Solent Mobility Centre, which is based in Gosport, is a well-established, family-run business providing mobility equipment and support to customers across Hampshire. Originally founded by Ben’s parents, the company has strong roots in the local community. As Ben and his brother stepped into leadership roles, they recognised that the business needed a clearer direction if it was going to grow and succeed in a changing market.
“If we didn’t join ActionCOACH Portsmouth & Chichester, we’d still be in the same position we were seven or eight years ago. No direction, still out on the road working on the tools,” Ben explains.
At that stage, Ben was heavily involved in day-to-day operations. Like many business owners, he had little time for strategic planning, system development or long-term business growth. That is when he began working with Steve, a certified ActionCOACH business coach who has been in the industry for over 15 years.
A Flexible Coaching Relationship That Fits the Business
Steve’s approach to coaching is highly flexible and tailored to each client’s needs. For Solent Mobility, this means sessions are held where and when they’re most effective, whether that’s via Zoom, on-site at their premises in Gosport or at our office in Havant. This ensures that coaching fits around Ben’s schedule, rather than the other way around.
Ben also actively participates in wider ActionCOACH programmes, including:
- GrowthCLUB: Which is our quarterly planning sessions for Hampshire and West Sussex businesses
- Monthly Business Workshops: Such as our Sales and Marketing Day held in March
- The BizX Conference: An annual business seminar, which Ben attends each year with ActionCOACH Portsmouth and Chichester and our clients.
This mix of one-to-one coaching, group learning and ongoing support has played a key role in Solent Mobility’s progress.
Measurable Business Growth
Since beginning their coaching journey, Solent Mobility has experienced substantial improvements across the board:
- Turnover increased from £500,000 to £750,000
- The team grew from 9 to 15 employees
- Gross profit rose from £250,000 to £325,000
- Net profit more than tripled, rising from £30,000 to over £100,000
These results are underpinned by a clear shift in mindset. Coaching has helped Ben move away from being absorbed in operational tasks to becoming a strategic business leader.
“My hours are probably the same but now I’m working on the business, not in it. I get more time with my children and that’s something you can’t get back.” – Ben, Director
With strong systems in place and a focus on tracking performance, Solent Mobility is better organised, more efficient and more focused on long-term goals.
Plans for the Future
With one successful site in Gosport, Ben is now planning further expansion. Current goals include:
- Launching a national e-commerce platform to reach more customers across the UK
- Opening a second premises in the local area
These ambitions are supported by structured planning and the confidence that comes from years of consistent coaching and development.
Solent Mobility’s Business Coach, Steve Mullins Says:
“Ben is a great example of what can happen when a business owner commits fully to their growth journey. Over the past 10 years, he’s taken real ownership of his development and that of his business… and the results speak for themselves.”
— Steve, ActionCOACH Portsmouth & Chichester
Supporting Businesses Across Hampshire
Whether you’re in retail, professional services, construction or any other sector, business coaching can help you create a stronger, more scalable company. From Fareham to Chichester, Southampton to Winchester, we support ambitious business owners across Hampshire and West Sussex who are ready to grow, improve performance and reclaim their time.
If you’re ready to take the next step, get in touch with ActionCOACH Portsmouth & Chichester to learn how we can support your business success.
Book a complimentary strategy call with one of our business coaches today and discover how transformational business coaching can be – Just click here.
