What is the IIB and why was it founded?

The Institute for Independent Business was founded in 1984 to provide practical advice and useful information to the independent business sector. Independent businesses often operate in isolation without the networks of contacts and information services available to large companies. They typically lack the fundamental skills in key aspects of management that are required to develop a truly successful business. The organisations purporting to supply help and information were poorly signposted and inaccessible for most small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs). They were also largely governmental, bureaucratic and remote in nature. The Institute attempted to fill this gap by offering a single reference point where SMEs could obtain relevant information and support.

How did the IIB supply information to SMEs?

The main means of disseminating information was a monthly publication, Small Business Today which contained items of particular interest to SMEs including details of grants and loan programmes, and effects of changes in legislation. Management techniques used successfully in large businesses were reported on, modified for use by managers in smaller businesses. Regular articles covered training, finance and marketing. Although many commercial computerised databases were rapidly coming on stream - these were largely inaccessible to SMEs, who typically lacked the computer equipment and expertise to access the systems. The Institute, therefore, subscribed to numerous databases covering such matters as raising finance, obtaining government grants, sourcing materials and supplies, training and educational courses, and marketing information. We aimed to provide our growing membership with rapid centralised access to a wealth of information.

How did the information service develop?

The Institute carried out a variety of adhoc pieces of research into the needs of the independent business sector. This led to the introduction of a `company mentoring programme' whereby successful directors of established businesses undertook to act as mentors to owners, managers or directors of start-up businesses. In practice, the difficulties of matching skills with requirements in the right place and at the right time for both parties saw the eventual demise of the programme. Equally, a business introduction service to facilitate equity investment by business angels into independent businesses was popular in concept but was rapidly buried under the weight of regulations and the difficulty in finding appropriate matches. Even with such encouragements as the Business Expansion Programme, the Institute could not compensate for the lack of suitably entrepreneurial investment opportunities. The Advisor Programme continued to grow at such a rate that it was soon necessary to publish a separate directory of specialist advisers. The Index of Experts was published early in 1989, and in 1990 a larger edition was published and circulated to over 25,000 directors and managers in independent businesses.

What about practical training?

Further research, both by the Institute, and more importantly by several academic institutions , had indicated that the SME sector required not only information and advice in order to survive and grow, but also practical assistance in the form of both process and expert consultancy. In order to be effective, a practical implementation phase was also required. It was evident that the major consultancy practices were generally unable or unwilling to fulfil this need as their cost structures and style of consultancy were generally not appropriate to the SME sector. Coincidentally, at this time, large numbers of senior and middle managers with many years experience of running businesses or departments were coming on to the employment market because of downsizing and recessional restructuring. Many of these individuals had excellent skills and knowledge which could be deployed in the SME sector if only the correct means of delivery could be established.

How does the Institute train and develop executives?

The Institute devised the Continuous Business Development Programme (CBDP) to provide senior managers with a framework for developing skills directed specifically at the SME sector. The first programme was started in January 1991 and, to date, approaching  2,000 executives have completed the distance learning and residential sections of the CBDP. These executives continue to be supported by the Institute through monthly training workshops and a computer bulletin board system which provides a platform for exchange of information and the sharing of expertise. The network of executives which is the largest in Europe, allows executives to work together on assignments to ensure that the SME receives the highest quality service.

What publications are available from the Institute?

Our original Small Business Today publication has recently been replaced by a much expanded and targeted Independent Business Today magazine which will be initially published quarterly. IBT has been structured to bring the independent business owner not only current topical information but also jargon-free academic research, information on new business techniques, and practical articles on training and personal development. The Institute regularly publishes summaries of relevant academic research which will be available both in hard copy form and in the Net. Look at our pages for updates and lists of available material.

What is the Business Support Programme?

The IIB has developed the Business Support Programme specifically to meet the needs of the independent business and requires all our Executive Associates who have been through its accreditation process to give some free time each month for selected meetings with independent business owners. Any small business may apply for a free meeting. Members of the Institute automatically qualify for a fact finding consultation.