Business Coach Philip Budd reflects on a challenging year that saw his growth programme clients achieve 44% uplift in income

Business owners have been forced to make critical decisions in order to survive these uncertain times and Suffolk-based business coach, Philip Budd, has helped his clients grow stronger and develop better focus on their core business functions than before.

At the start of 2020 he launched a Business Growth Programme specifically for micro businesses – businesses that have been hit the hardest by the effects of COVID-19.

In a challenging year, results have been impressive: lead generation was up 356%, and new customers won across the programme was up 274%. The companies involved secured 4,435 new customers between them. On a financial level the companies involved enjoyed a 44% increase in profit and a 58% uplift in turnover. Another success was the creation of three new jobs across the companies involved.

The Business Growth programme was delivered over 12 months and teaches the business basics. Aimed at businesses with a turnover of less than £250,000 and employing less than 10 people, it also gives business owners an opportunity to network with their like-minded peers.

“For the last 3 years I have been coaching larger SMEs on a 121 basis, however I wanted to create a programme that was aimed specifically at micro businesses, including local independent retailers, trades, professional services, bakers, garden landscapers and hairdressers, independent businesses that we love because they are local,” he continues. “The programme is structured in the form of two hours group coaching each month with a focus on a specific area of business: Time, finances, marketing, sales, operations, business plan, team, systems. There are also special feature webinars where guest speakers come along to talk about specific subject matters that support business growth.”

“This year has been very much about working with clients to help them adapt to the changing landscape, providing an outside perspective to help client gain clarity. Revenue streams for many have become limited, especially for retail and hospitality where some have dried up completely, and the ability to pivot and change has been key not to just survive but to thrive”

Phil’s model of coaching is based on creating a measurable return on investment for his clients.

With uncertainty here to stay Phil shares the two critical survival tips for businesses to navigate the coming months.

1. Have a plan

Yes, there is uncertainty, however clear focus on what you want to achieve, factoring in different scenarios, will ensure you have clarity and drive performance in your business to deliver the results you want.

2. Allocating time to work on the business

The challenge for all business owners regardless of size is TIME. Taking control of your time and allocating time to work on your business instead of in it, will drive higher levels of growth.

The next cohort for the Business Growth Programme is being formed now and will start in April.

If you are interested in being part of the programme or are interested in 121 coaching please contact Philip Budd at philipbudd@actioncoach.com or by calling him on 07585784183.