Over the past two years, the Association of Business Mentors has been on a determined journey: from a moment of honest reflection to a stronger, more inclusive and more influential professional home for business mentors. 

In autumn 2024, we paused to listen. Our strategic review brought together feedback from members, partners and focus groups, asking a straightforward question: were we doing enough for the profession we exist to serve?  

The answer was clear. We weren’t doing enough, There was a lot more to do. 

That clarity became the starting point for change. We set out to put ABM members at the forefront of business mentoring, while helping more businesses access the high-quality support they need to grow with confidence and protect their wellbeing. 

Membership  

First came a more inclusive membership pathway. For the first time, people interested in mentoring can find a credible route into the profession, while experienced mentors can continue progressing towards Fellowship. We also introduced Organisational Membership, recognising that a culture of mentoring has to reach beyond individuals and into workplaces.  

The result has been powerful: paying membership has grown by 300% since January 2025, while our member recommendation score moved from -11 to +8. 

Training  

We have built a new Training Centre from the ground up. Designed by people who understand the realities of mentoring, it provides practical learning for every stage of a mentor’s journey. In its first phase, the centre developed four courses, achieved professional training accreditation and trained 700 learners. It has created a new source of income for the Association, but more importantly, it is strengthening the confidence, capability and consistency of mentors supporting UK businesses.

Brand and website  

Our transformation has not just been about what we offer. It has also been about how we show up. A new brand, website and member system were delivered in four months, creating a clearer, more modern expression of who we are and making it easier for members to engage. In the first week after launch, 800 members logged in, compared with 100 during the previous website launch. That is a simple signal, but an important one: when people feel welcomed, informed and connected, they participate. 

Co-Chair the National Business Mentoring Council  

Beyond our own community, ABM’s voice is carrying further. Following our call for a more joined-up approach to high-quality business mentoring, we were invited to co-chair a new National Business Mentoring Council alongside 20 leading organisations. The Council is working to improve awareness of, and routes to, quality mentoring across the UK. 

Delivery partner of Help to Grow: Management Course  

We have also secured a three-year extension to our role in the mentoring element of Help to Grow: Management Course, building on support already provided to 3,000 mentors. 

This is not a finish line. It is evidence of what can happen when a committed team, engaged members and a clear purpose move in the same direction. 

‘As a mentor, I have followed the steady transformation of the ABM with interest and a degree of pride. I wanted to say well done for such a brilliant year! It is clear this has been a breakthrough year for the ABM. I am looking forward to seeing what you do next year…. Thank you for all you do to raise the profile of mentoring.’  ABM Fellow, Tanya Pethwick, December 2025 

ABM’s new Chair Mark Walley upon his appointment in March 2026 asked me as CEO how we built ‘this great team and delivered so much in so little time’. I told him this team is value aligned, driven, entrepreneurial, passionate, and importantly incredibly personable and fun.  

I am incredibly proud of how far we have travelled, and even more energised by where we can go next: championing high standards, supporting mentors to thrive and helping more businesses benefit from great mentoring. 

Thank you to all ABM members, the team and the wider business community. There is lots more to come!  

Georgina

CEO, ABM