An Overview of My Career, Expertise, Achievements, and Services
I began my entrepreneurial journey by establishing a retail business selling jewellery. Building on its success, I launched a second business, expanding the offering to include watches and giftware. After selling the second business, I started another venture, which I also successfully sold.
Following my time as a business owner, I joined the government’s business support agency, Business Link, where I used my hands-on experience to assist other entrepreneurs. My role included helping businesses access grant funding and workshops to support their growth.
I then transitioned into the private sector, where I worked for two business consultancy firms over 14 years. During this time, I supported hundreds of local and regional businesses, helping them thrive and expand. I delivered a range of impactful business support programmes, including Growth Accelerator, The Spark Fund, The Manufacturing Growth Programme, and the For Entrepreneurs Only 360 Programme.
In March 2024, I launched Phil Ward Business Coaching, a business coaching and grant funding consultancy.
Understanding the Challenges of Business Ownership
I know first hand the excitement and rewards of running your own business, but I also understand how stressful and isolating it can feel. Having started, grown, and sold businesses myself, I’ve experienced the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey.
As a business owner, it’s easy to get caught up in day-to-day operations and lose sight of your long-term goals. That’s where I come in. Every business is unique, facing its own set of challenges and opportunities. My role is to partner with you to refocus your strategy, overcome barriers, and achieve success.
With years of experience in self-employment, business coaching, and delivering support programmes, I have the knowledge to help you grow your business, regain clarity, and rekindle the enthusiasm that drove you to start your venture.
There’s nothing more rewarding to me than helping business owners create a winning strategy and see their hard work pay off.
Specialist Grant Funding Support
Grant funding can be a complex and confusing process, but I’m here to make it easier. I specialise in identifying and securing the right grants for your business, providing expert advice and guidance to simplify the application process and improve your chances of success.
Common Challenges Businesses Face
- Through my work, I’ve identified several common challenges faced by business owners:
- Over-reliance on the owner: The business depends too heavily on one person.
- Frustration: Business owners feel they are not achieving their goals.
- Lack of experience in growth: They are skilled in their craft but unsure how to expand their business.
- Undefined plans: Their vision and plans are stuck in their head.
- Lack of accountability: They need someone to challenge them, hold them accountable, and provide a confidential sounding board.
How My Workshops Solve These Challenges
My workshops are designed to help business owners refocus and create actionable plans for success. They offer clarity on what’s achievable and provide a roadmap to get there.
Benefits for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
Workshops not only highlight opportunities for growth but also identify barriers to success. You’ll leave with a clear, focused plan to improve efficiency, boost profits, and optimise your operations.
Why I Love Working with East Riding of Yorkshire Businesses
I have a deep appreciation for the business community in East Yorkshire. The local business owners are enthusiastic, hardworking, and genuine, with a strong passion for helping one another succeed.
Working closely with these business owners allows me to build strong relationships and become a trusted part of their team. I love tailoring my advice to meet their specific needs and seeing them achieve their goals—both professional and personal.
Phil will be leading the workshop: Grow your business which will take place at Brough Business Centre, Baffin Way, Brough, HU15 1YU on Wednesday 22nd and 29th January 9.30am – 12.30pm. To reserve your place – please go to here.
