Specialist Business Adviser - Equity Services

Location: Cornwall (Home Based but must be able to attend regular client meetings in person)

This role is fixed term to the 31 March 2025.

Job Overview

Oxford Innovation Advice is a commercial organisation recognised as market leading specialists in SME business growth support and development. Now firmly established as a key provider of advisory services to businesses in the Duchy, having successfully delivered the ERDF funded Access to Finance Project since 2017, we are now recruiting for the new programme, Access to Finance Plus (A2F+). This role will report to the Head of Equity Services.

The aim of the role will be to be part of a tight knit team delivering an Equity Investment Readiness Accelerator. Based on our proven model, you will support the progression of 5 cohorts of businesses through an intensive course covering all aspects of investment readiness and presentation to potential investors. You will work with Cornwall & Isles of Scilly based start-up businesses and established SMEs to guide them through a 10 module plan including the development of compelling pitch decks and associated financials.

The successful candidate will be experienced in all aspects of raising equity funds and have a good understanding of the local market dynamics. You will be able to demonstrate your experience and understanding of the different sources of equity finance and how to build a credible picture to present to potential investors.

You will be a valuable team member, providing skills and support whilst working closely with OI Advice colleagues to deliver the programme to the highest industry standards. You will possess excellent networking skills and have an appetite for building solid long term relationships with our partners and stakeholders.

Oxford Innovation Advice are widely acknowledged as market leaders in the delivery of business advisory services to SMEs. Our sister division, OI Finance, runs the UK’s most active Business Angel network and manages a co-investment fund so we possess a wealth of knowledge and experience that you can leverage. We enjoy a reputation for exemplary customer service and the ability to deliver results. Our people are recognised for exceptional skill levels, the ability to get things done and for working in a light touch managerial environment where we trust our employees to perform with minimal supervision.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

The role will include the following activities:

• Be an active member of the team, delivering high quality advisory services.
• Recognise the client’s challenges and the opportunities to mentor them to develop their skills and knowledge
• Carry out regular meetings with the client to support the implementation of the agreed investment readiness plans, reviewing actions, developing and agreeing next steps to ensure best chances of success.
• Work alongside funders, to present client businesses in the best position to make successful equity investment applications
• Undertake diagnostic evaluation of client businesses using our market leading GROWTHmapper digital diagnostic (full training will be provided)
• Deliver workshops, as part of the team, covering all aspects of equity finance raises
• Embrace and our culture of continuous improvement and innovation in client delivery and team performance
• Develop close working relationships with internal and external partners, quickly understanding their key challenges and opportunities, working with them to achieve programme outputs.

• Someone with strong interpersonal skills, equity finance experience relevant to and appropriate for SME’s.
• You will have well developed pitching and negotiation skills, and a good understanding of the challenges associated with equity funding and how they are overcome.
• You will have an eye for detail.
• Your financial skills may include a sound understanding of different types of equity finance and business planning/growth expertise, to support clients to become investment ready.
• You will be confident and articulate and you will quickly win the trust and respect of our clients.
• You will be able to present effectively to small groups as well as give confidential advice in 1:1 settings.

Completing all required CRM and systems records in a timely manner is essential as well as the ability to work both independently and with colleagues in the team, supporting in areas where you have specialist knowledge. You will have sound judgement and take a collaborative and solution focussed approach. Strong active listening, networking and relationship building skills are key to this role, as well as an enthusiasm to undertake internal and external training as required and translate learning into positive interventions with clients.

The successful candidate will have a drive for quality and have experience in working in a demanding environment, where the willingness to meet the needs of the business, is crucial.

You will be educated to degree level (or have equivalent commercial experience).

A full driving license and access to a car is essential for this role.

Oxford Innovation Advice is a dynamic and fast growing company where a culture of constant innovation and mutual respect delivers bottom line results from within a stimulating and challenging working environment. Part of SQW Group, our sister divisions provide flexible office space for start-up and growing technology companies, Angel investment networks and co-investment fund management plus public policy and economic development consultancy services in the UK, Europe and Asia. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

Our closing date for applications is the 12th April 2024. We reserve the right to appoint prior to this date, therefore applications should be submitted as soon as possible.

Interviews and assessments will take place w/c 15th April 2024.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.