As well as having technical and specialist skills, you’re going to need a range of business and administrative skills to help you manage your business, balance your books and market yourself.  City & Guilds offers a range of qualifications which you can pick and mix depending on your needs.  Choose from the following skills:

Spreadsheets
Databases
Desk-top publishing
Website creation and maintenance   
Presentation graphics   
Word processing
Computerised Accounts
Book-keeping and Accounts

Spreadsheets

• A crucial step in setting up a business is the creation of a plan which shows how you will generate sales and manage your expenses. A spreadsheet is an invaluable way of recording this information. 

Databases

•  You may want to create a database of all your clients and suppliers; City & Guilds offers databases units at three levels taking you through the establishment of a simple database to more complex models. 

Desktop Publishing, Website Creation and Maintenance

• It may seem obvious but to get established and stay ahead of the competition you’ll need to produce publicity materials and a company website. City & Guilds has units in Desktop publishing and website creation and maintenance which can help you create glossy materials and maintain an up-to-date presence online.

Presentation Graphics

• You may need to produce presentations to showcase your products or services to potential clients.  City & Guilds Presentation Graphics units can help you make a favourable impression.

Word Processing

• We can equip you with the expertise to present data in different formats – such as letters, reports or mail merges - with Word Processing techniques.

Computerised Accounts

• The computerised accounts unit will help you develop knowledge of accounts software in order to produce accurate, well-presented accounts.

Book-keeping and Accounts

• We also offer a short Book-keeping and Accounts (link) qualification which will equip you with the skills to carry out a range of basic book-keeping techniques.

To find out more about these courses and where you can take them, visit our e-quals pages for IT Users, and Book-keeping and accounts.