Turning my global experience into local success

Following a career that took him to all four corners of the globe, Bill Squires wanted to use his experience as a force for good, creating an abundant business community in his native Yorkshire. 

Launching his own ActionCOACH business in January 2018, Bill, never one to shy away from a challenge, has combined his extensive knowledge with a passion for developing people and their businesses – all whilst building a rewarding business for himself.

Working around the world

After finishing his degree in civil engineering at the University of Bristol, Bill’s career took off working for an oilfield service company. “I was straight out of university and like many wasn’t sure what to do next. My first role allowed me to travel the world, taking me to places with such a variety of landscapes and cultures such as the Netherlands, Egypt, Pakistan and Gabon.

“After working there for five years, I decided I wanted a change, so I spent a great year studying an MBA at INSEAD in France. I came back to the UK and started working for a venture capital company in Hull.”

Bill’s next adventure took him, again, to the other side of the world. “I met a former colleague who asked if I’d be interested in starting up their industrial consultancy’s first overseas office, in Australia. I jumped at the chance, emigrating with my family in the early -90s. We grew the business from scratch, working with some of the manufacturing industry’s biggest global brands before I returned home to manage their UK office.” 

After a spell at a car retailing company, Bill moved into facilities management, staying at the same company for over a decade before being headhunted to join a building services organisation. “Over this period, I really became an expert in business mergers and acquisitions. Would you believe the company I worked for was acquired six times and changed their name on seven occasions!”

The world is your oyster

By 2017, Bill wanted to do something different. With nearly four decades of experience behind him, choices abound – the world was his oyster – then he found his calling: ActionCOACH. 

“Since returning from Australia, I’d spent most of my time in the UK living in Yorkshire, whilst working and travelling nationally. I was at the stage where I wanted to do something closer to home, adding value to my local community. It was at this point I was approached by ActionCOACH – straight off the bat it sounded like my kind of business. So, after I did my due diligence, I knew it’d be my next move. The culture really stood out to me, so in January 2018, I decided to invest.

“My first client followed soon after! I was at one of my first networking events and they approached me to coach them and the rest is history – over six years on and we’re still working together.” 

Bill knew, however, that clients wouldn’t always flow so smoothly – he couldn’t rest on his laurels and knew the key to success was to continuously improve. “I know some coaches fly straight out the blocks, but a slow and steady start was more of a natural fit for me. I joined several networking groups and began to build up my clientele. 

“The opportunities ActionCOACH provide to continue your personal development are outstanding. I’ve attended some great sessions that have given me so much extra knowledge, meaning I can stay on top of my game and add value to my clients. I have a real passion for developing people and growing their businesses, and these opportunities, provided on a regular basis by ActionCOACH, are integral to allowing me to keep doing so.”

A world of recognition in an abundant community

Over six years later, Bill now has 22 clients, delivering a mixture of 1-to-1 coaching and group coaching. What this has created is an abundant community of businesses in his local area – a goal Bill sought to achieve before investing in his own ActionCOACH firm. 

“So many of the businesses I’ve worked with have grown significantly over the years. It’s great to see their profits rise, but I take a real buzz out of seeing how those business owners and their teams have developed too.”

The stellar work Bill has done in his local community has translated to national success for his clients. 21 Degrees Digital, a pioneering digital marketing agency based in Leeds, has won back-to-back awards at ActionCOACH’s signature BizX award ceremony. Coaching several more finalists, awards are a pivotal part of Bill’s coaching journey. “They’re really important! Not just for the kudos they provide in that business’s industry and wider community but for themselves to reflect on the great work they’ve done, also possibly identifying the areas they need to work on and continue to develop.”  

Highlighting the lofty position awards have, Bill and his team host an annual awards ceremony, ‘Bill’s Big Bash’. “We’ve got such a great community, it’s only right to honour them!” 

Looking ahead, Bill is loving what he is doing but knows he needs a sound exit strategy as and when he hangs up his coaching boots. “Currently I’m working with my coach on producing a really thorough plan for the next five years. I want to keep growing the business but I know, as someone nearing their mid-60s, the time will come when I want to retire, but for now the appetite is certainly still there and I’m hungry for more!”

The best of both worlds

On the best aspect of being an ActionCOACH franchise partner, Bill says, “It has to be the opportunities they provide to allow you to continuously improve. I mentioned how much I take away from the sessions they provide for the network – they are always fantastic – I always leave with something new to help my clients.”

Bill also appreciates the responsibility and freedom afforded to your business:

“ActionCOACH’s systems and processes work – they’ve got three decades of evidence illustrating this, but they do let coaches adapt their approach – it isn’t one-size-fits-all and I think that’s been a key part to the successes I’ve had.”

Community is another highlight for Bill. “I’ve touched on the amazing client community I’ve been lucky enough to create, but the coaches’ community within the ActionCOACH network is also outstanding – it is such a supportive environment – everyone is happy to lend a hand at a moment’s notice. It is truly a great community to be a part of!”

Running his own ActionCOACH business has given Bill the flexibility to pursue his own passions. “A few years back, I cycled from London to Edinburgh and back again within a 125-hour time frame and, more recently, I did the Cape Wrath challenge – just me and my tent walking through Scotland. 

“ActionCOACH has allowed me to have that balance. It’s been such a fantastic opportunity – I’ve loved every minute of my journey so far. I think if you approach it with an open mind, ready to learn and you’re prepared to really put the hours in, I can’t think of a more rewarding business.”

Running a successful business while being able to pursue your passions is a dream for many business owners, but it could be a reality. Speak to one of our advisors today to see if an ActionCOACH franchise could give you the dream life you deserve.