who, with the right support, could launch and grow a successful business.
At TRBC the goal has always been to provide the appropriate level of advice in the most accessible format to anyone wishing to explore and start in business.
Where possible we also work in a collaborative way with other local businesses, organizations, educational establishments, charities, local authorities, support groups, housing authorities and individuals to provide the practical and supportive environment for our clients. If you wish to know more please do
From one club in Wokingham the TRBC has / is offering in a variety of other areas such as West Berkshire, Swindon, Reading and Hounslow. TRBC also goes into businesses of all sizes and local authorities to provide bespoke training on “starting up in business” (eg for companies making people redundant). It has also developed a project model to work in neighbourhoods deemed “hard to reach” or “deprived” to raise awareness of starting in business and support individuals to do this through workshops and mentoring.
Please do take a moment to explore our website and see if we are currently in an area near you!
Dawn Edwards is a co-founder of The Real Business Club (TRBC).
Dawn brings her fantastic tax specialism and finance knowledge into the mix of how TRBC works with businesses.
Her passion for, and ability in advising businesses and individuals to get the best out of their money is a revelation!
Her specialisms include making the best of tax, tax planning and tax advice on property investments.
She manages our business support service called Focus Port.
Dawn’s business background:
8 years independent Tax Consultant to wide range of businesses and individuals, business owner – Zen Tax Consultants
10 years HMRC as Business Adviser and trainer – providing taxation, NI and VAT advice to all types of businesses.
18 months – Business Link trainer
‘Dawn is a really personable individual, who has a relaxed style, but stays focussed on the subject in hand. This makes her a fantastic communicator, for example while running workshops, which I regularly attend, and a very helpful lady to know. With a great sense of humour and an extensive range of experience in all things financial, Dawn is a lovely lady and a fountain of knowledge, especially when it comes to HMRC rules and regulations. I strongly recommend you delete HMRC’s telephone number from your contacts and replace it with Dawns (…although she won’t thank me for saying that last bit!!).’
Isabel’s main role in the business is in the strategy, innovation and design of our services.
Her main direct service provision is in business coaching.
Isabel’s broad range of knowledge offers great strength and empowerment to those in business, particularly business owners. The
“consistent energy and enthusiasm that Isabel brings to business is truly infectious”
Experienced Business Coach (Qualified through Henley Business School)
Fiona is a qualified coach, with her own careers coaching practice. She is passionate about helping individuals discover & create confident careers.
Fiona has many years of experience leading and managing in a corporate environment, with both local and international teams. Communication, project management and event organisation are other strengths which Fiona brings to The Real Business Club. Strong employee engagement experience and a passion for Diversity & Inclusion helps support Dawn and Isabel.
Fiona enjoys meeting and connecting with new people, and will use these skills as part of The Real Business Club administration and face to face team.
Max began his sales career 20 years ago as a door-to-door salesman and has since gone on to sell to major companies like Sony, Panasonic, Superdrug and Mothercare. He’s an accredited coach and the founder of Sales Revolution, a company that provides 1-2-1 sales coaching & mentoring programmes to business leaders and sales professionals. Max also works with the Business Innovation Hub at Brunel University, helping the next generation of business leaders to launch their products and service.
Max says “The Real Business Club have a widely respected reputation for helping business grow and I’m thrilled to now be part of their team. I look forward to helping business owners deliver a professional sales proposition, enabling them to maximise every opportunity that comes their way.”
Our administrator since the launch of The Real Business Club in 2009. Julie has successfully run her own Virtual Assistant business since 2007, providing a bespoke administrative service to a number of small businesses. Not only does Julie ‘do’ our administration, but she works with us and prompts us to take actions on items that are required ‘behind the scenes’. Prior to working for herself, Julie worked as an Executive Assistant and Project Administrator for large blue chip companies, since leaving college!
Debbie has worked as a front line medic for 12 years with the Ambulance Service. This has given her invaluable experience in dealing with all types of emergencies. Debbie set up her training company Be First Aid Ready four years ago and since then has gone from strength to strength. She strongly believes in teaching from her experiences so gone are the days of just staring at a power point presentation and wrapping a bandage! Her courses are fun and interactive with lots of practical elements which in turn produces confident and competent First Aiders and are all accredited.
Derek is a qualified accountant with over 25 years financial management experience in a wide range of industry sectors including SMEs, start ups and major multi nationals. His particular skills (as well as general accounting and production of business information) is in supporting businesses to design and implement solid appropriate financial control systems. He also has extensive third sector experience turning round inadequate financial systems and setting practical usable foundations. Prior to running his own business DGS Accountancy, Derek was a a Financial Controller for 16 years, as well as working with Launchpad Charity and Fredericks Foundation (Charity) to implement financial systems and change management.
