Chris Spratling
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Chris Spratling
Chalkhill Blue
Chris Spratling is the founder of Chalkhill Blue Limited , an award-winning business and executive coaching practice based in Brinkworth , near Royal Wootton Bassett . A former CEO of Readers Digest and serial entrepreneur Chris has vast experience of launching , growing and exiting multiple businesses as well as being an experienced transformation consultant and a certified business coach .
When did you launch Chalkhill Blue and why ?
Chalkhill Blue was originally launched in 2005 as a transformation consultancy and executive coaching practice . However , in 2015 we decided to expand the offering to include business coaching with the sole aim of creating the South West ’ s leading business and executive coaching practice .
As an owner of multiple businesses , I understood only too well the many challenges that keep even the most experienced company owner awake at night . Moreover , having seen just how little quality support existed , I became passionate about helping entrepreneurs - from start-ups , fledgling brands and established enterprises – to build and grow their business .
Why do companies need a business coach ?
I ’ ve personally invested in coaching over the years and have benefitted enormously .
At Chalkhill Blue we pride ourselves on the fact all of our coaches are successful business owners in their own right and have “ hands-on ” experience of launching , growing and successfully exiting their businesses .
Our ethos is firmly based on the fact that without this background it is impossible to help all but the smallest company .
We work with a range of clients from £ 100,000 turnover to £ 30 million ! We tailor our approach accordingly . Irrespective of size , problems tend to be similar within a company .
The biggest buzz we get is out of helping our clients achieve an average of 50-70 % growth year on year .
We ’ ve worked out for every £ 1 our clients spend on us , we help them deliver an incremental £ 15 to the business .
How do you differ from other business coaching practices ?
Sadly the business coaching industry remains unregulated meaning just about anyone can claim to be a business coach . The industry is littered with coaches making all sorts of unsubstantiated claims and false promises of success .
At Chalkhill Blue we pride ourselves on the fact that all of our coaches have hands-on experience of launching , growing and exiting at least one business successfully . Our ethos is firmly based on the fact that without this background it is impossible to help all but the smallest company .
We equally offer a “ no contract ” proposition to all of our clients because we ’ re confident about what we can deliver . It ’ s a great WIN : WIN as the client is never handcuffed to a solution that isn ’ t right for them and it keeps us really focused and under pressure to deliver the necessary results within the agreed timescales .
Why do companies need a business coach ?
We often come across established business owners who are caught up in the day-to-day running of their company and don ’ t know how to move things on . Simplistically we think there are 4 simple reasons why hiring an award-winning firm of business coaches might be the smartest , most valuable decision you could make , namely ;
1 . OBJECTIVITY Our coaches use all of their experience to bring another a pair of objective eyes to bear by looking at your business , your actions and your decisions . They identify your blind spots , and act as a sounding board whilst recognising your potential and ensuring that you develop a plan to realise it .
2 . ACCESS TO WORLD CLASS RESOURCES As a business owner you have to manage your team , your customers , your sales and marketing , your finances , your systems , and your strategic planning . A good coach will leverage all of their experience on your behalf , ensuring that you are using the very best systems , tools and techniques to address all of these areas efficiently and effectively .
3 . ACCOUNTABILITY In most businesses , unlike your employees , there is rarely anyone to keep you , the business owner , accountable . A great business coach not only helps you build a winning plan but also keeps you accountable for delivering it .
4 . RESULTS Like any investment you should expect a decent return on any investment in coaching . If you ’ re not confident that the coach can really deliver find another one !
Who ’ s an ideal client ?
We work with a hugely diverse portfolio of clients from all sorts of industry sectors . The common factor across all of these businesses is without a doubt the owners level of ambition and determination to grow and / or reach their other goals such as an exit .
Given the background of our coaches we tend to attract the clients that really want to achieve significant year on year growth i . e . 50 %+. It ’ s really where we are at our best . Fortunately the results we help our clients achieve more than match these growth percentages and today our largest proportion of new business comes from client referrals .
What else are you involved with ?
Outside of work I have two very ambitious daughters who compete nationally and internationally in pursuit of equestrian glory . Consequently , I am regularly found holding a horse or behind the wheel of a horsebox . It ’ s a great leveller !
I ’ ve also been hugely privileged to be a Special Trustee with Great Ormond Street Children ’ s Hospital Charity for 7 years . As a company in 2018 we are also supporting the Reading-based Dingley ’ s Promise charity which supports under 5s with life changing needs and their families .
Personally , I ’ m passionate about giving back . If you ’ ve got knowledge and had success it ’ s important to share it when and where you can .
For more info : www . chalkhillblue . org
IN PROFILE
@ SpratlingChris
WORK - MEET - EVENTS - CAFÉ Be part of the innovative south-west business community at Hartham Park
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MAKE HISTORY
01249 700 000 Harthampark . com Corsham , Wiltshire Just off M4 Junction 17
THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2018 31