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The Alternative Board Thames Valley West

Improve your business and change your life with The Alternative Board

Business coaching and advisory boards in Thames Valley West.

David Abbott and Alistair Clarke run TAB advisory boards, and they love what they do – helping business owners identify opportunities and solve key challenges they face.

Book a call with David or Alistair to discuss your business needs and how TAB might make a difference.

Alistair 4

Make confident decisions and achieve faster growth

TAB connects you with a diverse group of business owners and leaders who truly understand the unique challenges you face.

Gain fresh perspectives: Challenge your assumptions and uncover hidden opportunities with valuable input from your peers.

Conquer challenging issues: Overcome obstacles and devise effective solutions alongside a team of experienced advisors.

Celebrate your achievements: Share your successes and inspire others to reach even greater heights.

Over 5x

TAB members’ sales growth is 5.5 times the national SME average

96%

Of TAB members said their advisory boards added real value to their business

91%

TAB members report improved ability to address personal and business issues.

Your Thames Valley West facilitators

David is The Alternative Board’s local Facilitator for the Thames Valley (West) region. He benefited from broad commercial training at British Airways before developing a career in HR management and recruitment.

David ran his own Executive Search business for over 25 years and has served as a Director or NED on a variety of SME boards. He has personal experience of buying and selling small private businesses.

He is a keen golfer and rugby watcher, running occasionally to compensate for the beer associated with these two activities.

David lives in Marlow and is married with 4 adult stepsons.

Listen to David on the 'work-life balance' podcast

 

Alistair brings a wealth of experience as a Chartered Accountant, having worked in both large corporations and innovative startups. After earning his qualifications at PwC and working in various financial roles during a 3-year stint in Sydney, he joined BG Group. Over a decade with the company, Alistair transitioned from focusing on finance to leading commercial operations. His journey included international roles, such as a two-year assignment in Tunisia and spearheading the company's entry into the Tanzanian market. As an early mover in the electric mobility landscape, he navigated an array of complexities specific to this fast-paced sector.

 

In 2013, Alistair made waves in the transportation industry by founding London's first all-electric taxi service. As an early mover in the electric mobility landscape, he navigated an array of complexities specific to this fast-paced sector. To tackle some of these challenges, Alistair collaborated with Innovate UK on the creation of specialised telematics technology for managing electric vehicle fleets. His pioneering efforts also led to strategic partnerships with industry giants like Uber and Nissan to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles in London.

 

After successfully selling his first venture in 2017, Alistair continued to make his mark in the electric vehicle sector. He has been sought after for consulting and advisory roles by organisations such as Octopus, Transport Systems Catapult, and the Organising Committee of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

 

Currently, Alistair serves as a Director and Advisor to Chaarge Ltd, a charge point network operator, as well as to Brightling & Co Ltd, an accountancy firm. His extensive experience and innovative mindset make him a go-to expert in both the financial and sustainable mobility sectors.

 

Discover the benefits of advice from others like you

Start with you

Focus on what you want in life and how your business can help get you there.

Increase profitability

Be held accountable to meet your business targets.

Improve decisions

Take control of your decisions through peer support and proven planning tools.

Make better time choices

Spend your time well by utilising the experience of others.

Become a better leader

Motivate your people with the guidance of peers and an expert coach.

Plan a successful exit

Get the best result for you with tailored, hands-on support.

What our members say...

"Joining one of David's excellent TAB Boards was and still is one of the best business decisions I've made in many years. David has brought together a fantastic mix of business professionals, all of whom have different experience, skills, knowledge, personalities and views to me. My professional (and personal life) has transformed since joining TAB, thanks to David's innate skill in selecting the best combination of board members. The supportive, constructive advice given to me by my 'tribe' each month is always so useful. David's one-to-one sessions are supportive, constructive and thoughtful. They have been so valuable to me. David asks me to commit to an action and holds me accountable, which is so needed in this rather chaotic life. I highly recommend David and TAB. It will change your life!"

Anne-Marie Payne, Equanimity

Throughout the years with TAB, I have seen the amazing work David has done, not only for me but for other members of the team. David helped me plan for the sale of my business, management of the team and clients, and helped deliver a successful outcome for all involved. The insights you get from every member of the group are so helpful - not only from a business but also from a personal point of view. This group has given me the insight and strength to retrain, start a new business and get through some sticky times. Every time I go to a meeting, I come away motivated and empowered. I love being part of the small group.

S.M. - TAB Member since 2019

Start your TAB journey

Get in touch with David or Alistair using the forms on this page.

They will contact you to arrange an introductory meeting.

 Chat about whether TAB is right for you and your business.

Attend your first TAB board meeting and experience the power of peer support.

There’s no obligation, only an opportunity to find out more.

Join a sample board today

We have a limited number of seats available for an exclusive event series designed to provide decision-makers with groundbreaking ideas that can improve their businesses and transform their lives.

Participate in one of our sample boards and collaborate with fellow business owners to gain fresh insights, take decisive actions, and establish a sense of accountability that will propel your business to new heights.

By attending the Sample Board, you will acquire innovative ideas, strategic approaches, and tactical maneuvers that have the potential to significantly impact your business.

Securing a seat on the Sample Board is free, but it is essential that you are a business owner, partner, or key decision-maker to reserve your spot.

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