My journey into business mentoring – and why ILM qualifications matter
My journey into business mentoring has been shaped not just by experience, but by the impact of ILM qualifications on my professional development. My route wasn’t linear, and that’s exactly why I care so deeply about doing it well. I spent many years working in HR, often informally coaching line managers and board members through complex […]
Why professional business mentoring matters for business leaders
Running a business can sometimes feel like being on a tightrope—balancing strategy, people, and your own ideas, all while trying not to wobble. That’s why professional business mentoring is such a game-changer. It’s not just about giving advice; it’s about helping people see clearly, build confidence, and actually follow through on the plans that will make their business thrive. One of the biggest benefits […]
How ABM MPower award winner Sean Masters creates real business impact
In this episode of the ABM Podcast: Game Changer – The Impact of Mentoring, Kerrie Dorman sits down with Sean Masters, winner of the inaugural ABM MPower Award, to explore the real moments where mentoring creates lasting business impact. Sean shares his mentoring philosophy, rooted in simplicity, clarity, and confident action. Drawing on his background in marketing, SaaS, […]
The human engine: how business mentoring fuels UK business success
Professional business mentoring is often framed in terms of spreadsheets and KPIs, but its true, transformative power lies in the human engine of a business. For UK businesses facing constant change and pressure, business mentoring delivers an impact that is deep, emotional, and profoundly practical. It moves far beyond simple advice, evolving into a crucial […]
Mentoring vs coaching: understanding the difference and why both matter
Behind every successful organisation are people who feel developed, valued, and supported, and mentoring and coaching are two of the most effective ways to make that happen. Mentoring and coaching help unlock potential, build confidence, and create a culture of continuous learning. What sets mentoring and coaching apart? Effective mentoring and coaching are about connection and the power of connection. At their […]
2025 at the ABM – a look back
2025 has been a landmark year for the recognition of professional business mentoring. The profession now sits firmly at the heart of the UK’s business support landscape, reflected in the Government’s plans to strengthen support for the business community and its invitation to the ABM to co-chair the new National Business Mentoring Council. We’re proud […]
AI-focused SME mentoring surges 100% as new white paper charts the future of business mentoring
The Association of Business Mentors (ABM) has seen a doubling in the number of SME mentorships focusing on AI as a business challenge or opportunity, as owners and leaders seek guidance from professional business mentors on how they can leverage the technology. This finding comes as the organisation launches a new white paper – AI and the Future of Business Mentoring. The white paper examines how AI is reshaping […]
The key benefits of workplace mentoring and coaching
We see first-hand the transformative impact that mentoring and coaching have in the workplace. Structured mentoring support is now a critical driver of employee development, engagement, and organisational performance. From our own research and our members’ experiences, we know that when organisations invest in mentoring and coaching, the benefits reach far beyond individual growth. They […]
Representation matters: why founders need to see people like themselves
In this episode of Game Changer: The Impact of Mentoring, ABM sits down with pioneering entrepreneur Tamara Littleton, founder of The Social Element and co-founder of crisis simulation company Polpeo. Tamara shares her remarkable journey from launching a fully remote agency in 2002, long before remote working was the norm, to growing a global team of 300 […]
What impact does professional business mentoring deliver to businesses in the UK?
October was a month of celebrating business mentoring and a time for us to stop and reflect on why mentoring is so important to UK businesses. I should start with a full disclosure, I am a fellow of the Association of Business Mentors, so it would be surprising if this blog article was anything other than […]
