When judgement matters most…
In trades businesses, you get to a certain stage where technical skills just aren’t enough.
It’s now a question of judgement. Your judgement. For which you carry the can.
Not everyone understands this. And even fewer people in your circle have the lived experience to tackle this next level.
Until now…
What Is This?
These are private, one-to-one advisory sessions with Mr Soot founder David.
This is dedicated thinking time with an experienced fellow industry professional, focused on real decisions you’re carrying right now.
Each month typically involves:
- 1–2 scheduled, private conversations
- Ad-hoc contact when a decision can’t wait
- Discussing specific situations, not general business theory
You bring the issues.
The work is thinking them through properly before you commit.
What You Actually Use It For
In practice, owners use this for things like:
- Deciding whether to take on (or walk away from) work that feels risky
- Working out how to say no without creating future problems
- Pressure-testing wording before it’s sent to customers, staff, or partners
- Deciding how far responsibility genuinely sits with them
- Thinking through consequences before they’re locked in
There’s no “right answer” handed to you.
The value is in seeing what you might be missing.
What David Focuses On
David has vast experience not just in the solid fuel industry, but many other sectors.
He has run businesses since his 20s and has operated at executive board level in the public, private and Third Sector.
His specialisms are leadership, business growth, entrepreneuship, strategy and decision-making, public affairs, PR and marketing.
A typical conversation looks like:
You explain the situation as it really is
David asks questions that slow it down and expose assumptions
We explore:
- what happens if you say yes
- what happens if you say no
- what happens if nothing changes
You leave with
- clearer reasoning
- fewer unknowns
- a decision you’re comfortable owning
- That’s the work.
Who Is It For?
Usually sweeps/installers who either want to come off the tools soon, or are now managing staff.
This service may be for you if:
- You’ve been in the trade long enough to see the same situations repeat, but with higher stakes
- Have employees and are grappling with everything that entails
- You’re no longer asking “what’s allowed?” — you’re asking “what’s sensible?”
- Decisions land with you, and there’s no obvious place to talk them through
- You’re very careful about who you share your thoughts with or listen to – because most advice is either too basic, too loud or coming from people who haven't trodden the same path as you.
- You don’t need telling what to do.
You don't want 'coaching'.
You just want space to think clearly.
How It Works
- Private, one-to-one or board advisory level
- Ongoing monthly arrangement
- £2,000 + VAT per month
- No minimum term
- Very limited availability – see below
The Next Step
We propose a straightforward conversation.
No pitch.
No obligation.
No expectations.
Just a discussion to help determine whether we are a good fit.
To register your interest, please complete the form below.
Alternatively, please contact David’s PA, Ms Sara Whitcombe, on 0161 706 1217.
Please note: To preserve the quality of attention and insights you receive, we only open a very limited number of advisory seats, available each January and September.