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Phil Smith Peer Board

Finding a New Purpose with a TAB Franchise

Before joining The Alternative Board (TAB), Phil Smith had an extensive career in the professional audio industry, where he worked with recording studios, broadcasters, and professional musicians, and later expanded into areas such as podcasting and video games. Over the years, Phil built two global brands and learned the ins and outs of running a successful business, experiencing both the highs of growth and the lows of challenges.

His entrepreneurial journey began with a classic “two guys in a garage” story. A friend and business partner shared his vision, and they co-founded SC Electronics, a company that grew to a £5 million turnover and employed 20 staff. After running it successfully for 15 years, the company had to go into administration. However, from the lessons learned, Phil co-founded another business—Aston Microphones—which grew to over £8 million in turnover and also employed 20 staff. Aston Microphones became an industry success, and Phil had the opportunity to sell the business, marking an exciting career milestone.

Phil Smith

Milton Keynes
TAB Franchisee since 2021
Phil Smith Peer Board

“As a TAB facilitator, I enjoy hearing people's stories and the satisfaction that comes from helping them solve challenges they've been struggling with. TAB allows me to do just that, giving me a real sense of fulfilment.”

Finding the Next Challenge

After selling the business in 2021, Phil was at a crossroads. While two of his business partners retired, Phil still felt he had more to offer and wasn’t ready to step back from the business world. He started looking for his next challenge.

Phil's friend, a TAB member in Manchester, recommended he look into TAB, sharing how invaluable the peer advisory board had been in helping him navigate the ups and downs of running a business. After exploring the opportunity, Phil realised that TAB was the perfect fit for him. It provided a way for him to stay connected to the corporate world while allowing him to run his own business again. Most importantly, it gave him the chance to help other business owners avoid some of the mistakes he had encountered in his own entrepreneurial journey.

"I’m passionate about helping people focus on what truly matters in their business and personal lives. That’s why I love TAB’s approach, especially with the personal vision exercises. I want to help business owners succeed without sacrificing their relationships or life balance, something I’ve learned the hard way."

Phil Smith - New

The Reward of Being a TAB Facilitator

Phil enjoys the variety that comes with being a TAB facilitator. "What I love most is hearing people's stories and helping them solve challenges. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see someone transform from feeling stuck to making real progress in their business."

Each member’s needs are unique, and TAB’s flexibility allows facilitators like Phil to offer personalised support. "Some members just need someone to talk to, while others require more hands-on help with their business. Seeing them grow and succeed over time is the biggest reward."

Supporting Local Business Owners

Even early in his TAB journey, Phil has seen how his input has made a difference to his members. He recalls feedback from one member who described him as a "much-needed sounding board and a constant source of support and energy." For Phil, this kind of feedback affirms that he’s on the right path.

His favourite feedback includes a member telling him, "I was in passive mode, but now I’m much more proactive," and another member realising, "Growth doesn’t have to mean stress." Phil sees these moments as proof of the value that TAB brings to its members, helping them grow their businesses and reduce stress along the way.

Phil Smith Peer Board

“One of the key strengths of the TAB experience is that it’s tailored to each member. Every business is different, so the "one-size-fits-all" approach simply doesn’t work. The beauty of the TAB model is its ability to adapt and flex based on where a business owner is in their journey and what they’re trying to achieve.”

Transitioning to TAB

Phil's transition from corporate life to becoming a TAB facilitator was smooth. "In my previous businesses, we were a close-knit team. My concern was losing that day-to-day contact, but the TAB community is so strong that I didn’t feel that way at all. It’s like I’ve swapped one family for another."

Phil has found great support through the TAB network. "The connections with other TAB Business Owners (TBOs) have been fantastic. I never hesitate to pick up the phone for advice, and people regularly check in to see how I’m doing. The support from head office and the community is always there, and I’m grateful for that."

Ongoing Support from TAB

Phil found the onboarding process at TAB to be thorough and detailed, providing him with all the tools he needed to get started. However, due to personal circumstances, his launch was delayed. Despite this, he always felt supported by the TAB team. "I never felt like I was alone, and that was incredibly important to me."

The ongoing support from TAB continues to be a significant asset for Phil. "The head office team is approachable and always there when needed. There’s a constant flow of best practice sharing, new initiatives, and regular check-ins. I couldn’t ask for more."

Phil Smith Peer Board

Challenges Overcome and Lessons Learned

For Phil, one of the biggest challenges has been learning new skills, particularly in sales and marketing. "In my previous companies, we had specialists for everything. But as a TAB facilitator, I’ve had to develop those skills myself. Going from a situation where people came to us to having to actively sell myself was a big adjustment."

However, Phil has overcome these challenges with the help of TAB’s resources and digital tools. "The digital media packs and LinkedIn resources have been lifesavers. They’ve made marketing much easier and helped me build my presence."

Would He Choose TAB Again?

"Absolutely," Phil says without hesitation. "I passionately believe in the value of TAB. I know how much it could have benefited our own business if we’d had that kind of support back then. TAB helps business owners avoid the inward-looking mindset and encourages them to focus outwardly, which is so important for growth."

Phil is confident that choosing TAB was the right decision for him and wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.

Phil and his member Chris Rodbourne crop

Looking Back: What Would He Do Differently?

Reflecting on his journey so far, Phil says the only thing he would change is the pace of his launch. "I found the launch period too intense, and personal circumstances slowed things down. If I could go back, I’d take it slower and build up more gradually."

But despite the challenges, Phil is grateful for the support he received from TAB, which allowed him to navigate through a difficult time while still building a successful business.

Phil’s journey with TAB has allowed him to use his extensive business experience to help others while building a fulfilling new career. Through TAB, he continues to support small business owners in Milton Keynes, helping them achieve success without sacrificing what matters most.

Advice for Future Franchisees

Phil has this advice for anyone considering becoming a TAB facilitator: "If you’re looking at TAB, know that you’re not doing it alone. The support is second to none. The team makes a huge effort to ensure that knowledge is shared across the group, and you’ll feel like you’re part of a team that’s moving forward together, even while running your own business."

Phil describes TAB as offering the "best of both worlds"—the independence to run your own business with the support of a well-established, collaborative network.

Interested in Becoming a TAB Franchisee?

If Phil’s journey resonates with you, and you’re interested in helping small businesses thrive while enjoying the support of a collaborative community, TAB could be the perfect opportunity. Whether you come from a similar background like Phil or have your own entrepreneurial experience, TAB offers the training, resources, and ongoing support to help you build a successful business.

If this sounds like something you’d like to explore, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch with us today to find out more about how TAB can help you achieve your business and personal goals.

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