The aim of TMB is to improve the competitiveness of UK small
and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) through the provision
of effective business-related ICT advice.
At present small and medium
sized enterprises (SMEs) are unsure as to who can provide
effective business related ICT advice. According to
both DTI and Chartered Management Institute research
most SMEs are either unable to source an adviser who
can help them, or they distrust the advice they receive.
TMB provides a recognisable channel of advice, which
gives reassurance that advisers have reached the industry
standard for giving business-related ICT advice. All
TMB Accredited Advisers and Approved Centres are awarded
the TMB quality mark.
The TMB Logo acts as a quality mark,
this is only awarded to advisers and organisations that have
proven their competence to provide expert advice on the adoption
of business-related ICT advice.
What does the TMB quality
mark mean to my business?
Your business will have access
to quality assured advice in the specific context of
the business application and implementation of ICT.
Effective business advice should incorporate ICT issues
and that ICT advice should incorporate an understanding
of an SME's business issues and needs. By using a TMB
Accredited Adviser or Approved Centre SMEs can ensure
that they receive advice that is relevant to their business
needs.
Individuals and organisations offering advisory
services on business-related ICT advice to SME clients is
eligible for this accreditation. This includes:
Business support organisations
IT resellers and consultants
Independent consultants
Financial advisers and banks
Where can I find these Accredited
Advisers and Approved Centres?
Once an adviser or organisation is accredited,
their details will be placed in the TMB National Register
which features on this site, with a facility that allows
you to search by region, specialism or postcode for an Accredited
Adviser and Approved Centre.
Will this mean that the cost
of advice for small firms will raise?
Technology Means
Business accreditation will add value to the services provided
to small businesses by advisers and organisations. It is
up to the individual Adviser or Approved Centre whether they
wish to charge an added premium for advice once they have
gained accreditation. However, to-date there has not been
an increase in the cost of advice. Having TMB accreditation
adds value to their service and enables those with accreditation
to market them more effectively.
How can I be sure the TMB approved adviser will give impartial
advice?
Some TMB Accredited Advisers and
Approved Centres are tied to suppliers but have been awarded
the TMB quality mark because they have proven their skills
to support a client through the whole process of an ICT intervention;
from inception through to implementation and continued support.
They are only placed on the TMB National Register as long as
they can demonstrate that there is a business need for the
product and that its use will increase the competitiveness
and profitability of the SME purchasing it.
