Learner name:

Learner number:

D/503/2960

VRQ

UV21315

Personal skills and abilities to start a business

By signing this statement of unit achievement you are confirming that all learning outcomes, assessment criteria and range statements have been achieved under specified conditions and that the evidence gathered is authentic.

This statement of unit achievement table must be completed prior to claiming certification.

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Assessor tracking table

Statement of unit achievement

All assessors using this Record of Assessment book must complete this table. This is required for verification purposes.

VTCT is the specialist awarding body for the Hairdressing, Beauty Therapy, Complementary Therapy, Hospitality and Catering and Sport and Active Leisure sectors, with over 50 years of experience.

VTCT is an awarding body regulated by national organisations including Ofqual, SQA, DfES and CCEA.

VTCT is a registered charity investing in education and skills but also giving to good causes in the area of facial disfigurement.

UV21315Personal skills and abilities to start a business

The aim of this unit is to develop your knowledge and understanding of the skills and abilities needed to run a business. You will learn how to reflect on the rewards and commitments of running your own business and estimate the level of income that may be needed to cover your personal financial needs.

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GLH

Credit value

Level

Observation(s)

External paper(s)

16

2

2

0

0

On completion of this unit you will:

Learning outcomes Evidence requirements

Personal skills and abilities to start a business

1. Be able to reflect on own interest in starting a business

2. Be able to identify personal development needs in relation to running own business

3. Be able to reflect on the rewards and commitments of running own business

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1. Environment Assessment must be based on naturally occurring evidence or carried out in a realistic work environment.

2. Knowledge outcomes There must be evidence that you possess all the knowledge and understanding listed in the Knowledge section of this unit. In most cases this can be done by professional discussion and/or oral questioning. Other methods, such as projects, assignments and/or reflective accounts may also be used.

3. Tutor/Assessor guidance You will be guided by your tutor/assessor on how to achieve learning outcomes in this unit. All outcomes must be achieved.

4. External paper There is no external paper requirement for this unit.

Achieving knowledge outcomes

Developing knowledge

You will be guided by your tutor and assessor on the evidence that needs to be produced. Your knowledge and understanding will be assessed using the assessment methods listed below*:

• Projects• Observed work• Witness statements• Audio-visual media • Evidence of prior learning or attainment• Written questions• Oral questions• Assignments• Case studies• Professional discussion

When a criterion has been orally questioned and achieved, your assessor will record this evidence in written form or by other appropriate means. There is no need for you to produce additional evidence as this criterion has already been achieved.

Some knowledge and understanding outcomes may require you to show that you know and understand how to do something. If you have practical evidence from your own work that meets knowledge criteria, then there is no requirement for you to be questioned again on the same topic.

*This is not an exhaustive list.

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Knowledge

Outcome 1

Be able to reflect on own interest in starting a business

You can: Portfolio reference

a. Identify reasons why running a business may be in own interest

b. Identify types of business and business activities that may be most appealing

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Outcome 2

Be able to identify personal development needs in relation to running own business

You can: Portfolio reference

a. Identify types of knowledge, skills and qualities that are needed to run own business

b. Identify any gaps in own knowledge, skills and qualities for running a business

c. Explain the action that could be taken to develop own skills and abilities in order to run a business

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Outcome 3

Be able to reflect on the rewards and commitments of running own business

You can: Portfolio reference

a. Estimate how much of own time, financial and personal commitment could be given to running a business

b. Estimate the level of income from running a business that may be needed to cover own personal financial needs

c. Identify the potential rewards and benefits that could be experienced from running own business

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Outcome 1: Be able to reflect on own interest in starting a business

Unit content

This section provides guidance on the recommended knowledge and skills required to enable you to achieve each of the learning outcomes in this unit. Your tutor/assessor will ensure you have the opportunity to cover all of the unit content.

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Reasons for running a business: Personal (development, circumstance), financial (make money), investment, economic climate, develop own idea/product.

Types of business: International, national (local), part of the European Union (EU), independent, self directed, franchise, limited company.

Business activities:

Setting up – legal requirements (insurance, health and safety, Inland Revenue, licenses, equality and diversity), finance (investment, loan, self-funded), business plan, premises (lease, freehold, tenure), resources (equipment, consumables, people), strategy (marketing, communication and vision).

Running a business – strategy (marketing, communication, vision), audits (cash flow, inventory, staff), adhering to all legal requirements.

Most appealing business activities – personal involvement, the ability to make a decision, bring an idea from conception to fruition, personal development, the challenge, own boss, flexible working.

Outcome 2: Be able to identify personal development needs in relation to running own business

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Types of knowledge, skills and qualities that are needed to run own business:

Knowledge needed – past experience, good education (professional/academic/vocational).

Skills needed – practical/technical skills for making a product or providing a service, creative, good communication (verbal, written, listening, body language, questioning, networking), reflective, organisational, ICT, money management.

Qualities needed – good leader, confidence in own abilities, keen to learn, organised, enthusiastic, motivated, works well with others, unprejudiced, handles stress, decision maker, self awareness, drive and determination, clear vision or goal, strong personal values.

Identify any gaps in own knowledge, skills and qualities for running a business: Skills audit, behavioural audit, peer review, English, maths, ICT (testing and screening), SWOT, skills development questionnaire.

Actions that could be taken to develop own skills and abilities in order to run a business:

Development – mentor, coach, training (technical, vocational), education (English, maths, ICT), seminars, networking meetings.

Who can assist in developing knowledge and skills – mentor, coach, accountant, lecturer/trainer, peer, investor.

How to develop own knowledge and skills needed to set up a business: Training plan, development plan, SMART targets, performance reviews.

Outcome 3: Be able to reflect on the rewards and commitments of running own business

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How to estimate own time, financial and personal commitment given to running a business: Time, commitment, financial, energy, knowledge, self-reflection, support networks.

Levels of income from running a business that may be needed to cover own personal financial needs:

Reviewing levels of income needed – bank balance, balance sheet, profit and loss, annual returns, cash flow.

Profit – surplus of money after expenditures have been deducted, gain resulting in capital investment.

Turnover – a measure of activity in terms of money transactions, services or product.

Cash flow – the movement of money in or out of a business (operational, financing, investment).

Importance of cash flow – knowing when, where, and how your cash needs will occur, knowing the best sources for meeting additional cash needs, maintaining productivity/ operation.

Positive cash flow – cash inflow exceeds outflow.

Negative cash flow – cash outflow exceeds inflow.

The consequences of poor money management – bankruptcy, redundancy, inactive business, reactive business responses, reduced productivity, failure.

Potential rewards and benefits of running own business: Personal success, achievement of personal goals, bring an idea from conception to fruition, personal development, the challenge, own boss, flexibly working.