Meet our clients who have built a business that works for them
We’ve helped hundreds of business owners across many different sectors to transform their businesses and teams and achieve real results.
They now have the freedom to live the life they want to (e.g. work a four day week, do the school run, have time to exercise, take guilt-free holidays!)
Here are their stories
Second-generation family-run pet store see sales and profits increase
Before coaching, Darren was working seven days a week doing everything from cleaning, to helping customers, to trying to implement changes to the store, and was lacking a clear plan on how to get to where he wanted to. Read more.
“Before, the store was a projection of myself, but now we are looking at things from a marketing perspective. We’re looking at how to get more customers in and how to look after the customers we’ve got.”
Darren Burke, Director, The Big Pet Store
From £7M to £20M in four years…and a three-day week!
Before coaching, Tom was experiencing the effects of working a 60-hour week. He was spinning too many plates and feeling pretty worn out. Read more.
“Prior to meeting Andy, it had got to the point where the business was running me. I was stressed and couldn’t find a way through it, so to have that help and support for me was a lifesaver. He found me at just the right time.”
Tom Cullingford, Managing Director, rubber4roofs
A marrying of the world of charity with the world of business
Before coaching, Andy was consumed with the day-to-day firefighting within the business, spinning plates, and completely tired out, with no energy left to drive forward and do the things he wanted to do. Read more.
“Of all of the leadership and management courses I’ve done in my time, this has been the single best thing I’ve embarked on. From a personal point of view, it’s been indispensable.”
Andy Gray, Chief Executive, Dudley CVS
“300% Increase in Turnover and Profit… and Most Importantly… I Got My Time Back!“
Managing director Andy Evans explains how he grew his courier company by 300% turnover and 300% profit in the time he worked with us.
Andy has also managed to decrease his working hours in his company by having a strong management team in place, allowing him to continue to grow his business whilst taking more time off to enjoy the important things in life.
“I’d say to anybody, don’t question it, just get onboard and get it done!”
Darren has been working with us since October 2021. Prior to becoming a 1-2-1 client his business was doing well, but he was working 24/7 and having to do everything within the business.
Here Darren explains how coaching has helped him to scale up, move forward, and stay focussed, doubling turnover and growing the team, all whilst working four days a week. He explains why for him, having a business coach is essential.
“Having a coach can push you outside your comfort zone and that’s where good things can happen.”
Carolyn is a valued member of the Black Country Business Growth Community. In this video Carolyn talks about the impact that being a member is having on both her and her business. She shares her experience of setting clearer goals and the benefits of having other people to talk to about her business.
“I think it’s a must…a no-brainer.”
Sam used to work for a big multinational company but had a desire to run his own business. Without having had any formal training on how to run a business or take on the role of Managing Director, Sam describes how at times being a business owner can feel lonely and like you are constantly fighting fires.
Sam joined the Black Country Business Growth Community in January 2023. In this video Sam explains how being part of a community has not only increased his business knowledge and given him an opportunity to take a step back from the day-to-day, but also helped him to realise that everyone is in the same boat.
“I’m excited because I’m seeing progress already… I’m seeing some of my goals being achieved.”
Victoria explains why she’s excited to be a member of the Black Country Business Growth Community and how it’s already helping her to achieve her goals.
“In my opinion, everyone needs a coach.”
Matt is a founding member of the Black Country Business Growth Community. In this video Matt shares how being part of the community has shaped his business journey so far. He describes how the learnings have helped him to build a structure, have a clear direction and create a plan to achieve his goals.
“It’s definitely beneficial from my perspective. It gets you to think about your day-to-day, your mid-term and then your long-term goals.”
Claire is an Area Sales Manager for Acorn Children’s Hospice and decided to become a member of the Black Country Business Growth Community after attending our February event. In this video Claire describes the value she sees in getting an external perspective and how attending monthly meetings is helping her make clear plans and set objectives.
“I Was Completely Skeptical!… I Thought Coaching Wasn’t Needed In My Business”
In this video managing director Pete Wharton talks about his experience with business coaching with ActionCOACH Black Country. At first Pete was very skeptical about the idea of business coaching and that a business coach was not needed in his business.
Pete’s business has increased in profit and turnover by 152% in the past few years, and Pete now employees 10 people that leverage his business to new heights. Pete has grown from technician to business leader.
“Achieving My Business AND Personal Goals Faster Than I Ever Thought Possible”
Lisa provides feedback on her coaching with ActionCOACH Black Country.
She talks about how she managed to grow her business to new heights and how business coaching with us enabled her to take up new opportunities in her business development.
As a result, the business increased profitability, financial turnover, and has managed to merge into new markets.
“I Had Family and Life Goals… I Realised to Achieve Those Goals, My Business Would Need to be in a Different Place!“
This video is an interview of how Pete first started his business growth journey in detail. Pete explains how he went from a small family business—where he was running all areas of the business—to having a business that works, runs, and grows without him.
Pete explains how he went through the realisation that he was the technician working in the business, rather than the business director. He realised that he had future goals for his family and if he was going to ever reach those goals, the business would need to be in a different place. Pete knew he would need to start doing things differently, as opposed to working lots of hours in the business each day.
As a result of working with us, Pete grew his business by 160% in the first year; the business grew by 63% the following year, and by then had 8 consultants working for him; and then he took a year out of the business to achieve some life goals—and still the business grew by 25%.
Pete says that he interviewed 8 coaches prior to working with us, choosing ActionCOACH Black Country because of our experience in multiple areas of business growth.
The Return On Investment (ROI) of Business Coaching
Steve talks about his journey with ActionCOACH Black Country and how he and his business partner have took their business to new heights thanks to coaching with us.
When Steve first started, the business was at £60k per year, and in a place where both partners were needed in the business for the business to run. Now the business is 1) Reaching half a million; 2) There are systems in place for the business to run without them; 3) There are measurable performance measures that are growing each year; 4) and “profitability is through the roof”.
Steve concludes by saying that it’s difficult when thinking about investing with a coach because it’s hard to see the big picture of what is possible. For Steve he says it has been “worth every penny” and they are so pleased on the performance and where their business is as they travel the journey with us.
“I have more than doubled my turnover, tripled my profits, reduced my working hours and significantly improved my skills and effectiveness as a business owner. He is really good at cutting through the flannel, getting to the point of a particular problem or issue and then is able to help me find a strategy or process to solve it. He genuinely wants to help me grow my business which means that if I’m missing the point or not doing what I said I would then he holds me to account.” Graeme — Managing Director Barnsley Marshall Limited
“At the start of our engagement I was dubious, I didn’t know why I would need a coach or that it would help. What I can say with confidence is that it has helped massively and Andy’s knowledge and experience of business growth and success gives me confidence. With a bit of guidance I have created a clear path as to where to develop the company, to develop an engaged team and how to reach the financial targets I have set. Furthermore it has enabled me to virtually double turnover and increase profit, increase capacity and deliver projects far more efficient.” Peter — Director at Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants
“I would have no hesitation in recommending Andy Hemming for his business coaching. My business partner and I started working with Andy in October 2015 and the developments in our business have been bought about by his coaching. He has guided us through an approach of reviewing what we do and how. Questioning our logic and encouraging us to have greater belief in what we can achieve. We now have structured business model that sits along side the technical expertise we have in our field and this has enabled us to deliver business success to our clients. OK there are some times when we may not like the questions, but that is only when we are not focused on the answers or we present self limiting beliefs. Andy’s strength is to listen, understand, challenge, encourage and have belief in what we can achieve. If you would like to know more about Andy’s work or approach we are raving fans so please get in touch. Find out more – you won’t be disappointed in his coaching.” Claire — Managing Director at Acorn Support Limited
“I have worked with Andy for a year now, as part of the Lawrence Cleaning team.It can be difficult at times as a family business, but Andy is the logical voice of reason. He dilutes the emotion and offers practical and logical advice and guidance to us all. Our company has grown impressively partly due to a renewed vigour and passion and also the pinning down of processes and operational activities– Cheers Andy – we couldn’t have done it without you!” Debra — Director at Lawrence Cleaning Limited
“Andy has delivered a number of coaching seminars both to staff and to our SME customers. He approaches all interactions with energy, professionalism and a genuine desire to improve things for the people he is working with. His passion for coaching and striving for excellence is infectious and effective!” Claire — Head of Corporate Banking Birmingham, Coventry & Warwickshire at HSBC
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Andy for the past 3 years. Durning this time he has been been a major influence in improving our company performance. Andy is clearly passionate about constantly improving both himself and the business he is working in. Andy’s understanding of companies financial, commercial and operating systems is outstanding. I would strongly recommend any company owner that is looking for business improvement have a chat with Andy. He will make a massive difference!” Sean — Managing Director of Raybloc (X-ray Protection) Limited
“I always consider it a privilege to meet someone who is capable of achieving at the highest level, that has enormous potential, and the ability to help others succeed time after time!… Andy is one of these people. Not only that… there is a great bonus… he is great fun too! Charismatic, humble, and down to earth! Few can do what Andy does, and no one can do it in the way Andy does… If you want to do more with less, if you want a better life, if you want to maximise productivity and efficiency… then Andy is the man you’re looking for. I don’t know anyone who can leverage businesses and people to the level Andy can. One thing for sure is what is guaranteed from working with Andy is that you will earn more money with less energy, your business will become increasingly efficient, you will make better, quicker and wiser decisions, and what’s more you will have a great time along the way!! This is 100% guaranteed!!! His track record speaks for itself…. with 100’s of businesses and business owners he works with developing year on year. If you cross paths with Andy, and you are fortunate enough that he agrees to work with you… then you are set for great heights. The journey will be tough, fun and extremely rewarding at all levels.” James — Managing Director & World Class Business Coach
“Business Coach doesn’t do Andy justice. He is much more than that. Psychologist, Motivator, Thinker, Ideas Generator & Listener. On the 12 month programme with Andy he really helped me get clarity about my direction and goals but also the direction of our business. Andy has a real ability to get ideas over very clearly and simply that actually help you move forward. Well worth meeting and well worth being coached by.” Philip — Director at The Move Master
“When I first met Andy, I was the owner of a small business, working lots of hours, and in a permanent state of chaos constantly worrying about work. I had seriously considered getting out of the business and going to work for someone else. In under 2 years, I have gained control of, and grown my business, bought another business and am in the final stages of purchasing a second business. We are planning to buy several more over the next few years. My colleagues and wife tell me that I have changed for the better, and I now spend quality, worry free time with my family. I spent years thinking that there must be an easier way of running a business as other people seem to do it and at long last I have found it, all thanks to Andy’s guidance and support.” Chris — Managing Director of Swift Maintenance Services
“Since we started working with Andy at Action Coach we have seen a huge improvement in our business results. In 18 months turnover has increased by 25% and profits have doubled. We had a good business but lacked direction and organisation. Working with Andy has helped us to address these issues and take the steps required to move our business on to the next level. Andy gives honest and impartial views on our business. He helps with planning and decision making and then holds us accountable to implementing these plans whilst teaching us any new skills required. The investment we have made in business coaching has been an excellent decision and well worth it.” Andy — Director at International Tyres and Trading Ltd
“Working with Andy over the last two and a half years has aided myself and my co-director to develop our business and has provided us with the focus when we need it. He has the ability to assist us to cut through the chaff and has added real quality and monetary value to our company. Not only is the Action Coach system well proven, but Andy is one of the top coaches in the UK. I would not hesitate to recommend you taking Andy on right now.” Steve — Co-Owner STK Fire and Risk Management
“Focus Ecology have been working with Andy since September 2014. Prior to this, I would never have thought we needed a Business Coach or even wanted one. However, following the attendance of a short business seminar he was a speaker at, my business partner and I signed him up. That was probably one of the best business decisions we have ever made. In that time, Andy has helped us increase our annual turnover by almost 50%, increase the efficiency, capability and profitability of the company and most importantly significantly reduce my working hours. Prior to meeting Andy, I couldn’t really call myself a business owner in the real sense of the word, I just owned a job! I feel Andy genuinely wants to improve my business and help it grow to its full potential. He ensures, my business partner and I are held accountable for our decisions and actions, and that we don’t get distracted from our goals and targets for the company.” Fern — Director at Focus Ecology
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Westonhall Road,
Stoke Prior,
Bromsgrove,
B60 4AL
