Gary Wagstaff: Proud to Be Part of a Powerful Global Brand

For Gary Wagstaff, joining ActionCOACH UK was about more than starting a second business. It was an opportunity to become a better business owner, help other entrepreneurs succeed and become part of a global community with a shared purpose.

Gary joined ActionCOACH at the beginning of 2017 and launched his business coaching practice in Northamptonshire that March. Already an established manufacturing business owner, he knew what it took to build a company. But he also recognised that there was more he could learn — and more he could achieve.

Looking back, Gary believes he would have made the move years earlier if he had understood just how much the franchise opportunity could offer.

From business owner to business coach

Before joining ActionCOACH UK, Gary ran a manufacturing business specialising in converting trailers and vehicles into high-specification catering outlets for street food, film and festival markets. Every project was built to meet the individual customer’s requirements.

By December 2016, the business had reached its tenth anniversary and celebrated its best year of trading to date. It was a significant milestone, but it also prompted Gary to reflect on what came next.

“We’d put in a huge amount of hard work to achieve those results, but I was conscious that I’d reached a ceiling when it came to my own business knowledge. I couldn’t see how to make the business better or more profitable without external help. I felt we would just repeat the same year over and over.”

Gary had worked with an ActionCOACH in the early years of his manufacturing business. Looking back at the systems and processes he had introduced during that time, he was reminded of the impact business coaching could have. It prompted him to get back in touch with ActionCOACH.

Discovering a bigger opportunity

Gary was invited to attend a discovery day at ActionCOACH UK’s head office. The experience gave him an insight into the franchise model, the support available to franchise partners and the wider impact business coaching could have.

One idea particularly resonated with him: helping business owners move away from what is sometimes called “superhero syndrome” — feeling they must do everything themselves because they worry nobody else can do it as well.

The team also explained how helping small and medium-sized businesses become more profitable can support growth and create employment opportunities.

For Gary, the combination of personal development, business growth and positive community impact made a compelling case.

“By lunchtime, I’d already made more notes than I had in a lifetime of business, and I had enough action points to go away and improve my own business straight away.”

He was excited by the prospect of helping other business owners overcome challenges, build stronger companies and create opportunities for their employees. He also wanted to put what he learned back into his own manufacturing business, demonstrating that a company could become more profitable and operate effectively without its owner needing to be involved in every day-to-day decision.

By the end of the discovery day, Gary had decided he wanted to become an ActionCOACH franchise partner.

Getting started with ActionCOACH UK

Following his own due diligence, Gary began preparing for the next stage of his career. Pre-training materials and practical checklists helped him work through the essential steps involved in establishing his coaching business, from company administration to banking arrangements.

In February 2017, he attended an intensive five-day training programme to become a certified Business Growth Expert, before launching his practice the following month.

For Gary, the training was only one part of the experience. Equally important was the community he joined.

“The training provided at the start and throughout my journey has been first class. What’s more, the community I’m now surrounded by is something I’ve never experienced before — a group of like-minded business people from all walks of life, with a shared passion and drive to succeed and give back to their local communities.”

He found himself surrounded by people willing to share their experience, offer advice and help one another improve. Being part of that network gave him access to a wider pool of knowledge and encouragement than he had experienced running a business on his own.

Growing two businesses and growing personally

Joining ActionCOACH prompted a change in how Gary approached his own development. Before 2017, he rarely read books. He now makes a point of reading at least one business-related book a month and regularly attends development events to expand his knowledge.

“I’ve learnt more about myself on a personal and business level in the last nine months than I have done in the rest of my adult life — and it’s amazing!”

That commitment to learning feeds directly into his work with clients. Gary helps business owners develop plans and strategies to improve profitability, strengthen their operations and make running their businesses more enjoyable.

He also continues to develop his manufacturing company, applying the same principles to make it stronger and less dependent on his direct involvement.

Gary described dividing his working week between the two businesses: around three days focused on manufacturing and two days working with ActionCOACH clients. Having a coach of his own helps him stay accountable to the goals and actions he sets.

His experience illustrates an important lesson: business owners can benefit from support and accountability, too. Having someone to challenge your thinking and help you follow through can make a difference, even when you already have years of experience.

The benefits of a proven brand and shared experience

Running two businesses while raising three young children is demanding, and Gary is clear that franchising takes commitment. But he believes joining ActionCOACH gave him a valuable head start compared with building a coaching business entirely from scratch.

“The biggest eye-opener for me is that, by buying into a franchise model, a big chunk of the hard graft has already been done for me compared with going it alone and starting a business from scratch.”

For Gary, the established brand, marketing presence, business systems and support network were important parts of the appeal. Rather than having to build awareness of a new coaching business from the beginning, he could operate under a recognised international brand while focusing on developing relationships with clients and delivering value.

“I’m proud to be associated with such a powerful worldwide brand.”

The franchise model also offered a framework for continued learning and development, helping Gary build his skills as a coach while putting new ideas into practice in his existing company.

A decision he would make again

Balancing two businesses with family life is not always easy, but Gary has no regrets about making the move. In fact, he believes he would have joined ActionCOACH much sooner if he had known what the experience would bring.

“Is it hard work, when juggling another business and three small children? Yes, it is! Do I think it’s worth it, and would I invest in the franchise if I could do it all over again? The answer is a resounding yes. I would have done it five years earlier if I’d known.”

For Gary, the value lies in more than the commercial opportunity. It is about continuing to grow as a person, strengthening his own business, helping other entrepreneurs realise their potential and contributing to the success of his local business community.

Could you be the next ActionCOACH UK franchise partner?

Gary’s advice to anyone considering a similar change is simple: take the first step and explore the opportunity for yourself.

“If you’ve got to this part of the article and you’re still reading, then just pick up the phone and attend a discovery day. Whether it gives you a reason to make a change or to stay as you are, you’ll have a better understanding of what’s possible.”

If you’re an ambitious business owner or professional looking for a new challenge, becoming an ActionCOACH UK franchise partner could offer a way to build a business of your own, develop new skills and help other businesses thrive.

Discover the opportunity and take the first step towards your next chapter.

Ready to explore the possibilities?

Watch our overview video to discover more about becoming an ActionCOACH UK franchise partner.