Building Healthy Relationships

Being a business owner can be difficult and lonely at times. From March 2020, these negative feelings intensified even more. The Covid-19 pandemic greatly impacted retail and forced owners to reconsider the nature of their services, practically having to start from scratch with no consistent income coming in. At a difficult time for most businesses, Paul Bennett acted as a reliable adviser to many owners, building healthy relationships with his clients, and helped a plethora of businesses sustain themselves.

As an adviser with the Business Gateway, Paul is responsible for supporting the growth of business owners and companies, with 70% of those being start-ups or people looking to scale up their passions into professional businesses.

Paul comes from a banking background, having worked mostly with manufacturing and engineering organizations to help them grow through finance. He has also supported start-ups through a programme with Coventry University.

Having joined Business Gateway right at the start of the pandemic in 2020, some of the biggest challenges he has faced has been regarding retail customers who haven’t been fully operational due to lockdowns. This caused a massive drop in sales, and business owners still had to pay fixed costs, such as rent, rates, and staff.

Paul said people really appreciated having someone there to listen to them; a friendly voice at the end of a phone. He sets goals or small tasks his clients have to do before their next one-to-one meeting, perhaps starting with marketing or finance depending on the problem. This provides some focus, as well as reducing what can be an overwhelming time for the business.

He has worked with a high-end photographer that was struggling to find work, after the pandemic had wiped out his large contracts with sporting events around the world. This included events for luxury brands like Rolex which came through an agency. The client was going through a lot of pressure and negative emotions.

Paul discussed how the owner was feeling, and what he was going to do to help him. He helped him apply for a grant from his local council for some new equipment, as well as offering some well-being options to help with his mental health. He followed up with several check-ins and fortunately things had started to turn around, with Rolex contacting the photographer directly, as well as the agency returning with other contracts.

Paul and Reena, founder of Inner8, had multiple one-to-one sessions discussing how best to diversify her business.

“I found Reena to be a pleasure to work with and was passionate and open about how she wanted to take the business forward at a realistic pace without compromising her values.”

“She listened to my advice and has taken ownership of her business”.

As a result, Inner8 was given a clear direction on where to go next. Reena was able to establish relevant networks, connecting with new people to help Inner8 progress and flourish.

After Paul worked with Reena, he went on a teambuild activity of Paddleboard Yoga. It was totally out of his comfort zone, but he really enjoyed the experience!

Anne Blenkinsopp

Reena ran some lunchtime sessions during an international conference, helping delegates to unwind and find some space and calm during a busy schedule. These sessions included participants from all over the world, and were very well run and received. I have no hesitation in recommending that you work with Reena.

Anne Blenkinsopp
H3 Consortium Manager Sheffield University

Ash Waldron

My 1:1 sessions with Reena have been really beneficial both for my practice and state of mind. Can’t recommend highly enough!

Ash Waldron
Business Development Manager, Octopus Investments

Fiona Proudlove

Reena not only teaches her clients but cares how they develop in their lives with the benefit of her Mindfulness teachings. Reena continues in her own personal development expanding her knowledge for the benefit of her clients

Fiona Proudlove
Former Senior Subcontract Manager, Thales UK

Hugh Humphreys

Reena worked in my team at Network Rail and probably has the best personal qualities of anyone I’ve met in terms of rising to challenges, getting things done and applying thought to achieve the best outcomes. I’d recommend her without question.

Hugh Humphreys
Risk Consultant EDF

Paula Reed

Just a short note to say thank you very much for coming to talk to us last night. The talk was very interesting, motivating, and inspiring. I do hope that you might consider coming back to talk to us again in the future.

Paula Reed
CEO Reed Wellbeing, Author Onion Therapy

Jon Frost

Reena’s passion and knowledge for the subject make the lessons absorbing and enjoyable and have helped to make yoga and meditation a vital part of my lifestyle.

Jon Frost
Fundraising Manager, British Heart Foundation

Karen Wrighton

The small group was perfect for beginners and Reena made you feel at ease and spent time with you to explain the benefits. Reena is an extremely good teacher and combines her classes to include breathing exercises and chanting which adds to the relaxed feel.

Karen Wrighton
Account Director, Paragon CC

Alison Merryweather

Reena is able to impart knowledge and techniques from her years of experience and also really listens to what you want to get out of the session. I really felt like I had been heard. In what can be a frenetic world Reena invites you to slow down and reconnect with yourself. I would certainly encourage anyone who feels like they need to take a breath to seek out Reena’s sessions. Both calming and enlightening. Thank you Reena.

Alison Merryweather
Tokio Marine HCC
Testimonials