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Business support services in Birmingham

96% positive rating from our members*

Thrive with other business owners

Business advisory boards

Discover a different guide of business support in Birmingham.

Imagine having the backing of a group of like-minded business owners who come together to advise one another on their most pressing business challenges.

An inspired solution that has proven results - our advisory boards run every month in a safe, confidential environment and mean you don’t have to go it alone.

The boardroom, where business support services take place.
A TAB business support service session in Birmingham
A business support service session in Birmingham
two men in a one-to-one business coaching session in Birmingham

One-to-one business coaching

Keep focused, accountable and on track to achieve your business and personal goals.

To complement the advisory boards, members get a monthly one-to-one session with their TAB facilitator and coach.

Business Builder’s Blueprint

Have access to our exclusive strategic business planning process: The Business Builder’s Blueprint.

This toolkit is designed so you can focus on getting your business working for you.

A woman drinks out of a mug after receiving her business builders blueprint in Birmingham
Woman uses her laptop to access business advisory services in Birmingham
A team sit round a table in a business support service meeting in Birmingham
A team put their hands together after a business support service in Birmingham

TAB Connect

Share best practice with and seek help from like-minded individuals across the globe.

TAB operates in over 20 countries around the world, and through our exclusive online platform, business owners can collaborate with one another to solve their business challenges.

Birmingham-Skyline

Your TAB business coaches in Birmingham

Ted first came to Birmingham in the 1980’s, attending The University of Birmingham. He started his career in finance before moving to acquisitions and divestments. His breadth of sector experience is vast, from manufacturing to gaming. It also includes service industries, environmental testing and software development. Across these sectors Ted has held senior management positions from Operations Director to MD.

Ted believes that by using the vast experience sat around a TAB board table, together with one-to-one coaching, business leaders will make better decisions to ensure their businesses deliver what they want.

TAB has been operating under Ted Robinson, business coach in Birmingham, for the last four years. In that time, Ted has helped nearly 50 businesses grow and improve through a mix of peer advisory boards and one-to-one executive coaching sessions.

If you want to meet your business and personal goals, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Discover the benefits of our business support in Birmingham

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.

Hear from our Birmingham members

I was initially recommended to Ted by another business acquaintance who had seen the benefits of his advice and mentoring with a view to addressing issues and achieving targets for his business.

Since working with Ted, I have experienced the same level of mentoring and my business has seen significant improvements in several areas of the business. In particular for our sales pipeline and leads management which was an area that we both agreed needed improvement and investment. The other benefit of working with a mentor like Ted is that he helps hold you accountable and helps you set defined actions ahead of future catchups and calls which are usually done over Zoom or over a coffee. I can wholeheartedly recommend to Ted to any business owner.

Robert Stoubos, Odyssey New Media

Event Specialists took the risky decision to commence working with Ted (and The Alternative Board) at the height of the Covid pandemic. Working in the event industry as we do this was quite a leap of faith; we see it as a good gamble. Throughout lock down Ted stayed with us, giving us focus and advise from new potential revenue streams through to how to manage the banks. He has provided us with practical advice, strategic direction and not to be underplayed he is a thoroughly nice bloke to work with.

Rachel McGowan-Kemp, Event Specialists Ltd

I have only known Ted for a short period of time, in that time he has already had a huge impact on me and the approach I take to my businesses - I cannot recommend enough working with Ted so if he wants to work with you - say yes! Looking forward to the many months and years to come working together - thank you Ted.

Sarah Radley, Inksmoor

While previously sceptical on the benefits of a business mentor, I have now employed Ted's business coaching services for the past 2 years, and I have been proven wrong! Ted has directly and significantly contributed to our success at BoldType during our 1st year, enabling us to surpass many of our goals and targets. His advice, guidance, and most importantly, challenging questions have helped me succeed as a business owner, giving me the strength and confidence to achieve and overcome the inevitable hurdles and challenges. I look forward to the next two years working with Ted, knowing our investment will be repaid many times over.

Ben King, BoldType Marketing

Being a start-up is an extremely difficult and turbulent time for any business. Through 1-1 coaching, Ted Robinson is extremely approachable, and has helped me navigate my own emotions, and the minefield that is opening a new business. After just 5 months, our business is going from strength to strength in a consistent and managed way, and I feel very confident about our future! The 1-1 coaching has stopped me chasing my own tail, and has also provided excellent business specific ideas and strategies. I look forward to many more TAB sessions!    

Kishan Pankhania, Beans Around The World
I had the privilege of working with Ted Robinson as my business coach, and I can't recommend his services highly enough. Ted's expertise in business has been instrumental in identifying core issues and then applying growth strategies around them.

Ted has a great ability to cut through the noise and identify the core issues holding you or your business back. His insights and actionable advice have consistently led to identifying strategies to implement. What sets Ted apart is his genuine commitment to his client's success. You can trust that working with Ted will be a professional experience and outcome-driven.
Tom Bull, Groupbus

FAQ's

TAB's business support in Birmingham is an excellent choice for you and your business. Here are just three reasons why  business owners would benefit from TAB:

  • Our business coach in Birmingham has experience

    Ted is an experienced business professional who has helped over 50 businesses in Birmingham grow and improve. He is passionate about helping businesses in his area thrive both professionally and personally. 
  • TAB's business support starts with you

    Rather than focusing on your strategic or recruitment problems straight away, our services start with you, the business owner. We want to help you identify what you want from life, and then we can work with you to grow your business so you achieve that personal vision.

  • A combination of complementary services

    At TAB in Birmingham, you don't just get business coaching, but those sessions are complemented really well with our advisory boards and our exclusive online strategic planning platform. This means through our support services, you'll have every avenue covered to grow your business and become a better leader.

Unlike traditional business meetings that many of us have experienced, a TAB board gives everyone equal time - equal time to discuss and seek help on their own challenge or opportunity. There is a structured process for the running of the meeting which means everyone also has the opportunity to give their own advice and opinion. We don't allow one person to 'hog' a meeting!

In combination with the TAB meeting, members also get access to our business coaching services.

The other business owners and leaders on your board will be very experienced and will have no vested interest in your business, other than a desire to help you. As a result, they'll give you impartial business advice based on real-world experience because often they will have faced similar challenges themselves. What's even greater is you get to do the same for them. Not only does the board provide accountability and expert advice, it becomes a mechanism for developing valuable friendships.

If you have decided you want to improve yourself and your business, but feel like you don't have the time, how will that change if you don't take action?

TAB encourages you to take time away from your business and benefit from the insight, experience, and wisdom of your TAB facilitator and your fellow board members. It's a chance to take a step back. This way, you can actually save time by making better decisions and learning from others.

Whilst all businesses are unique in some way, they still face many of the same major issues with time, people, strategy, money, vision and exit.

You are an expert in your sector, but we are all experts in business. The advantage of working with fellow business owners and leaders from diverse backgrounds is their ability to provide new perspectives and different ways to handle the same situation based on real world experience.

You will also get the opportunity to help others with their business growth, by offering your perspective and advice. It's a win-win!

We are confident you will get a return on investment for your monthly TAB membership fee. As we offer personalised business support services,  a conversation with your nearest TAB facilitator will guide you through the process and allow them to provide you with your bespoke quote.

We’re so confident in our service that we offer a money-back guarantee - if you don’t feel you’ve received value after three months of TAB membership, we’ll give your money straight back.

Put simply, no – a competitor cannot join your board. We have a comprehensive process which makes sure that you do not sit on a board with potential competitors. A key part of our screening process allows existing members to prevent new members from joining their board where they feel a conflict of interest could exist. This will guarantee no competitors join your group.

Some of our TAB facilitators offer the opportunity to attend a TAB Taster Board Meeting, giving you the chance to experience how TAB works and the value it can provide for you and your business. Equally, if there are places on an existing board and your facilitator thinks you'd be a good fit, they may invite you as a guest. Find your nearest TAB Facilitator to get the conversation started!

Start your journey with TAB

Get in touch with Ted.

He will contact you to arrange an introductory meeting.

During which, you’ll chat about whether TAB business coaching is right for you and your business.

Attend your first TAB board meeting and coaching session to discover the power of peer support.

Find business support in Birmingham by getting in touch.

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

Driving business growth through peer support

Thousands of business owners have experienced true growth through the business support services at TAB.

Our services cover a plethora of business contexts including:

Sustaining growth

Satisfying stakeholders

Our business support success stories

All

Bridget's Journey from Tradition to Transformation with TAB
by Bridget Petty

Discover Bridget's remarkable journey from tradition to transformation with TAB, showcasing the power of mentorship, diverse perspectives, and community support for business success.

Strategic Innovation & Mentorship | Dev4 Online Success Story
by Gail Henderson

Learn how Gail Henderson overcame uncertainty with strategic innovation and mentorship with TAB. 

TAB offers solidarity and a great sounding board
by Matt Hamlin

Discover how Matt Hamlin, co-founder of Metron Group Ltd, transformed his business and is on track to achieve their desired 20% year-on-year growth.

From Struggle to Strength: Professor Deborah Eyre's TAB Journey
by Deborah Eyre

Explore how Professor Deborah Eyre, founder of High-Performance Learning, transformed her business and overcame challenges with the help of TAB's advisory board and strategic planning.

The TAB York Effect: Tripling PPS Ltd's Revenue in Record Time
by Joseph Fitzpatrick

Explore how The Alternative Board (TAB) York played a pivotal role in transforming PPS Ltd from a family-run janitorial supplies business into a market leader, tripling its revenue and workforce in just five years.

From Struggles to Triumph: Kerrell's Journey to SME Success through TAB
by Kerrell Blyth

Kerrell Blyth, Managing Director of NCS Ltd, turned her struggles into triumphs through her Leeds South TAB board membership.

The Power of Peer Support: From Bedroom Startup to £2.5M Turnover Powerhouse
by Sheri Irons

Sheri Irons, commercial director based in Aylesbury, talks about her experience with The Alternative Board (UK), leading to accelerated business growth.

Cema Vending Achieved Commercial Success with TAB's Support
by Simon Leadley

By working with The Alternative Board (UK), Simon Leadley from Cema Vending was able to achieve commercial success, which included launching two new brands, increasing turnover, and meeting the demand for healthy, fresh food options and premium coffee in workplaces.

StratPro with TAB holds our leaders to account
by Steven O'Brien

Steve O'Brien, CEO of software company, NewIcon Ltd talks about the experience of his team as they went through the StratPro Programme.

StratPro with TAB finally gave me a cohesive and collaborative team
by Stephen Attree

Stephen Attree, Managing Partner of MLP Law based in Manchester, talks about the experience of his team as they went through the StratPro Programme.

Time to think more independently
by David Scalley

David Scalley, MD of AJT Engineering shares how TAB has influenced better financial management, reporting, and people improvement in his business.

I've stopped doubting myself as a leader
by Ian Hazeldine

Customer success story about Ian Hazeldine who joined TAB and stopped doubting himself as a leader, and got to grips with people management and his finances. 

Peer support energised my business ambitions
by Skylar Atkinson

Customer success story about Skylar Atkinson at Belvoir Aberdeen, who has strengthened her business and brand after being part of a TAB board.

Selling my business quicker
by Hywel Parry

Customer success story about Hywel Parry, Director at Lime Tree Vets, who sold his business quicker and met his personal vision through the help of TAB. 

Finding the support infrastructure I was looking for
by Suzanne Lawson

Suzanne Lawson from Moorland Contract Group shares her business journey and how TAB was exactly the support she was looking for.

How TAB gave me a new lease of life
by Anna-Marie Eardley

Anna-Marie Eardley, Owner of Waterloo Quay Properties, tells us her story and how TAB gave her a new lease of life.

My debt of gratitude to TAB after 400% turnover boost
by Adam Bell

Adam Bell, director at marketing agency Moment, shares his story and his gratitude to TAB after helping him achieve a 400% turnover boost.

Growing in confidence as a leader
by Jolanta Jankowski

Read Jolanta's story about how joing a TAB Board has helped her to develop her role and confidence as the Operations Manager at her business.

Saving time and working smarter not harder
by Rob Watson

Customer success story about Rob Watson, business owner at ph9 Ltd, and how TAB has helped him to save time and make smarter decisions.

Becoming a better business leader
by Dr Stewart Desson

Success story about Dr Stewart Desson from Lumina Learning who became a better leader after joining a TAB Board.

Rediscovering myself as an individual
by Kirsty Davies-Chinnock

Kirsty-Davies Chinnock, Managing Director at PPS Ltd tells us how TAB helped her to rediscover herself and to meet her goals.

A catalyst to improved performance levels
by Jim Liptrot

Customer success story about Jim Liptrot, Business Owner at Howorth Group and how TAB was a catalyst to his business' improved performance.

Latest news and insights

Business Support Funds: What's Available in the UK (2024)

11 April 2024 | 5 minute read

This is a comprehensive guide to the support funds available for businesses in the UK. Learn which business support funds you could claim with this in-depth post.

Why you should never give away Equity when SME's raise finance

25 March 2024 | 2 minute read

Discover why giving away equity when raising funds for SMEs is a bad idea. Explore alternative options to maintain control and maximise growth potential.

Time Management: Theory and Practice 2024

25 March 2024 | 6 minute read

This is a comprehensive guide to time management, its theories and putting them into practice. Learn all about time management with this in-depth post.

*Stats based on a recent survey of 93 active TAB members