Business Coaching Northern Ireland

“At a time when we needed guidance on the best way to take the company forward, Mike provided keen insight and some clever ways to grow sales and prepare for the future. I’ve always found Mike easy to work with - he is a patient guy, and I’d definitely recommend his services to anyone.” [more]

Mike approached me some six or seven months ago with an invitation to discuss ways in which he could assist my business. We had just moved premises and although I was sceptical of anyone being able to improve on how we operated, was willing to admit that although business was adequate, there were a variety [more]

In October 2004 my sister and I decided to open an interiors shop in Coleraine. We were both freelance designers and felt that there was a need for exclusive and design-led interior accessories in Northern Ireland. We sourced our products, found our premises and opened our interiors boutique ‘Homes 2 Order’ (H2O) all in [more]

I have known Mike for over a year and developed a working relationship with him in his role as business mentor during the last 6 months. [more]

“At a time when we needed guidance on the best way to take the company forward, Mike provided keen insight and some clever ways to grow sales and prepare for the future. I’ve always found Mike easy to work with - he is a patient guy, and I’d definitely recommend his services to anyone.”

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Mike approached me some six or seven months ago with an invitation to discuss ways in which he could assist my business. We had just moved premises and although I was sceptical of anyone being able to improve on how we operated, was willing to admit that although business was adequate, there were a variety of “departments” that were being overlooked in favour of the day to day activity.

In my heart of hearts I knew something had to change and Mike appeared at an opportune moment, suggesting a number of ways we could improve our cash flow and market focus, by making a number of subtle changes in our systems and approach to the business.

The rewards of these initial changes are now bearing fruit and plans are in hand to move onto the next level of Mike’s (and my!) goal.

Seemingly small alterations in the way we do business have the potential to reap significant dividends and we have seen our rental market grow by 48% over the last six months as a result.

As, I suspect, in a lot of sole trader activities “the boss knows best” is a common attitude, the input from Business Coaching NI has and continues to be valuable, not only from Mike but also from his wide network of contacts and associates. The old adage of “it doesn’t cost anything to talk” is not quite the fee Mike levies, but his charges have handsomely paid for themselves to date and we are confident business will continue to improve.”

Steve Hewlett
Proprietor
Steve Hewlett Associates


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In October 2004 my sister and I decided to open an interiors shop in Coleraine. We were both freelance designers and felt that there was a need for exclusive and design-led interior accessories in Northern Ireland. We sourced our products, found our premises and opened our interiors boutique ‘Homes 2 Order’ (H2O) all in the space of 5 weeks. After only 2 months it became clear that our customers wanted us to help them design their homes, so we decided to provide a consultation and design service as well as selling our products.

We weren’t prepared for the demand and in August 2005 we were being forced to turn away clients because of our workload. Then we met Mike, our business coach! At first I was sceptical, past ‘Business Programs’ had proved unsuccessful and our time was so precious we weren’t sure we could spare any, and as Mike clearly put it “you are so busy working in your business that you are not being allowed to manage and nurture it”

He helped us develop a vision for our business and made us look at ways in which we could achieve this vision. We created organisational charts allowing us to see what staff we needed and what their responsibilities would be. Before this I felt that we were the business and that our design flare was something we wouldn’t or couldn’t pass on to others. Mike made us realise that business can’t be personal and sentimental and that if we wanted to make money and let our business develop then we had to detach ourselves emotionally and find a way of passing our talents on to others, if we didn’t the business would die with us. (Mike is from an engineering background and tends to look at business in a structured manner).

We have tested and measured, created internal structures and operational manuals. We have discussed marketing tactics and he has developed our managerial skills. We have looked at our strengths and weaknesses and the more we learn, the more confident we became.

Mike has a no-nonsense approach to business. He is straight talking and just makes sense, but it’s his commitment and enthusiasm for it that really spurs you on.

As a result of the 6 months spent working with Business Coaching NI, we have experienced the following:

• A sustained 85% increase in turnover.
• By implementing time-saving organisational strategies, we have increased efficiency by 80%.
• We have captured market share from our main competitor.
• As a direct result of this, the world’s largest fabric house approached us to sell their product, switching from a neighbouring competitor.
• 3 other new suppliers have also come on board too, further extending our exclusive line.
• We have 2 new employees, one working 20 hours a week and another working on Saturdays.

We now have more free time to work on our business as opposed to in it. And are now in a position to take on even more work and are able to manage it effectively. We are now more confident and competent in every aspect of our business and have a vision for the future, and finally as a result of our experience with Business Coaching N.I., we are currently looking at ideas for further expansion.

We know that our business is going to be a real success.

Karen & Jacqui
Homes 2 Order
Coleraine


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I have known Mike for over a year and developed a working relationship with him in his role as business mentor during the last 6 months.

During this period Mike has challenged my commitment and approach to business and helped me refocus myself and my business by:

• Reviewing business objectives and goals
• Setting realistic targets with achievable outcomes
• Supporting a proactive rather than a reactive approach to customer care
• Identifying ways of increasing business activity
• Providing introductions to other useful businesses i.e. widening the business network
• Supporting me through the attitudinal change process necessary to promote success

So far I have found the business mentoring relationship very positive and would recommend his services to other small business owners.

Clive Given
Holistic Therapy Centre


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