Client: Simon Wingfield, Founder
Company: Wingfield Consultants Ltd
Course: ILM Level 5 in Effective Coaching and Mentoring
Wingfield Consultants Ltd is a management consultancy based in Norfolk, providing strategic guidance and tools to help businesses grow. As the founder, Simon Wingfield aimed to enhance the company’s Training, Coaching & Mentoring Programmes by obtaining accreditation in coaching and mentoring.
Challenges Before Agile Group
Prior to engaging with Agile Group, Simon recognised a gap in his consultancy’s ability to fully support SME start-ups and scale-ups. While the firm provided business models and strategic tools, clients required deeper coaching and mentoring to navigate their business journeys effectively. Without formal training in coaching and mentoring techniques, Wingfield Consultants Ltd faced challenges in differentiating itself from competitors and offering a truly holistic service.
Simon explains, “We were finding that these SMEs required more than models and tools to grow and prosper. They also needed coaching and mentoring to help them and their companies on their business journeys.”
Choosing Agile Group
Simon chose Agile Group’s ILM Level 5 Effective Coaching and Mentoring programme after receiving two referrals and being impressed by the course structure. He saw this programme as the ideal opportunity to strengthen his consultancy’s services and enhance his ability to support clients effectively.
Training Experience
Simon completed the ‘ILM Level 5 Effective Coaching and Mentoring’ accreditation and has since progressed to the ‘ILM Level 7’ course. He describes his training experience as “both exemplary”, highlighting the balanced combination of theory and practice. He also credits Naomi Lawton, his trainer, for providing “superb teaching and guidance” throughout the programme.
Through the course, Simon gained essential knowledge and practical skills in coaching and mentoring. Notably, he found planning and reflective practice particularly impactful in his work.
Impact and Results
Following completion of the ILM Level 5 programme, Simon experienced significant improvements in his ability to support business owners in achieving their goals. Wingfield Consultants Ltd has since acquired new clients and enhanced its existing services with structured coaching and mentoring offerings.
“Since graduating from the ‘ILM Level 5 Effective Coaching and Mentoring’ course, I have gained knowledge and confidence in supporting business owners to reach their goals and help with their development needs.”
In addition to applying Agile Group’s recommended coaching models, Simon developed his own ‘WINNING’ model to guide his mentoring approach:
WINNING Structure:
- WHY – Why are we here?
- ISSUES – What concerns or problems need to be addressed?
- NAME – What are the goals to be achieved?
- NUMBER – How can these goals be measured?
- INQUIRY – Encourage self-reflection and options.
- NARROW – Have the goals been achieved?
- GO – Deliver the goals as outcomes.
Additionally, in both his paid consultancy work and pro bono mentoring, Simon has benefited from guidance provided by an external mentor, which has further strengthened his coaching and mentoring approach, Simon tracks progress using SMART goals to ensure measurable outcomes.
Future Goals
Simon is continuing his learning journey with Agile Group by undertaking the ‘ILM Level 7 Effective Coaching and Mentoring’ accreditation. This advanced certification will deepen his expertise, allowing him to offer even more structured and impactful coaching and mentoring services. By refining his approach and expanding his toolkit, Simon aims to better support clients in achieving long-term business growth and leadership development. As coaching and mentoring become an increasingly important part of his consultancy’s services, he aims to further integrate these skills into business planning and strategy development.
Why Agile Group?
Simon highly recommends Agile Group’s programmes, particularly the ILM Level 5 and Level 7 courses. He credits the structured approach, strong trainer support, and practical application as key factors in his success.
“The balanced combination of theory and practice, along with Naomi Lawton’s superb guidance, made Agile Group’s programme stand out. I would thoroughly recommend their coaching and mentoring courses to any professional looking to enhance their skills.”
Take Your Coaching to the Next Level
Looking to enhance your coaching and mentoring skills? Agile Group’s accredited programmes provide the structure, guidance, and practical expertise needed to drive real impact. Contact us today to start your journey towards coaching excellence.