Member Article

Get Ahead Leeds owner celebrates the third anniversary of achieving her dream to run her own business

Leeds based Fiona Ibbetson had always wanted to run her own business. After 20 years of managing teams and delivering exceptional customer service across multiple sectors, Fiona discovered Get Ahead and knew she had met her perfect match. Three years have since flown by, and the last 12 months have certainly been the most memorable, as Fiona and her team navigated the COVID-19 pandemic.

“When I decided that I wanted to do something for myself, rather than working for someone else, I took my time to find the right solution,” Fiona says. “I considered a few different avenues and attended an exhibition as part of my research, which was where I met team Get Ahead. I had such a positive feeling about their business opportunity that I joined and set up the Leeds region at the start of 2018 and I’ve never looked back!

There have been many highlights from the past three years. Exhibiting at The Be Inspired Conference in 2019 on International Women’s Day was a fantastic experience and I have also enjoyed exhibiting at other events in London, Manchester and Farnborough. I have learnt so much, particularly about networking which is about building relationships with people and uncovering how you can help each other, not just selling to them. Along with my fellow regional directors at Get Ahead, those networking groups were a real support during the isolation of lockdown. In 2020 I learnt the importance of having a plan and goals, but also being able to reset them to react to major external changes such as the global pandemic. Having a business coach has proved invaluable, to hold me accountable for my goals and to challenge me. I have loved every minute being part of the amazing Get Ahead team, whilst having the freedom to make my own decisions and the flexibility to work around my family.“

Rebecca Newenham, founder and director of Get Ahead said: “Fiona has been an absolute pleasure to work with. It has been so rewarding to watch her develop her business and achieve her goals, even with the challenges of COVID-19. I am looking forward to supporting her as she continues to grow her business this year.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Caroline Saunders .