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Business support services in York

96% positive rating from our members*

Thrive with other business owners

Business advisory boards

Discover a different kind of business support in York.

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 Scotland
A TAB business support service session in York
two men in a one-to-one business coaching session in York

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.

Woman drinks coffee after business coaching session in York
Woman on laptop after business coaching session in York
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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.

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Your TAB business coaches in York

With a background in international business at world leading companies, Elliot is a seasoned Sales & Marketing Director with 25 years’ experience.

He spent 17 years on the Board of James Heal (the world leader in the design and manufacture of laboratory testing for the textile and automotive industry). Before that, he completed management training at United Biscuits, McVities, where he attained his Human Resource professional qualification (IPD).

Elliot has extensive export experience throughout Asia, the Indian subcontinent and EMEA markets. During that time, he managed the global distributor network to grow markets locally through exclusive partners. Consequently, Elliot has combined entrepreneurial drive with business-management skills to drive gains in revenue, market share, and profit performance. In 2012, Elliot played a significant role in winning the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade.

With extensive Board Level experience at an successful family SME, Elliot communicates a clear, strategic vision which translates into effective sales and marketing solutions. He has very strong values and places a high emphasis on customer satisfaction, whilst cultivating excellent relationships with new prospects.

A seasoned sales and marketing professional, Elliot has travelled extensively worldwide, and project-managed a major re-brand of a 140-year-old business. He played a significant role in the acquisition of James Heal to American Private Equity House. Additionally, he provided consultancy and coaching to local SME businesses to enable them to develop their growth aspirations.

People development is high on Elliot’s agenda with his clients. From support with their recruitment process, and team productivity with DiSC Profiling, Elliot helps his clients creates winning teams. Above all, Elliot facilitates business owners in developing a structure and culture that ensures they see great results through their business vision.

Discover the benefits of our business support in York

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 York members

Elliot has the rare ability to see right to the heart of an issue, be it big or small, and I’ve found his support and insight invaluable. Elliot gives us genuinely very useful, honest, and actionable advice, across a broad range of issues in the business, his knowledge and guidance comes without judgement irrespective of the scale of the challenge or opportunity. I’ve especially appreciated Elliot’s support in staff development, developing a marketing strategy and working towards a real growth plan for our consulting business, although I'm sure we're only scratching the surface of what he can bring to us. Above all its fair to say that Elliot really cares about the businesses and people that he works with. This is further illustrated in the open mutually supportive culture he creates within the board, which also demonstrates the degree of insight and intelligence he brings to selecting a diverse yet complimentary mix of businesspeople. Elliot has pushed me to really figure out what it is we’re trying to achieve and is the kind of strong (but kind!) figure that also holds me accountable and makes sure I follow through on the ideas and plans that we make. I thoroughly recommend working with Elliot to support your business.

Mike Waldron, RDD+

Running a business is a challenge, but today's new problem is something someone else has already dealt with, this week's craziness is next week’s learning, and tomorrow’s insight is sometimes the inspiration another needs. So it's about being part of a community that can share, support, guide and celebrate. We are all individuals, but together we are strong.

Elliot has demonstrated his expertise and experience throughout the years I have known him via The Alternative Board. He provides carefully considered advice, support, impetus and always an ability to listen without judgement. He exhibits excellent professional skills and business insights; more importantly, he cares about the entrepreneurs he works with and the success of both their businesses and their personal goals. Running a business is an often lonely, complex and challenging endeavour. Through good times and tough times, Elliot has been there.

Simon Hudson, Kinata Ltd

I felt I had made a success of growing my business from start-up to employing 100 people after 10 years, but that I needed something more to help me take it to the next level. Being a member of TAB has given me an external perspective from both my fellow board members and 1:1 coaching sessions which I was missing before. With their help I am better equipped to achieve the ambitions I have for my business. If you are anything like me you will quickly begin to see TAB as an investment in yourself and your business.

Luke Norbury, Home Instead

As I stepped into my new MD role, Elliot and TAB came highly recommended to assist, advise and help me through this transition. Elliot has become an integral part of my business and circle of trust. Elliot offers a progressive balance between coaching, mentoring, teaching and challenging that has helped me move strategic initiatives forward in a more balanced, comprehensive and effective manner.

Elliot supported me in clarifying my focus and challenged me to develop new ways to lead people encouraging better interaction with my peers and staff. He has supported my personal development and my business plans. Elliot always offers frank independent, neutral advice that is often difficult to find inside your own workplace. He is my conscience, and mentor, and he keeps me on track and accountable.

Nick Turnbull, Managing Director, incDOT Design & Print

10/10 Coach, Mentor and Sounding Board. Elliot's input has had a transformative impact on my business; immeasurably improving the quality of decision making, setting priorities, encouraging ambitious growth targets and developing a strategic action plan. He grasps problems quickly and readily offers an excellent analysis with suggested action points. Elliot is impressive; his thinking is always one step ahead. He is ambitious for you; he wants you to achieve your desired business success and your own life goals. Elliot is a key driver of success in my business.

James Fraser, The Framed Picture Company

FAQ's

TAB's business support in York 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 York has experience

    Elliot Rich is a seasoned business professional with a strong network in the York business community. Elliot has almost 20 years experience in the corporate world as well being on a board for a successful family business. With his knowledge and expertise, he is passionate about helping York business owners run better businesses and lead more fulfilling lives.
  • 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 York, 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. Contact Elliot to find out more.

Start your journey with TAB

Get in touch with Elliot.

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 York 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

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.

Conquering Imposter Syndrome: Strategies for Business Leaders

13 March 2024 | 4 minute read

Conquer Imposter Syndrome as a business leader with practical strategies and insights on overcoming self-doubt and embracing your full potential.

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