Coaching, training and advice

Coaching, training and advice help you get more from your people and your business: training consultants and managers, coaching owners, and advising on growth, exits and personal wealth. The right expert has been where you are and can shorten the journey.

What to look for

• Recruitment experience. Trainers and coaches who have billed, led teams or run agencies understand your world.
• Practical, measurable results. Training should change what people do on the desk. Agree at the start how you'll measure it: activity, conversion, billings or retention.
• The right format. In person, online, one-to-one or a mix, with follow-up afterwards so the learning sticks.
• For owners: independent advice. When planning growth, an exit or your personal finances, look for advisers who are clear about how they're paid. Financial advisers should be authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).
• Chemistry. Coaching only works if you trust the coach. Have a conversation before you commit.

Questions to ask before you sign

• Who have you worked with, and what changed for them?
• What happens after the training to make sure it sticks?
• How do you charge: per day, per person or a retainer?
• For exit and wealth advice: how are you paid, and are you regulated?

Watch out for

• One-off training days with no follow-up. The effect fades fast.
• Advice on selling your business from someone who's only paid if a sale happens. Understand how they're paid.