What our clients say about us?

Business Coaching 

Better business, happier people, how business coaching has improved life in general for these IT specialists

Established in 2002, Ventrus Networks offers dedicated IT support, consultancy and real-time server monitoring services. Based in Berkshire, it had built a loyal client following around the south east and beyond, but when the recession forced several customers’ businesses to fold, managing director Andy Chapman decided it was time to take external advice.

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'I’m essentially a technical person' Andy explains, 'rather than having a natural business focus. I knew my knowledge was inadequate if I wanted to grow my business in this climate, so I enrolled on a two-day strategy course in 2010 which was led by Ian Banister. It was an excellent course, which really made me think differently, and I asked Ian to continue to coach me on a one-to-one basis'.

Leadership Development Training

Unveiling the bigger picture to future leaders worldwide

In 2010, DEK’s (now ASMPT) human resources director, Dave Mudge, and chief information officer, Ian Bleazard, each enrolled on an open, multi-module leadership and management course. Their aim was to refresh their knowledge and gain new ideas on strategic leadership to take back to DEK. Both directors found the course relatively unexceptional … until they each attended a module run by trainer and coach, Ian Banister.

‘Here was a guy with an incredible ability to assimilate situations put to him by delegates from completely different organisations and disciplines,’ says Dave. ‘He skilfully built upon each concept, encouraging strategic thought and challenging people’s perceptions in a most supportive and engaging way.’

The Coach, The Mentor, The Facilitator

A project that turned into much more

Clients often approach Sandlea Associates with a general idea of what they need, and this project was no different.

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Jim Baker Managing Director of Chartered Surveyors James A Baker was first introduced to Ian in 2014. At that time the business was at a crossroads in terms of business strategy and people development.

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Since that date Ian has become a valuable member of the James A Baker team providing in the first instance support to the directors in setting the future strategic direction, identifying the risks and opportunities, and recognising the strengths and areas of development of the people within the business.

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Jim said 'Following the sharing of the strategic aims with the team, I asked Ian to support the people and teams within the business through regular coaching and mentoring support. Ian’s role as our non-executive people director is now well established and accepted by the whole team.'

Coaching and Training

Leadership and your people, the only way

Karl Snelling Managing Director first Ian for seven years ago on a leadership programme he was facilitating. Karl says ' I found Ian's  style of delivery, alongside his ability to ask the challenging but relevant questions really motivated me to look at my style of leadership'.

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'This process helped me as I transitioned into the Managing Director role at GDS instruments and following my appointment I had no hesitation in asking Ian to come into the business to assist me in structuring the business and developing my senior leadership team'