Actioncoach Dorset

08/06/2026

Whoever it is, reach out, speak up, you don’t have to do it all alone!

11/05/2026

In this episode of Dorset Business Matters, Simon Ellson sits down with Ian Girling, CEO of Dorset Chamber for a candid conversation about business, leadership, resilience and why community matters more than ever.

Ian shares his journey from delivering coal up Gold Hill in Shaftesbury to leading one of Dorset’s most influential business organisations. Along the way, they explore how Dorset Chamber has evolved from a traditional networking body into a modern, commercially driven organisation supporting business growth, international trade, skills development, wellbeing and lobbying government on behalf of Dorset businesses.

The conversation covers:
• Why business networking still matters in a digital world
• The realities of running a membership organisation without government funding
• Mental health, burnout and leadership during COVID
• The changing role of women in business leadership
• Why chambers must stay modern, engaging and commercially relevant
• Supporting startups, scale-ups and established businesses alike
• The importance of education, skills and future workforce planning
• Ian’s terrifying parachute jump story for charity
• What business owners can learn about resilience, instinct and leadership

This is an honest, insightful and surprisingly personal conversation about business with purpose, leadership under pressure and creating meaningful impact in your community.

If you run a business in Dorset, or anywhere for that matter, there’s plenty in here worth listening to. Link in the comments

03/05/2026

Our head coach a great late birthday present at the Conker Spirit Distillery tour. Hosted by Rupert Holloway the founder. A great excuse to taste multiple flavours of their Dorset gin. All excellent, especially the Navy at 57% wowza! Thanks to Seb Ellson and Claire Ellson, for the company and for driving :)
If you want to know more about Conker, tune in to our podcast and hear Rupert tell his story!
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dorset-business-matters/id1876360725?i=1000756793021

12/04/2026

Quick question for the business owners in here…

What does your AI actually know about your business?
Not "have you used it." I know you've used it.
I mean — does it know you? Your voice. Your goals. What you're trying to build. How do you like to communicate? What you'd never say to a client.

Most people are opening Claude or ChatGPT, typing a question, getting an answer, and starting from scratch every single time.

It's like briefing a consultant from zero. Every. Single. Day.

The ones getting real value from AI aren't the most tech-savvy people in the room.
They're the most intentional.
They've taken 20 minutes to tell the tool who they are, what they do, and what good looks like.

Everything after that? Faster. Sharper. Actually useful.

I saw an infographic this week: "How to Master Claude in One Week."
Decent tips in there. But the real unlock wasn't on the list.

Give it a proper brief. Treat it like a team member.

11/03/2026

09/03/2026

Why do more than 80% of business owners sabotage their own journey?

Take this simple assessment to discover what's holding you back and how to resolve the issue. Based on my book Head Down Balls Up, why self-sabotage kills your progress!

What you'll get when you complete it:

- Your primary self-sabotage pattern (in under 7 minutes)
- One practical action you can take this week
- An invitation to a 15-minute Self Sabotage Review call
- First 50 booked review calls receive a free copy of Head Down, Balls Up

The link is in the comments. Enjoy a journey of self-discovery!

05/03/2026

Brilliant documentary, horrifying to see the scale of this scandal.

05/03/2026

The Podcast Dorset Business Matters we launched in January on Spotify, now also available on Apple Podcasts! Give it a try, honest chat with business owners just like you!

04/03/2026

📢 Exciting Opportunity at MAD Mowers!

We’re a growing local business doing something genuinely exciting — and we’re expanding.

MAD Mowers is inviting applications for a Robot Mower Installation & Sales Technician.

This is a hands-on, outdoor role working with the latest robotic lawn care technology from Kress — GPS-guided mowers that install without a single wire in the ground.

We’re not looking for an electrician. We’re looking for someone who:

🔧 Is confident using smartphones and apps
🤝 Enjoys meeting and helping customers
🌿 Likes working outdoors
🚗 Holds a full UK driving licence

Full training provided. This is a great opportunity to grow with an ambitious and expanding business.

📍 [DT2 9PW]
📅 [Full-time}

💬 Interested? Message us directly or send your CV to [email protected]

27/02/2026

If nothing changes,
where will the business be this time next year?

Same hours.
Same pressure.
Same conversations with yourself.

Or you could choose differently.

That starts with a conversation: