Benefits of Business Consultant Certification

The success of small to medium enterprises (SMEs) is a major factor in the prosperity of most countries. This is especially so in New Zealand where 96% of the businesses fit into the SME category. In fact some 87% of all businesses employ 5 or less people and represent a quarter of the workforce. The growth of this sector is synonymous with growth of the New Zealand economy.  The Government is increasing the emphasis on this area through various initiatives.

Evidence from overseas shows that the success of schemes depends heavily on professional advisors to reduce the risk of failure and enhance development.

In New Zealand the failure of small businesses can invariably be traced to shortcomings in business management practices and a lack of appropriate advice at crucial growth stages.

"Critical Issues for SMEs"

Thus a critical issue for New Zealand busines is the number and quality of Certified SME business advisors available to support growth initiatives in particular and SME development in general.

While business advice, coaching and mentoring is available from consultants, accountants, bankers and other professionals, as well as from a number of voluntary schemes, to be of real value to SMEs it is important that their advisors are certified and have a broad base of skills and knowledge.

Indications are that close to 3,000 professional SME advisors will be required, the significance and urgency of building a pool of competent, certified advisors with a broad base of skills and knowledge, cannot be over emphasised.

• Extensive consultation has confirmed the need for a certification process which has to determine the specific development that a business advisor may need, to become a SME Certified Business Consultant.  
• A second important issue is that any organisation engaging a SME Consultant needs assurance that the person selected has the relevant skills and experience. A certification process will address this issue.

The encouragement of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise has led to a number of stakeholders establishing a professional body, the Institute of Accredited Business Consultants as an umbrella organisation to manage this process.

This will facilitate common standards with Pacific Rim trading partners, provide access to development resources and eventually enable New Zealand advisors to enjoy mutual recognition throughout the region.

The process aims to support SME growth, specifically by:

• Facilitating the growth in numers of SME advisors with a broad base in both knowledge and skills by identifying which knowledge and skills are needed through an ISO 17024 certification process, and recommending appropriate channels of development.
   
• Establishing criteria for SME advisors thereby increasing the level of confidence organisations can have in their advisor through being able to select a certified and registered person.
   
• Advisors who meet established criteria and continually maintain the currency of their skills through development will be eligible for registration as a Certified  Member of the Institute.

Certification will be for a period of three years with re-certification dependent on evidence of on-going development.

Entry Criteria Certification Process Register