The Alternative Board changes hands

The Alternative Board Derby has been sold to another ambitious businessman who can continue to offer sage business advice.

Julian Smith of The Alternative Board (TAB) Derby has become a well-known face on the Derbyshire business scene over the past decade. His advice has helped countless small businesses across the region to grow and improve their operations. However, when he made the decision to step down, he sought a similarly experienced businessperson to take the reigns from him.

When Max Crosby-Browne entered the picture, Julian knew he’d found the right person to take over. Having spent 35 years in management, including stints as CEO for companies including Home Décor GB, Crosby-Browne has the experience to head up the TAB in Derby. He explained why he decided to purchase the franchise from Smith.

“I joined TAB three months ago when I set up TAB East Midlands Central and the logical step was to amalgamate it with the highly successful TAB Derby. Over the years, Julian has helped many business leaders fulfil their personal visions and now he has successfully moved towards his own by selling the franchise. However, he will remain a significant player in the expanded business, continue to be a facilitator of two of our peer boards. Meanwhile, joining me, Julian and Jimi Ball will be a new facilitator, Vicky Blissett, and we have plans to add two further partners in the next six months.”

Crosby-Browne added that he hopes to quickly expand things in the coming months.

“We have significant interest from potential members in Derbyshire as well Beeston, Stapleford, Long Eaton, Castle Donington, Loughborough, Coalville, Ashby de la Zouch and surrounding areas. There are now eight peer boards operating in the area and we expect this to more than double in the next year.”

Explaining why he stepped down, Smith said:

“I am very proud of what we have achieved at TAB Derby but wanted to practise what I preached by securing a better work/life balance. I am delighted that Max has taken over because he has a genuine passion for helping business owners and has the knowledge to back it up. I am also very pleased to be continuing with TAB so I can pass on the experience I have gleaned over the years.”