Experience working on publicly funded business support programmes. 

• Existing networks within the local enterprise or voluntary/community sector. 

• Relevant qualification in training, coaching or mentoring.  

Key Attributes 

• Passion for supporting individuals to start and grow sustainable businesses. 

• Strong problem-solving and adaptive thinking skills. 

• Proactive, self-motivated, and collaborative approach. 

• Ability to manage a diverse caseload of clients effectively. 

• Commitment to continuous professional development. 

Additional Information 

The role will require some travel across the region and a willingness to work outside normal working hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet operational needs. 

We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive recruitment process. We welcome applications from candidates with a range of backgrounds, experiences and working patterns, and will consider reasonable adjustments where required. 

Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and confirmation of the right to work in the UK. The successful candidate will be expected to work in line with relevant organisational policies, including equality, safeguarding, data protection, confidentiality, health and safety, and professional conduct. 

Employee Benefits  

• Annual leave: Starting entitlement of 29 days, including bank holidays, pro rata. 

• Additional leave: Additional Christmas closure leave. 

• Professional development: £420 annual professional development budget. 

• CPD: Five CPD days per year. 

• Pension: Workplace pension scheme. 

• Facilities: Access to cycle storage and shower facilities. 

To Apply 

Please provide a fully updated CV and covering letter to recruit@pne.org.  

Closing Date: Friday 10th July 2026 

If you are interested in this role, we encourage applicants to contact the Enterprise Projects Manager for an informal discussion about the role before applying. This is an opportunity to learn more about the position, expectations and working arrangements. 

Enterprise Projects Manager: Jenny Westgate