With the ecomonic outlook gloomy and the cost of day-to-day life soaring, is this the right time to splash out on a business coach?

Many people clearly think so, with figures suggesting that the UK business coaching industry is growing by 18% a year. Experts say it can help business owners to focus on their goals while providing them with the ability to expand their firms.

Brad Sugars, 37, is the founder of ActionCOACH, an international network of business coaches that operates in 26 countries.

'Most business owners know how to start, but not how to grow a business. A coach brings the benefit of experience and can act as a good sounding board,' he says.

Brad believes that business coaching is even more valuable when times are difficult. 'In a downturn, businesses often batten down the hatches and many go under. But a change in the ecomony is a business opportunity and coaching can help businesses make the most of it.'

Patrik Minder, 37, runs The Lemon Tree restaurant in Colchester, Essex, and has just finished a year of business coaching. It is the fourth time he has had coaching since setting up his restaurant 11 years ago.

He syas: 'The main benefit of coaching is that you gain from the experience of others. Having another objective viewpoint when there are challenges ahead can be invaluable. It has helped me grow my business.'

Finding the right coach to suit you and your business is key. ActionCOACH carries out a personality assessment of business owners to match them with a coach that will suit them, and business owners must also feel comfortable,' says Patrik.

'Coaching is hard work and you have to spend time working closely together. If it doesn't feel right then you won't get the benefit.'

Mail on Sunday 17th August 2008