Business coach helps start-ups thrive

A Sutton Coldfield business coach has had a flurry of new businesses sign up to utilise her expertise during the pandemic.

Meta4 Coaching 's Clare Whalley (pictured), who is also vice-president of the Sutton Coldfield Chamber of Commerce, says she encountered a record number of firms in 2020 - many of whom she has been able to help achieve growth.

In particular there has been a surge in sign-ups from creatives - including interior designers, copywriting agencies, illustrators and video production companies.

“It 's the best part of my role as a coach to see people with a business idea and how it comes to life with the right support and structure, ” said Clare.

Among the start-ups Clare has helped is fellow Chamber member Anita Ellis who left her marketing manager role at the height of the pandemic to set up her marketing and copywriting business Lexicomm.

“We 've been working together for just over six months and she is already considering her next growth steps as her agency is almost full of ideal clients, ” said Clare.

Tine Nyland also approached Clare a year ago to help her kickstart her nutrition business Calluna Nutrition.

“Tine came to me 12 months ago and wanted to kickstart her nutrition business, ” Clare explained.

“We worked together to create a brand, a website and business processes to attract the right clientele and she now has a healthy young business ready to grow! ”

Katie Hale, honorary chair of the Sutton Coldfield Chamber, said: “It 's hugely encouraging to see how businesses can start in tough times and that new business ventures are not just surviving but thriving!

“We all need to feel inspired and it 's great to read these success stories. ”