Future Planning
"Start planning now, so your future is in your own hands."
Take Control of Your Future
Everyone will leave their business eventually, why not do it on your terms? In my experience, the sensible steps that make a business more valuable also make it more enjoyable to own. Planning early puts you in control and produces better opportunities for you and your business.
Create Options
The best outcomes are achieved by setting foundations years in advance. Understanding your options allows you to weigh the trade offs and choose what suits you best.
That might mean preparing for an external sale and identifying the right buyer types, or designing an internal succession with a structure that supports the balance you desire.
Build A Leadership Team
Reducing owner dependency is key to both business value and succession.
A capable leadership team increases resilience, improves performance, and makes the business more attractive, whether to buyers, successors, or you as an owner stepping back.
Prepare for Sale or Succession
Most businesses and owners are less ready than they might assume.
You need clarity; what do buyers want? what do you want or need personally? where are the gaps?
Addressing these questions early leads to better outcomes and less disruptive preparations.
How I Work.
“No one truly understands the pressures of running a service business…except someone who’s already done it themselves.”
Self Assessment & Interview
First reflect on yourself & your business. Then we will unpack your answers, goals & drivers.
Define Goals
We agree your personal & business goals, then find pathways.
Client Platform
I provide a web platform to track your goals, pathways & actions.
1:1 Sessions
I provide owner side experience, as a sounding board, advisor, accountability partner & critical friend.
Ad Hoc Support
Support available when you need it on a wide range of issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of businesses do you work with?
I enjoy working with a wide range of service based businesses from 1 to 200 employees, start up to established businesses. Exclusively in the B2B sector.
Over 25 years I have worked with businesses serving all client sectors and markets.
My own businesses operated in:
- Technical services - Testing & Inspection
- Consultancy & Project Management
- Service, Maintenance & Installation Contracting
I do not work with direct to consumer businesses or product based businesses. All my experience and clients are selling time, or time plus materials.
Areas of specific expertise include; construction consultants, testing, inspection, environmental, health, safety and contracting.
Why should I choose you?
I have built, grown and exited a 100 employee B2B service business. I have sat in your seat, I really do understand from lived experience.
You can also look to the testimonials on this site, which include references from clients, members of my former leadership team and the CEO of the business I sold to.
If you prefer academic qualifications, I also hold level 7 certificates in; financial management, performance management, marketing and leading change.
You can find more on my 'About Me' page.
Why would I need a business coach?
The hardest job in any organisation is being the owner/operator.
Yet most owners get no training or support. We simply find a way.
I don't think that's good enough, I think owners deserve better. You see no shame in getting training and support for your team, so why not for you?
How can I justify spending money on this?
Like any business investment, cost is not the important metric. Return is (Benefit minus Cost).
You need to get more back, than you put in.
That's what I aim to do. I use my experience to help you find short cuts, renew purpose & motivation and get your plans done.
Do I have to commit to a contract?
No.
For board advice and coaching I ask for a verbal commitment of 3 months, just to show some commitment, however this is not contractual and you can walk away at anytime.
Let's Create Your Next Pivotal Business Moment
Owner Experience
Proven Track Record
Full Business Cycle
Testimonials
"Chris has made an instant impact and a great support to the business.
Chris took time to understand how we operate and provides clear and practical advice that has helped bring structure and direction in key areas.
Chris delivers sessions in a professional and approachable manner and I would happily recommend him."
Tony Hook
MD, Accomplished Contract Services
"Chris is a well rounded business professional with both operational and commercial experience. He is entrepreneurial, communicates well and has excellent attention to detail. I have seen the results first hand of his strategic thinking and team development skills. For many SME owners Chris would make a great coach and mentor."
Simon Parrington
CEO, Celnor
"...I just want to say a big thank you to Chris who has been such an amazing coach. He has really helped change my business..."
Laura Burke
Founder, Laura Burke Training & Consultancy
“I had the pleasure of working with Chris for nearly 4 years. He’s a natural commercial leader and I found my weekly catch ups invaluable. Through sharing ideas, and insightful questions, I often came with an issue needing solving and left with a plan that then fed into the larger strategic direction. Chris’s skill is managing to do this with simple compelling language, empathy and humour.”
Sharon Gavin
Operations Director, Riverside
“Chris has a wealth of experience and knows how to lead a successful business through its many challenges culminating in a successful exit. He would bring valuable knowledge to a business in need of a fresh perspective.”
Mark Grady
Partner, McBrides
"To bounce ideas off someone that has ‘been there before’ and to learn from their experience of having dealt with the same issues is invaluable. "
Richard Carre
MD, Carre Consultancy
"Chris is a pleasure to work with. He operates with the perfect blend of technical and interpersonal skills. I've known Chis for just under 10 years as our businesses have supported each other. I'd highly recommend working with Chris in any capacity."
Marc Bains
MD, South East Consortium
"His insight goes far beyond standard business advice - he supports you in a way that feels tailored, thoughtful and completely aligned with your values.
It has been an absolute pleasure to work with him, and we’re incredibly grateful for the impact he’s had on both our business and our wellbeing. I couldn’t recommend Chris highly enough."
Lisa Pirie
Co-Owner, Acey Bookkeeping
25 Years+
Business Owner & Operator
100+
Staff in my business
£6m
Annual Revenue
4
Level 7 Qualifications
Newsletter: The Service Business Guide
My inside guide to owning (and growing) a services, technical services, or consultancy business. Lessons from 25yrs.
