Vanessa Obiano - Mentor, Legal & General, Hove"For everyone out there still thinking about becoming a part of this (both mentor and mentees), I highly recommend that you give it a try as words alone cannot communicate the benefits to be gained from this programme. You will get accurate feedback from Benna, and feel both in control during the sessions and supported when it is needed from Benna. Thumbs up Enterprise Exchange and thank you Legal & General." Frances Borrer - Senior Manager, Legal & General, Hove"High quality training/experiential learning which equips mentors not only for mentoring but also brings those skills back in house, which adds value and informs their day job. This program supports our behaviours e.g. ‘taking a wider interest’ and ‘how’ we perform in our roles. There is also potential to link to Learning and Development ‘talent‘ programs." Lindy King - Coaching Client, Newhaven"Benna has helped me not only to focus on what I needed in order to achieve my goals, but furnished me with the information and technical help I needed to achieve and has given me the confidence in my ability to succeed."
Peter Dumont - Shaw Trust, Wembley"Phil and Benna are the Starsky & Hutch of vocational training. Simple no nonsense, practical guide to self employment, delivered clearly, with humour and empathy." Ali Golds - Managing Director, Operation Enterprise Ltd, Brighton"Phil is one of the strongest and most passionate advocates of social enterprise that I have come across. He and his company do the most incredible work with the more vulnerable and disadvantaged members amongst our society and – having worked very briefly with some of them myself – I have seen the impact his work has. If you get the chance to work with Phil, please don’t let it pass you by."
Sean Donovan - Director, Development Garden, Hastings"I’ve worked alongside Phil and Benna for a few years now and the thing that strikes you most about them is their passion and enthusiasm. They really care about the people they work with and this, coupled with their knowledge of the sectors they work within, helps them achieve some high quality results. Both are excellent, natural coaches and communicators and they constantly strive to improve their skills to further assist and positively impact on their clients." Simon Woods - National Careers Service, West MidlandsFeedback from work colleagues
"Excellent course - interesting and very useful. A really fantastic training session. I feel I have learnt a lot. Now feel more confident about talking to customers about self-employment." "Very informative, engaging & very insightful. I have definitely benefited from today’s session. Would have loved it to be longer, so that we could cover more areas and legalities within self-employment." Justine Finlinson – Hyde Housing, London"Great help with mission statement, finding a unique selling point and executive summary. Really inspirational to the point I almost completed my business plan and came up with more than half of a pitch for potential clients." Sarah Askens – John Lewis Mentee, Milton KeynesFeedback from work colleagues
“I really enjoyed it and felt personally I got a lot out of it. It made me think massively about my management style and my personal life in a positive way.” “I think the training was a real eye opener, it gave me a whole different perspective on mentoring/coaching. I have also become a bit more confident when dealing with day to day situations.” Afua Pokua Afrifa – Shaw Trust Client, Wembley“Enterprise Exchange opened my eyes to the possibility of setting up my own business, which I thought was impossible in my circumstances. They have been helpful in terms of knowledge, guidance and advice. They advised me as to the necessary things to do, with regards to business set up.” Maria Marriott - Hyde Housing client, Brighton"The course was very motivating and inspiring. Even with juggling two babies I managed to create a business and a not for profit social club (250 members) - and that was mostly down to your course boosting my confidence and giving me a kick start in the right direction.
I’ve received many awards and we are still growing! It’s still hard work but I’m pretty certain I wouldn’t have made it to this point without attending your course!" JCP Milton Keynes, clients "The course gives you confidence and shows you how make the steps to a better life." "I learnt a lot on this course. Can't wait to move business idea forward, great people too." "Good experience to learn about creating your own business." "Very good course, I learnt how to set up a business." |
Christine Darby - Coast to Capital client, West Sussex“I would just like to thank Benna McCartney from Enterprise Exchange for three brilliant telephone sessions. The many reflective skills she used to cut through the pile of issues I was facing were extremely helpful. I particularly found “mind mapping” and our subsequent discussions to identify my core values/purpose for future employment, really useful. I have left my sessions with a sense of openness, a newfound trust in allowing myself to respond to opportunities as they arise, and clarity. Thank you so much – wonderful!”
Denne Construction Company, Brighton"Clear, practical, inspirational. Very personable workshop leader. Step by step stages in understandable chunks." Elaine Hannah - Denne client, Brighton"Phil, the trainer, was very friendly and knowledgeable. He gave the lessons without having to rely on any notes and the information he imparted was extremely useful. He inspired positivity."
The Bridge Community Education Centre, Brighton"Phil’s training session was excellent, well delivered and highly informative. I highly recommend this session to others. Ten out of ten." Nadu Placca - Hyde Housing, London"Quick, easy, straight to the point. Very clear and direct."
Dipal Patel - Shaw Trust Advisor, Wembley"I had two of my customers attend the workshop. I have had really good feedback from them, they found it very helpful and feel motivated to reach their goals and work on their action plans." Moose Arim - Denne client, Brighton"Benna seemed to always understand where I was coming from. She has a knack of seeming to really care and really hear what I am saying." Ruth Maddison - Project Manager, Sound Architect, Brighton"Phil, I know I said it to you today, but I just wanted to reinforce that I thought you did a brilliant job – just right in terms of what you covered and your relaxed approach and I certainly do think that we saved the best till last!"
Carl Elliot - HMP Lewes client"Out of the 5 years in prison the Enterprise Exchange program has been the most useful one I have attended and the one in which I am most grateful for, as it is the one that has been largely responsible for me becoming a success. If this program was run in more prisons and more often I am sure the amount of people that re offend and return to prison would reduce drastically." Guildford Probation clients“I think the course itself is potentially life changing with regard to information given.”
“The course was engaging and interactive and the small group was ideal for me.” “Phil presented very well, he had good knowledge and was clear and concise.” “The tutor’s outgoing personality made it very easy to take everything in and stay alert.” Nicky Spencer – Hyde Housing, London“The course gave me awareness of what’s out there. My self-confidence built up as did self-esteem, and I met an amazing tutor who didn’t make me feel intimidated by the course. I also met like-minded people who are prepared to give it a go.” Helen Charles – Whitehawk Inn, Brighton“I really liked the clarity of information delivered by Phil Ashford and the breadth of knowledge that he had."
Obert Moyo – Lewes Prison Mentee“I have completed the Enterprise Exchange course. Benna McCartney has been very helpful giving me advice, motivating and encouraging me to press on and learn to start my own business. She made it easy for me to understand everything that she and I researched. She also made sure that the working relationship between me and the mentors was good. I have gained knowledge and strengths that I didn’t know I had. I am on my way up, confident and with better self-esteem thanks to Benna McCartney.” HMP Birmingham, clients"Every part of this course was great, I learnt so much I really did. I actually feel I have a future and I know it’s achievable and I know how to get there."
"The course showed us that although the task of starting a business is daunting, its manageable and the resources and help is out there where required." "It was good being able to ask any questions you like, also when Phil would refer to us individually he would talk about our specific companies to give us a good idea." "I have enjoyed all of the course. Phil puts things over in a simple but effective and relaxed way. I even overcame my shyness to stand in front of everyone. A course that should be repeated." |
Malcolm Lall - Mentee, HMP Lewes"Enterprise Exchange I found to be very informative and a well worth while project for me to undertake. Benna McCartney, the co ordinator and director, was of immense help and support. I see much more clearly in how to direct my energy through time management, target marketing and having a heads up approach to financing. In conclusion I would say without doubt, this program is a must for anyone wanting to start their own business." Adrian Hodge - Mentee, John Lewis, Milton Keynes"Speaking for myself, everything is working out great, and even better than I had anticipated. I have been given a tremendous amount of useful advice from Enterprise Exchange and the John Lewis Mentoring Team. In terms of acting on the advice given going forward, I am confident that I will get back on track in no time at all." Juliet Smith - Skills and Employability Advisor, Eastbourne"Enterprise Exchange’s positive and informed session was one of the highlights of Big Week of Work 2012 in Eastbourne. They have given their time and expertise to be part of the Eastbourne partnership event and we really appreciate their contribution."
Stephen Le Hardy - Hyde Housing client, Brighton"With the help of Phil, Benna and Ian (my L&G mentor), I am confident I can overcome my hurdles and I will make a success of my business." John Orr - Resettlement Partnership Manager, HMP Lewes (Retired)"Enterprise Exchange has proven to be more than them simply fulfilling a contract, as the directors bring so much more with them. Their connections within the business community, their understanding of the challenges faced by offenders and their committment to supporting those with whom they work, both inside and outside the prison, bring valuable resources to the partnership working within HMP Lewes."
Ceri Thomas - Southern Housing Group client, Horsham"Really enjoyable course that was filled with lots of valuable information. Phil is an excellent trainer, very down to earth and explained things very clearly. Lots of helpful tips were given, including information about becoming a sole trader, accounts, marketing, building a website and money saving ideas." Gabby Kinsella - Swift Project, Brighton"I had a one to one session with Phil and it was honestly like a gift. It was a huge weight off my shoulders that someone could see where I was at within minutes of me telling the situation to him. I am clearer in my mind, refreshed, now sleeping, supported and re-orientated to focus on what is really important. I am deeply grateful for this - it has been a like someone has thrown me a life preserver.
I feel like a different person - it's amazing." Tony Marshall - Learning and Participation Adviser, BrightonFeedback from clients "Phil’s training session was excellent, well delivered and highly informative. I highly recommend this session to others. Ten out of ten.” "Wonderful course, I recommend this course and trainer for anyone either starting a new self-employment career of seeking reassurance they are on track.” “Enabled me to expand my horizons and see potential to change my circumstances in a positive way.” Becky Stevens – Dance2tone Ltd, Haywards Heath“I was completely in the dark before meeting Phil and Benna! Phil has a brilliant way of explaining things and is very open to questions. Soon after, I met Benna in a one to one session. She was also very welcoming and I found it very easy to speak to her. Benna is amazing at making people believe in themselves and gives brilliant advice.“
Loraine Harbage – Thames Valley Community Rehabilitation Company Ltd ETE Advisor, Milton Keynes“The programme has been so well received by the guys that have taken part that it would be wonderful to give this opportunity to some more of our service users. I know that the mentees have found the support from Phil and Benna really helpful and the course has given them a real focus with exercises and projects to work on outside of the sessions.” Mark Fensham-Brown - Maximus Business Manager, Milton Keynes"I would like to thank you for providing the Self Employment workshop. The feedback we had from the students was that the session was interactive and relevant to what they wanted to do. They all came away with renewed energy and feeling closer to starting their own business."
Let's Do Business Group Lewes, clients"The course is fantastic, well presented, enough breaks and participation of attendees. No pressure relaxed atmosphere, encouraging." Rahul Patel - Shaw Trust, Central Region"I am hearing some great feedback from the customers in respect of the workshop in Leicester. They are really enjoying it and obtaining good information and ideas from you. Thanks again."
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