Business advisers warn against reality TV

Reality TV programmes should be avoided at all costs when it comes to looking for business advice, according to the Institute of Business Advisers (IBA).

The criticism follows a BBC2 reality programme when former Granada TV boss Gerry Robinson advised a family-run firm in "I'll Show Them Who's Boss".

The IBA, a professional body for business advisers, claimed that the Troubleshooter-style programme, originally made famous by entrepreneurial guru, Sir John Harvey Jones might be good television but this time the approach and the results were less than sensitive, the analysis weak and the outcomes disappointing.

Maureen Purchase, IBA Vice Chairman, said: "Helping a small business to grow is an incredibly complex task and shouldn't be treated lightly. Our members are professionals and judged competent to carry out this work. They follow a Code of Conduct and keep their skills up to date through training. Small business advice is not big business advice cut down a size. There are so many different issues to consider."

The IBA claimed that advisers would be expected to carry out a full diagnostic appraisal leading to a structured business plan and implementation strategy.