KNOWLEDGE BASE
KNOWLEDGE BASE
MenuContact Menu Revolutionising Business Networking: Forward Thinking – South West Launches YAB in Plymouth, Igniting a New Era of Collaborative Growth” Forward Thinking – South West is thrilled to announce the successful launch of its flagship business community, YAB, in Plymouth on Friday, 8th March. The event, held at BLOCK, brought together local business leaders…
MenuContact Menu Improving Team Performance Through Collaborative Workspaces Lead, and They Will Follow We’ve been there. Enclosed within claustrophobic walls, trying not to make a sound, and always on the watch for a managerial ambush. Or maybe stuck in some apocalyptic bunker with about as much charm as a Russian gulag. Workplaces like these don’t…
MenuContact Menu Navigating Towards Good Growth with a Shared Plan Hooked on Growth? Bet You Haven’t Tried This Yet… Growth is the lifeblood of business. It’s not just about scaling up. It’s the thrill of the journey and the sweet taste of success. But let’s be brutally honest: without a robust and cohesive plan, your growth…
MenuContact Menu Navigating Success: Unleashing the Power of Vision Light that fire, leaders. Let’s talk about your North Star! That beacon which guides your business towards unprecedented heights. Identifying and harnessing it carries weight. It’s not a suggestion. It’s a necessity for a transformative journey. The North Star is your vision. It’s the reason you…
MenuContact Menu Forward Thinking UK Adds Spice to Business Success as Proud Sponsor of East Lancashire Chamber’s Curry Club We are pleased to announce our sponsorship of East Lancashire Chamber’s renowned Curry Club. This partnership marks an exciting collaboration between Forward Thinking UK and Curry Club, bringing together a sizzling blend of business expertise and…
MenuContact Menu Forward Thinking UK Expands Nationwide with Third Franchise, Welcoming Ian Wilkinson as Franchisee in Devon Forward Thinking UK, the renowned business coaching company is thrilled to announce the launch of its third franchise, expanding its influence and impact. Operating out of Devon, the new franchise is led by the experienced and enthusiastic Ian…
MenuContact Menu Engaged Workforces: The Transformative Role of Recognition In 2001, I was told by my HR Director that my “people-centred approach to management was not common and that others would need some convincing”, and 23 years on I continue to fight for a People-First approach in which recognition plays a vital role. Ask any…
MenuContact Menu Unlocking Success: The Transparency Advantage Every enterprise has a hidden powerhouse at its core. A dynamic force often neglected in the race for numbers. The good news? This powerhouse is not some sort of mythical secret. It’s transparent communication – the cornerstone of accountability and the catalyst for transformative change. The bad news?…
MenuContact Menu How to Enhance Your Leadership Skills and Boost Your Business Performance Introduction Leadership is one of the most critical business skills. Influential leaders inspire employees, improve company culture, and drive better results. But leadership skills aren’t just for CEOs. They are valuable for managers at every level. Whether you lead a team of…
MenuContact Menu How to Develop a Growth Strategy for Your Business Introduction Business leaders face a huge challenge when it comes to scaling their businesses. With so many variables involved in growth, it can be hard to know where to start. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, here’s a framework for thinking about your business growth…
MenuContact Menu Forward Thinking UK Announces Exciting Partnership with Let’s Make A Difference to Make a Positive Impact In Lancashire Forward Thinking UK, a leader in business growth, transformation, business community building, and a trusted brand throughout Lancashire, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Let’s Make A Difference, an impactful and newly established…
MenuContact Menu Crafting the Perfect Company Vision Statement: 5 Steps to Success Introduction Every successful business has a well-crafted vision statement that reflects its long-term goals and aspirations. A company’s vision statement embodies its purpose and mission. It acts as a strategic guide to shape its decisions and actions. But creating a perfect vision statement…
MenuContact Menu How to Define Your Company Culture: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction A lot has been written about company culture, and it may be something you know about and have disregarded in the past. After all, if you have customers who love your products/services, your staff seem relatively happy, and you’re making money, what else…
MenuContact Menu Forward Thinking UK Expands with Second Franchise Location Forward Thinking UK, a leader in business growth, transformation, business community building, and a trusted brand throughout Lancashire, is excited to announce the opening of its second franchise location in South Manchester. This significant milestone marks the continued growth and success of the Forward Thinking…
MenuContact Menu Making a Difference in Lancaster The highly acclaimed business community that is YAB – Your Affordable Board, which has grown quickly out of numerous Lancashire locations, had its inaugural Lancaster event at Forrest Hills on Tuesday 10th October. The event was an energetic and dynamic one with over 40 business leaders attending. YAB…
MenuContact Menu Making a Difference in Manchester The highly acclaimed business community that is YAB – Your Affordable Board, which has grown quickly out of numerous Lancashire locations, had its inaugural Manchester event at Use.Space on Thursday 5th October. The event was an energetic and dynamic one with over 40 business leaders attending. YAB is…
MenuContact Menu Unlocking the 7 Key Qualities of a Transformational Leader Introduction How are business coaches shaping the leadership profiles of their clients these days? One leadership model that’s growing in popularity is Transformational Leadership. In this article, you’ll learn how transformational leaders take a selfless approach to inspire and motivate their teams to achieve…
MenuContact Menu Why Should You Care About Your Company’s Values and Culture? Introduction A quick answer to that question would be something like, “Because it’s not 1985 anymore”. In general, most modern businesses at least understand the idea of values and culture, even if they don’t do anything about them. So, for the business leaders…
MenuContact Menu Leading by Example: Why Authenticity is Critical for Business Leaders Business leadership is more than just titles and positions. It is about guidance, inspiration, and motivation to achieve collective success. A true leader leads by example, is authentic and transparent in their dealings and inspires others to do the same. Authenticity is critical…
MenuContact Menu Why Investing in Coaching is Worthwhile for Long-Term Business Success Introduction As a business leader, you’re always looking for ways to improve productivity and performance within your company. But have you ever considered investing in coaching to achieve those goals? Business coaching has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason.…
MenuContact Menu Don’t Think Outside The Box: Smash It And Get Innovative Innovation is not just a trendy buzzword. In today’s fast-paced world, businesses that don’t innovate die. Companies that encourage innovation typically outperform their competitors and succeed in today’s market. The key is to create a company culture that fosters creativity and experimentation. But…
MenuContact Menu Building A Bulletproof Company Culture Through Effective Leadership Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, having an influential and strong company culture is essential for success. A positive company culture helps motivate employees to perform better, increases productivity, and creates a sense of job satisfaction. But creating such an environment isn’t…
MenuContact Menu How To Build a Culture of Trust in Your Team At the risk of being over-dramatic, today’s business world can be a tough place where only the strongest survive. But it’s a team effort, and the success of any business depends on how well team members work together to achieve their goals. The…
MenuContact Menu Leadership vs Management: Understanding the Key Differences for Business Success Introduction Aspiring to be a successful business leader? Remember, leadership and management are different skills, so be careful not to confuse the two. Both are critical to your company’s success but require different approaches. Learning the differences between leadership and management is the…
MenuContact Menu Why Skilled Tradespeople Need Business Coaches Introduction Remember when you did your apprenticeship? Apart from the hilarious pranks involving buckets of steam, long stands, and tartan paint, you learned a trade. You worked alongside skilled people you could learn from and grow as a person. Maybe you’ve risen through the ranks and are…
MenuContact Menu Why a Positive Company Culture is Critical for Employee Engagement and Retention Introduction As a business leader, it’s easy to get bogged down with numbers and metrics like profit margins, sales growth, and customer satisfaction. And don’t get us wrong; those are all critical measures you should know intimately. However, if you’re not…
MenuContact Menu Unlocking the Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Introduction Being an effective leader is about more than just having the right credentials or experience. It’s also about h̶a̶v̶i̶n̶g̶ a̶ s̶n̶a̶z̶z̶y̶ c̶a̶r̶ being able to connect with and understand your team, recognising their needs and motivating them to succeed. And to do that well, you…
MenuContact Menu Can you Overcome these Five Business Challenges on Your Own? If you’re like most business leaders, you’ll probably feel like you have to tackle all of your company’s problems on your own. After all, it’s your business. You started it. You’re the one who’s supposed to have the vision. And you’re the one…
MenuContact Menu Why is Growth Important for Businesses? Growth is an important part of any business lifecycle and has many benefits. It’s a sign that your business has been established and has safely come through the start-up phase. Pursuing growth will increase your influence in the market, reduce risks, and provide security in the event…
MenuContact Menu Do you Have What it Takes to be a Great Business Leader? Introduction Everyone has heard of the great business leaders of our time. People like Tim Cook, Elon Musk, Sheryl Sandberg, and Jeff Bezos are renowned for their successes in managing and leading the biggest organisations in history. It’s often tempting to…
MenuContact Menu Think you need a business coach? Here are all the reasons you’re damn right! Have you ever wondered why elite athletes have coaches and mentors? Sure, they have the talent and skill to be successful, but having a coach helps them stay at the top of their game. Guess what? This same concept…
MenuContact Menu The Real Secret to Attracting and Retaining the Best People for Your Business So it turns out that the secret to attracting and retaining the best people for your business isn’t about gimmicks like having an office UFC Octagon, “Dress like a Lord of the Rings character Tuesday”, or even a “bring your…
MenuContact Menu 6 Guaranteed Ways to Demotivate Your Team This Year Introduction Ah, the New Year. A time of resolutions, renewed energy and enthusiasm. Unless you work in a place where your team has been thoroughly demotivated by their superiors. For those of you who have been tasked with keeping morale low this year, we’ve…
MenuContact Menu Why a Recession is the Best Time to Grow (or Start) Your Business Introduction According to the media, we’re approaching a recession, and many businesses may struggle. Some wonder if they should focus on growth or batten down the hatches and wait for the storm to pass. Well, history has shown that recessions…
MenuContact Menu 6 Tips for Managing Your Business During Volatile Times Introduction It’s no secret that we’re living in uncertain times. Political instability, Brexit, the war in Ukraine, and (of course) the fallout from a global pandemic have created an environment of economic uncertainty, the likes of which we haven’t seen in generations. As a…
MenuContact Menu What is Business Culture? [and 5 Ways to Improve Yours] Introduction Ask any HR professional what the most important factor in attracting and retaining top talent is, and they’ll likely say “culture.” But what exactly is business culture? It’s more than just having a pool table in the break room or allowing employees…
MenuContact Menu 6 Ways to Motivate your Team Introduction Anyone who’s ever managed a team knows that keeping employees motivated can sometimes be challenging. After all, no two people are alike, so what motivates one person might not work for another. Luckily, there are a few tried-and-true methods for motivating members of your team that…
MenuContact Menu Business Networking in 2022: What to Expect and How to Succeed Introduction Networking is one of the most effective tools for business development. It’s a great way to connect with potential customers and partners and help you build relationships with other businesses in your industry. Additionally, networking can help you generate new ideas…
MenuContact Menu I have been lucky enough to have a fantastic career within an outstanding business for over 21 years. There have been many highs and lows. I have made many positive decisions and made many mistakes, but the mistakes have been a hugely valuable source of learning to me. My business journey has been hugely enjoyable…
How was your first week back after Christmas? Did you enjoy the meeting on Monday, setting this year’s goals with your team? What did you think of the massive numbers your sales manager made up on the spot? Has your finance director decided to slash 20% of your costs? Top tip – tell them they…
Seriously. Shove it right up there and don’t talk to me about “growth or fixed mindsets”. They’re both just crappy terms some other business coach came up with to sound clever. I hate talking about mindsets with a passion. Why? Because they’re so overused, they’ve become clichés. Talk to any other business coach, and it…
There’s been a lot of talk about tolerance in the media recently, and with good reason. There are loads of issues that need more tolerance – race, gender, politics etc. But there is one area where we need to start being less tolerant. Business. I work with business leaders in tonnes of different industries. One…
MenuContact Menu Revolutionising Business Networking: Forward Thinking – South West Launches YAB in Plymouth, Igniting a New Era of Collaborative Growth” Forward Thinking – South West is thrilled to announce the successful launch of its flagship business community, YAB, in Plymouth on Friday, 8th March. The event, held at BLOCK, brought together local business leaders…
MenuContact Menu Improving Team Performance Through Collaborative Workspaces Lead, and They Will Follow We’ve been there. Enclosed within claustrophobic walls, trying not to make a sound, and always on the watch for a managerial ambush. Or maybe stuck in some apocalyptic bunker with about as much charm as a Russian gulag. Workplaces like these don’t…
MenuContact Menu Navigating Towards Good Growth with a Shared Plan Hooked on Growth? Bet You Haven’t Tried This Yet… Growth is the lifeblood of business. It’s not just about scaling up. It’s the thrill of the journey and the sweet taste of success. But let’s be brutally honest: without a robust and cohesive plan, your growth…
MenuContact Menu Navigating Success: Unleashing the Power of Vision Light that fire, leaders. Let’s talk about your North Star! That beacon which guides your business towards unprecedented heights. Identifying and harnessing it carries weight. It’s not a suggestion. It’s a necessity for a transformative journey. The North Star is your vision. It’s the reason you…
MenuContact Menu Forward Thinking UK Adds Spice to Business Success as Proud Sponsor of East Lancashire Chamber’s Curry Club We are pleased to announce our sponsorship of East Lancashire Chamber’s renowned Curry Club. This partnership marks an exciting collaboration between Forward Thinking UK and Curry Club, bringing together a sizzling blend of business expertise and…
MenuContact Menu Forward Thinking UK Expands Nationwide with Third Franchise, Welcoming Ian Wilkinson as Franchisee in Devon Forward Thinking UK, the renowned business coaching company is thrilled to announce the launch of its third franchise, expanding its influence and impact. Operating out of Devon, the new franchise is led by the experienced and enthusiastic Ian…
MenuContact Menu Engaged Workforces: The Transformative Role of Recognition In 2001, I was told by my HR Director that my “people-centred approach to management was not common and that others would need some convincing”, and 23 years on I continue to fight for a People-First approach in which recognition plays a vital role. Ask any…
MenuContact Menu Unlocking Success: The Transparency Advantage Every enterprise has a hidden powerhouse at its core. A dynamic force often neglected in the race for numbers. The good news? This powerhouse is not some sort of mythical secret. It’s transparent communication – the cornerstone of accountability and the catalyst for transformative change. The bad news?…
MenuContact Menu How to Enhance Your Leadership Skills and Boost Your Business Performance Introduction Leadership is one of the most critical business skills. Influential leaders inspire employees, improve company culture, and drive better results. But leadership skills aren’t just for CEOs. They are valuable for managers at every level. Whether you lead a team of…
MenuContact Menu How to Develop a Growth Strategy for Your Business Introduction Business leaders face a huge challenge when it comes to scaling their businesses. With so many variables involved in growth, it can be hard to know where to start. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, here’s a framework for thinking about your business growth…
MenuContact Menu Forward Thinking UK Announces Exciting Partnership with Let’s Make A Difference to Make a Positive Impact In Lancashire Forward Thinking UK, a leader in business growth, transformation, business community building, and a trusted brand throughout Lancashire, is proud to announce a strategic partnership with Let’s Make A Difference, an impactful and newly established…
MenuContact Menu Crafting the Perfect Company Vision Statement: 5 Steps to Success Introduction Every successful business has a well-crafted vision statement that reflects its long-term goals and aspirations. A company’s vision statement embodies its purpose and mission. It acts as a strategic guide to shape its decisions and actions. But creating a perfect vision statement…
MenuContact Menu How to Define Your Company Culture: A Comprehensive Guide Introduction A lot has been written about company culture, and it may be something you know about and have disregarded in the past. After all, if you have customers who love your products/services, your staff seem relatively happy, and you’re making money, what else…
MenuContact Menu Forward Thinking UK Expands with Second Franchise Location Forward Thinking UK, a leader in business growth, transformation, business community building, and a trusted brand throughout Lancashire, is excited to announce the opening of its second franchise location in South Manchester. This significant milestone marks the continued growth and success of the Forward Thinking…
MenuContact Menu Making a Difference in Lancaster The highly acclaimed business community that is YAB – Your Affordable Board, which has grown quickly out of numerous Lancashire locations, had its inaugural Lancaster event at Forrest Hills on Tuesday 10th October. The event was an energetic and dynamic one with over 40 business leaders attending. YAB…
MenuContact Menu Making a Difference in Manchester The highly acclaimed business community that is YAB – Your Affordable Board, which has grown quickly out of numerous Lancashire locations, had its inaugural Manchester event at Use.Space on Thursday 5th October. The event was an energetic and dynamic one with over 40 business leaders attending. YAB is…
MenuContact Menu Unlocking the 7 Key Qualities of a Transformational Leader Introduction How are business coaches shaping the leadership profiles of their clients these days? One leadership model that’s growing in popularity is Transformational Leadership. In this article, you’ll learn how transformational leaders take a selfless approach to inspire and motivate their teams to achieve…
MenuContact Menu Why Should You Care About Your Company’s Values and Culture? Introduction A quick answer to that question would be something like, “Because it’s not 1985 anymore”. In general, most modern businesses at least understand the idea of values and culture, even if they don’t do anything about them. So, for the business leaders…
MenuContact Menu Leading by Example: Why Authenticity is Critical for Business Leaders Business leadership is more than just titles and positions. It is about guidance, inspiration, and motivation to achieve collective success. A true leader leads by example, is authentic and transparent in their dealings and inspires others to do the same. Authenticity is critical…
MenuContact Menu Why Investing in Coaching is Worthwhile for Long-Term Business Success Introduction As a business leader, you’re always looking for ways to improve productivity and performance within your company. But have you ever considered investing in coaching to achieve those goals? Business coaching has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason.…
MenuContact Menu Don’t Think Outside The Box: Smash It And Get Innovative Innovation is not just a trendy buzzword. In today’s fast-paced world, businesses that don’t innovate die. Companies that encourage innovation typically outperform their competitors and succeed in today’s market. The key is to create a company culture that fosters creativity and experimentation. But…
MenuContact Menu Building A Bulletproof Company Culture Through Effective Leadership Whether you’re a small business or a large corporation, having an influential and strong company culture is essential for success. A positive company culture helps motivate employees to perform better, increases productivity, and creates a sense of job satisfaction. But creating such an environment isn’t…
MenuContact Menu How To Build a Culture of Trust in Your Team At the risk of being over-dramatic, today’s business world can be a tough place where only the strongest survive. But it’s a team effort, and the success of any business depends on how well team members work together to achieve their goals. The…
MenuContact Menu Leadership vs Management: Understanding the Key Differences for Business Success Introduction Aspiring to be a successful business leader? Remember, leadership and management are different skills, so be careful not to confuse the two. Both are critical to your company’s success but require different approaches. Learning the differences between leadership and management is the…
MenuContact Menu Why Skilled Tradespeople Need Business Coaches Introduction Remember when you did your apprenticeship? Apart from the hilarious pranks involving buckets of steam, long stands, and tartan paint, you learned a trade. You worked alongside skilled people you could learn from and grow as a person. Maybe you’ve risen through the ranks and are…
MenuContact Menu Why a Positive Company Culture is Critical for Employee Engagement and Retention Introduction As a business leader, it’s easy to get bogged down with numbers and metrics like profit margins, sales growth, and customer satisfaction. And don’t get us wrong; those are all critical measures you should know intimately. However, if you’re not…
MenuContact Menu Unlocking the Power of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership Introduction Being an effective leader is about more than just having the right credentials or experience. It’s also about h̶a̶v̶i̶n̶g̶ a̶ s̶n̶a̶z̶z̶y̶ c̶a̶r̶ being able to connect with and understand your team, recognising their needs and motivating them to succeed. And to do that well, you…
MenuContact Menu Can you Overcome these Five Business Challenges on Your Own? If you’re like most business leaders, you’ll probably feel like you have to tackle all of your company’s problems on your own. After all, it’s your business. You started it. You’re the one who’s supposed to have the vision. And you’re the one…
MenuContact Menu Why is Growth Important for Businesses? Growth is an important part of any business lifecycle and has many benefits. It’s a sign that your business has been established and has safely come through the start-up phase. Pursuing growth will increase your influence in the market, reduce risks, and provide security in the event…
MenuContact Menu Do you Have What it Takes to be a Great Business Leader? Introduction Everyone has heard of the great business leaders of our time. People like Tim Cook, Elon Musk, Sheryl Sandberg, and Jeff Bezos are renowned for their successes in managing and leading the biggest organisations in history. It’s often tempting to…
MenuContact Menu Think you need a business coach? Here are all the reasons you’re damn right! Have you ever wondered why elite athletes have coaches and mentors? Sure, they have the talent and skill to be successful, but having a coach helps them stay at the top of their game. Guess what? This same concept…
MenuContact Menu The Real Secret to Attracting and Retaining the Best People for Your Business So it turns out that the secret to attracting and retaining the best people for your business isn’t about gimmicks like having an office UFC Octagon, “Dress like a Lord of the Rings character Tuesday”, or even a “bring your…
MenuContact Menu 6 Guaranteed Ways to Demotivate Your Team This Year Introduction Ah, the New Year. A time of resolutions, renewed energy and enthusiasm. Unless you work in a place where your team has been thoroughly demotivated by their superiors. For those of you who have been tasked with keeping morale low this year, we’ve…
MenuContact Menu Why a Recession is the Best Time to Grow (or Start) Your Business Introduction According to the media, we’re approaching a recession, and many businesses may struggle. Some wonder if they should focus on growth or batten down the hatches and wait for the storm to pass. Well, history has shown that recessions…
MenuContact Menu 6 Tips for Managing Your Business During Volatile Times Introduction It’s no secret that we’re living in uncertain times. Political instability, Brexit, the war in Ukraine, and (of course) the fallout from a global pandemic have created an environment of economic uncertainty, the likes of which we haven’t seen in generations. As a…
MenuContact Menu What is Business Culture? [and 5 Ways to Improve Yours] Introduction Ask any HR professional what the most important factor in attracting and retaining top talent is, and they’ll likely say “culture.” But what exactly is business culture? It’s more than just having a pool table in the break room or allowing employees…
MenuContact Menu 6 Ways to Motivate your Team Introduction Anyone who’s ever managed a team knows that keeping employees motivated can sometimes be challenging. After all, no two people are alike, so what motivates one person might not work for another. Luckily, there are a few tried-and-true methods for motivating members of your team that…
MenuContact Menu Business Networking in 2022: What to Expect and How to Succeed Introduction Networking is one of the most effective tools for business development. It’s a great way to connect with potential customers and partners and help you build relationships with other businesses in your industry. Additionally, networking can help you generate new ideas…
MenuContact Menu I have been lucky enough to have a fantastic career within an outstanding business for over 21 years. There have been many highs and lows. I have made many positive decisions and made many mistakes, but the mistakes have been a hugely valuable source of learning to me. My business journey has been hugely enjoyable…
How was your first week back after Christmas? Did you enjoy the meeting on Monday, setting this year’s goals with your team? What did you think of the massive numbers your sales manager made up on the spot? Has your finance director decided to slash 20% of your costs? Top tip – tell them they…
Seriously. Shove it right up there and don’t talk to me about “growth or fixed mindsets”. They’re both just crappy terms some other business coach came up with to sound clever. I hate talking about mindsets with a passion. Why? Because they’re so overused, they’ve become clichés. Talk to any other business coach, and it…
There’s been a lot of talk about tolerance in the media recently, and with good reason. There are loads of issues that need more tolerance – race, gender, politics etc. But there is one area where we need to start being less tolerant. Business. I work with business leaders in tonnes of different industries. One…
