Dorset Business Owners See Measurable Gains with ActionCOACH Support

Running a business can be rewarding, but for many Dorset owners, it can also become all-consuming, with long hours, rising pressure, and little time away from work.

ActionCOACH Dorset works with business owners across West Dorset and the wider county, helping them build profitable, sustainable businesses that support the life they want, rather than taking it over.

Simon Ellson, Founder and Head Coach at ActionCOACH Dorset, explains the deeper mission:

"I believe that as work is a byproduct of life, not the reason we are on the planet, the goal for every business owner is to create the life they want by building their business. This is often seen as contrary to what many believe, but our statement of intent is this: 'to build a commercial, profitable enterprise that works without you, if you want it to.' In a nutshell, make your business fund your life, not make your business your life.

When you look at the divorce rate, the mental anguish, breakdowns, and total absence of life outside of work, you have to understand this is our mission, not just our work."

The coaching focuses on creating well-structured, commercially viable enterprises that can operate without the owner's constant involvement. This includes improving systems, strengthening leadership, increasing profitability, and planning for the long term. 

By enhancing these areas, ActionCOACH Dorset helps initiate a flywheel effect, where improvements in one area fuel progress in others, creating a cycle of growth and success.

Exit strategy is now a growing part of the organisation’s work. Some owners are planning to sell soon, while others are working towards an exit in three to five years. 

The aim is to build businesses that are attractive, resilient, and poised to deliver maximum value when the time is right.

ActionCOACH Dorset says this long-term planning not only strengthens businesses but also helps address issues such as burnout, stress, and the personal strain that can come with running a company.

While the organisation runs startup strategy sessions and small group classes for those looking to learn how to run or grow a business, most of its work is delivered through one-to-one coaching.

Around 70 per cent of its coaching is provided on a 1:1 basis, with typically 30 to 40 live clients supported at any time. Many clients work with a coach over several years, allowing for consistent progress, accountability, and long-term change.

Clients regularly share outstanding results from their coaching journey. Here’s what one Dorset business owner achieved after working with ActionCOACH:

 - A 40% increase in turnover

 - A lot more confidence in the business

 - Hosting bigger events

 - Expansion overseas

 - Generating up to 150 leads a week via social media marketing alone

- Working more reasonable hours – down from 60 to around 40 hours a week

What sets ActionCOACH apart is its tailored approach. Coaches work closely with each business owner to identify what is holding their business back, whether financial performance, leadership challenges, systems, or company structure, and provide hands-on, personalised support to unlock growth.

For business owners curious about where their business stands, ActionCOACH Dorset offers a short 6-Step Scorecard assessment through its website. The five-minute scorecard provides an overview of performance across key areas, highlighting strengths and potential areas for improvement.

As Dorset businesses look ahead in 2026, the organisation believes coaching is becoming less of a luxury and more of a strategic support.

More information can be found at:
https://business.actioncoach.co.uk/coaches/west-dorset