How TAB Helped Michael Freund scale his business

The challenge

What was less clear was how to scale.

Like many established SME leaders, Michael found himself doing everything. Delivering projects, managing clients, and trying to grow the business at the same time. Progress was steady, but direction and confidence were not always there.

Today, MPAV has grown into a thriving business with a team of six, significantly expanded office space and a client base that keeps coming back.

This is the story of how Michael moved from working in his business to leading it with the help of his TAB peer board and coaching sessions facilitated by James Ross.

Building a business with strong foundations

Based in Aylesbury, MPAV specialises in designing and delivering tailored audio visual systems that help organisations communicate, collaborate and engage more effectively.

From the beginning, quality and client relationships were central to the business.

“Our first end customer was so happy with the way that we delivered our project that we wanted to share this with a wider audience.”

That commitment to doing things properly quickly became a defining strength. It also created the platform for future growth.

But as demand increased, so did the pressure on Michael as the sole person in the business.

Feeling Stuck Between Growth and Uncertainty

Despite strong early success, Michael reached a familiar point for many business owners.

“I felt a bit lost. I wanted to grow the business but at that point was unsure about hiring someone and having the confidence to do that.”

He had explored other forms of support, including working with independent business coaches. While these helped develop a positive mindset, they did not provide the strategic direction needed to scale.

Without a clear framework for decision making, growth felt uncertain as hiring, investment and long term planning all carried risk without the confidence to move forward decisively.

A Breakthrough with TAB

Looking for something different, Michael joined TAB North Chilterns led by business coach James Ross.

“I had been looking for some kind of accountability, advice and coaching that would help me grow the business.”

From his first board meeting, the impact was immediate.

“I didn’t really know what to expect… the group were extremely welcoming and it felt incredible to be able to speak with people in my position.”

One early discussion with his board around a planned twenty thousand pound investment became a turning point. Instead of moving forward on instinct, Michael was able to challenge his thinking, explore alternatives and make a more strategic decision.

“Having somebody to talk to about it who was impartial helped me to discover a different way to invest the money and work towards smarter goals.”

The result: turning ideas into action

A key shift came through accountability.

Michael describes himself as someone with plenty of ideas, but not always the structure to follow through.

“By being accountable, I allow myself to complete smaller steps to bigger challenges… Without those people to hold me to account, I’d still be trying to take on the entire beast.”

Through regular board meetings and one to one coaching with James Ross, those ideas became structured actions. This is where the transition from operator to leader began.

Measurable business growth

Working with James Ross played a central role in this transformation.

“Working with James has given me the confidence to grow the business, change my processes and be more bold with driving the business forward.”

Michael hired his first employees, built a team and stepped back from being involved in every detail of delivery. He also completed the acquisition of another AV business and began focusing more on growth rather than day to day operations.

TAB tools such as the Business Builder’s Blueprint and SWOT analysis helped reinforce this shift.

“It’s allowed me to use it as the guide I need to carry out the small steps, not just the gigantic goal that never gets done.”

A Different Way to Lead

Beyond the numbers, the biggest change has been in how Michael leads the business.

TAB has provided a space to step back and make better decisions.

“My TAB Board has been fantastic. They have given me great advice, lots of laughs and emotional support when I think things are tough.”

That combination of challenge and support has helped Michael balance priorities and stay focused on what matters most.

It has also created an opportunity to give back, with Michael now looking to support other business owners on their own journeys.

Advice for other business owners

For those considering business coaching or an advisory board, Michael’s advice is clear.

“I would strongly recommend joining TAB if you feel lost in decision making, find yourself working in the trenches or unable to grow.”

He also addresses a common concern around time.

“By taking the time away from the business, we learn how to focus on the business, rather than in it, and it pays itself back tenfold.”

With a combination of business coaching services, peer advisory boards and proven tools, you gain the clarity and accountability needed to grow with confidence.

Find a local TAB board and start your next stage of growth today.

About James Ross

James Ross is the TAB Business Owner and Facilitator for TAB 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.

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"TAB is an independent thought process, away from the influences and pressures of work. In the day-to-day job, you can get drawn into distractions, you often don’t have time to think, and you’re just firefighting problems. However, with TAB, getting out of the office and speaking with the board for the 3-4 hours we have together allows me to think more independently."

David Scalley, AJT Engineering

"TAB has given me coaching sessions, focusing on the positive elements of my business and helping to grow and develop during what is probably the most difficult trading period we have encountered. TAB has also invited me to a monthly board meeting where I joined six existing members, all of whom have extensive business experience and have provided me with some invaluable advice, guidance and accountability."

Kelly Smith, Juice Personnel

"Before TAB, I didn’t really have anyone I could talk to about business issues. Getting reassurance from my board on things I’m thinking of doing gives me more confidence to get on with it. I really value the openness of my board and facilitator, which allows me to say what I’m feeling and thinking. I’m now making longer-term plans and decisions about the business. As a result, I enjoy running the business more because I know we’re heading in the direction, rather than focusing on short-term fixes."

Geoff Hunt, Hey Group

Having a Peer Board is an amazing asset to me. It’s a safe and supportive environment where you get the support of other business owners who are committed to your success. It’s allowing me to be candid and get different views on sorting out knotty problems.

Professor Deborah Eyre, High Performance Learning

"I have a debt of gratitude to TAB after a 400% turnover boost. I can’t speak highly enough of The Alternative Board. It has made a huge difference to our agency. It’s something I would encourage business owners to think about. We wouldn’t have been able to achieve the growth we have without TAB."

Adam Bell, Moment

"I always feel uplifted and more confident following a board meeting. The challenges we face as business owners are invariably those shared by the other board members. Bringing them to the table puts them in perspective and usually provides several options on how to tackle them. Support, being non-judgemental and really trying to understand each other's businesses help make the meetings fun, enjoyable and, most of all, invaluable to the growth and well-being of my own business. The regular one-to-ones help build on this with tough constructive advice. I would be lost without the support of TAB."

Jan Buckett , JMB Accounting

From Working in the Business to Leading it: How Michael Freund Scaled His Business with TAB

The challenge

Building a business with strong foundations