The Alternative Board North Chilterns
Improve your business and change your life with The Alternative Board
Start your TAB journey
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Discover Local Business Support with TAB North Chilterns
TAB North Chilterns and Oxford is a thriving community that aims to support business owners by creating a collaborative environment where they can offer mutual assistance. We offer expert business advice through personalised business coaching and advisory boards to help business owners in the Chilterns and Oxford areas achieve a healthier work-life balance.
Start your TAB journey
Fill out your details below and we'll be in touch to arrange an introductory call.
Why choose TAB to support you and your business?
We are proud to work with over 100 businesses in Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire and have established a strong local presence.
Globally, we are connected to over 400 UK businesses and thousands more across more than 20 countries. As a result, The Alternative Board has become a leading international business support network.
If you find this interesting or are looking for local business coaching and advisory services, please feel free to reach out to James or David.
Over 5x
TAB members’ sales growth is 5.5 times the national SME average
96%
Of TAB members said their advisory boards added real value to their business
91%
TAB members report improved ability to address personal and business issues.
Your North Chilterns Facilitators
Get in touch with James
James Ross is The Alternative Board Managing Director and business coach for the North Chilterns. He has a wide range of experience having spent 20 years working in tier 1 Investment Banks, both as a qualified accountant running large Finance teams and as Prince 2 certified program manager running large projects for the front office.
Having left the City, James has set up his own business, investing in property and renovating old houses into high yielding quality shared living accommodation for professionals, both in Oxford and Greater Manchester.
James has a passion for coaching and mentoring business owners and has a unique set of experiences to help business owners allied to exceptional problem-solving abilities.
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I am a practical, focused, and passionate business leader and am now delighted to be a TAB Facilitator. Having spent over 30 years in senior leadership roles in large corporates, my focus is now on leveraging these experiences and skills to help and support SME owners to achieve their business and personal goals. I recognise the ingenuity and drive required to be an SME owner and entrepreneur and the pressure that can come with it to thrive and survive.
My aim is to provide grounded help and support, typically to people who are looking for support as:
· They would like help to take their business to the next level.
· Their business is stalling.
· They face challenges, maybe feel overwhelmed and do not have a business support network or sounding board.
· Have challenges with building an effective and engaged team.
One of my core skills is helping businesses and individuals to get to the nub of the issue or opportunity, to understand them and to build straightforward practical plans. Quite often business SME owners benefit from help in:
· Nailing down their personal and business goals.
· Help to understand the barriers and opportunities to achieve these goals.
· Building a roadmap.
· Engaging and focussing their team.
· Having a sounding board and a pinch of discipline.
I have developed these skills working in some amazing organisations that invested heavily in me as an individual. I have held the role of Managing Director at a UK and European level and was Chief Operating Officer for a bank of which I was part of the leadership team that took the business to a market listing. I have a broad base of experience from sales and marketing to business transformation and strategy across a number of sectors. My real strength has been helping individuals, teams, and businesses achieve their potential.
Born in Hertfordshire, I live in Berkhamsted with my wife Karin, and we have a grown-up daughter and son. I enjoy cycling, walking, snowboarding, and generally keeping fit.
I love getting to know people and learning about their businesses. If you would like to have a chat about how TAB could help you grow and develop your business, please get in touch.
Discover the power of peer advice
Start with you
Focus on what you want in life and how your business can help get you there.
Increase profitability
Be held accountable to meet your business targets.
Improve decisions
Take control of your decisions through peer support and proven planning tools.
Make better time choices
Spend your time well by utilising the experience of others.
Become a better leader
Motivate your people with the guidance of peers and an expert coach.
Plan a successful exit
Get the best result for you with tailored, hands-on support.
What our members say...
Having a Peer Board is an amazing asset to me. It’s a safe and supportive environment where you get the support of other business owners who are committed to your success. It’s allowing me to be candid and get different views on sorting out knotty problems.
Start your TAB journey
Get in touch with James or David using the forms on this page.
They will contact you to arrange an introductory meeting.
Chat about whether TAB is right for you and your business.
Attend your first TAB board meeting and experience the power of peer support.
There’s no obligation, only an opportunity to find out more.
Start your TAB journey
Fill out your details below, and we'll get in touch to arrange an introductory call.
Latest news and insights
On the spot: James Ross - TAB North Chilterns & Oxford
In this quick-fire interview, James Ross shares a deeper insight into his career, motivators and the time he fell off a treadmill.
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