TIMES have been hard and there have been many occasions when leaders have needed support or a shoulder to cry on.

That is why, in 2009, Ed Reid set up York’s franchise of The Alternative Board, a group of about eight businesses to share ideas and give advice and lessons from their own experience.

Ed said: “Since setting it up less than three years ago, my business has helped more than 30 other York small and medium sized businesses become significantly more focused and more successful. As a result, many of these businesses have employed more people, and contributed more widely to the local economy.

“In addition, the owners of these businesses have become happier as individuals due to being in more control of their businesses and their lives, which in the current economic circumstances is a significant achievement.”

Ed also meets clients once a month to coach, consult, and help them with their plans. About 80 per cent of the organisations involved stay with the TAB, said Ed, and the business continues to grow, predominately through word of mouth. He recently won TAB Franchisee of the Year and expects to employ staff next year to grow the business further.