Advisory and coaching franchise changes hands

A well-known Derbyshire businessman has sold his The Alternative Board (TAB) franchise, which provides business owners with support from peer advisory boards and one-to-one coaching, after ten years at the helm.

Julian Smith has handed over the reins of TAB Derby to Max Crosby-Browne, who now plans to expand the organisation into parts of Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire.

The business will now be called TAB East Midlands.

Crosby-Browne, who has had a 35-year career in management, most recently as chief executive of Home Décor GB, joined the Pride Park-based business in May.

He said: “I joined TAB three months ago when I set up TAB East Midlands Central and the logical step was to amalgamate it with the highly successful TAB Derby.

“Over the years, Julian has helped many business leaders fulfil their personal visions and now he has successfully moved towards his own by selling the franchise.

“However, he will remain a significant player in the expanded business, continue to be a facilitator of two of our peer boards.

“Meanwhile, joining me, Julian and Jimi Ball will be a new facilitator, Vicky Blissett, and we have plans to add two further partners in the next six months.

“We have significant interest from potential members in Derbyshire as well Beeston, Stapleford, Long Eaton, Castle Donington, Loughborough, Coalville, Ashby de la Zouch and surrounding areas.

“There are now eight peer boards operating in the area and we expect this to more than double in the next year.”

Smith added: “I am very proud of what we have achieved at TAB Derby but wanted to practise what I preached by securing a better work/life balance.

“I am delighted that Max has taken over because he has a genuine passion for helping business owners and has the knowledge to back it up.

“I am also very pleased to be continuing with TAB so I can pass on the experience I have gleaned over the years.”