Celebrating excellence in business mentoring: ABM and the National Mentoring Matters Awards 2026

The National Mentoring Matters Awards 2026 will take place on Thursday 12 March in the City of London, bringing together mentors, business leaders and programme partners to celebrate outstanding achievement across the Help to Grow: Management Course. The Government’s flag ship business support programme.  We are incredibly proud to have been one of the delivery partners on […]

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 […]

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 […]

Behind every growing business is a leader who chose to grow

Real stories of how mentoring transforms founders and their businesses Setting up and scaling a business is hard. Much harder than you think – and often quite lonely too. Hats off to the over 5 million small & medium business owners in the UK who have been brave to jump in! Many get started because […]

How business mentoring helped a Whitstable retailer boost profits by 17%

“Mentoring has transformed not only the way I run my shop, but also how I see myself as a leader.”– Lucy Eason, ABM mentee Running a busy high-street gift & lifestyle shop, George’s in Whitstable, is a dream come true for Lucy Eason, a second-generation business owner, whose father originally opened the shop. After taking over […]

The impact of professional business mentoring: a personal reflection

Looking back to when I was starting my own business, I can honestly say having a mentor made a huge difference. It wasn’t about just getting advice or quick fixes, it was about having someone who really listened, challenged me in the right way and helped me find my own path through the ups and […]

The transformative impact of business mentoring in the UK

As a professional mentor working with SMEs across the UK, I’ve seen how business mentoring can be a game-changer—not just for growth, but for clarity, confidence, and long-term resilience. Business transformation is rarely linear. For many small and medium enterprises, it involves navigating uncertainty, adapting to market shifts, and making bold decisions with limited resources. […]