The Alternative Board North Chilterns

James Ross is The Alternative Board Managing Director and business coach for the North Chilterns. He has a wide range of experience having spent 20 years working in tier 1 Investment Banks, both as a qualified accountant running large Finance teams and as Prince 2 certified program manager running large projects for the front office.

Having left the City, James has set up his own business, investing in property and renovating old houses into high yielding quality shared living accommodation for professionals, both in Oxford and Greater Manchester.

James has a passion for coaching and mentoring business owners and has a unique set of experiences to help business owners allied to exceptional problem-solving abilities.

I am a practical, focused, and passionate business leader and am now delighted to be a TAB Facilitator. Having spent over 30 years in senior leadership roles in large corporates, my focus is now on leveraging these experiences and skills to help and support SME owners to achieve their business and personal goals. I recognise the ingenuity and drive required to be an SME owner and entrepreneur and the pressure that can come with it to thrive and survive.

My aim is to provide grounded help and support, typically to people who are looking for support as:

· They would like help to take their business to the next level.

· Their business is stalling.

· They face challenges, maybe feel overwhelmed and do not have a business support network or sounding board.

· Have challenges with building an effective and engaged team.

One of my core skills is helping businesses and individuals to get to the nub of the issue or opportunity, to understand them and to build straightforward practical plans. Quite often business SME owners benefit from help in:

· Nailing down their personal and business goals.

· Help to understand the barriers and opportunities to achieve these goals.

· Building a roadmap.

· Engaging and focussing their team.

· Having a sounding board and a pinch of discipline.

I have developed these skills working in some amazing organisations that invested heavily in me as an individual. I have held the role of Managing Director at a UK and European level and was Chief Operating Officer for a bank of which I was part of the leadership team that took the business to a market listing. I have a broad base of experience from sales and marketing to business transformation and strategy across a number of sectors. My real strength has been helping individuals, teams, and businesses achieve their potential.

Born in Hertfordshire, I live in Berkhamsted with my wife Karin, and we have a grown-up daughter and son. I enjoy cycling, walking, snowboarding, and generally keeping fit.

I love getting to know people and learning about their businesses. If you would like to have a chat about how TAB could help you grow and develop your business, please get in touch.