Monday Musings - A little about me

A grounded introduction to who I am, what shaped me, and why I do the work I do.

Introduction

If we’re going to work together, it feels only fair that you know who I am and where I’ve come from. My name’s Stuart Ashley, and at 53 I’ve lived a working life that’s been anything but linear. I’ve built two very different businesses from scratch, worked inside major UK organisations, and spent more than twenty years navigating the realities of self‑employment — the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

What I bring to my work today isn’t theory. It’s lived experience. The kind that comes from early starts, long drives, difficult decisions, and the quiet satisfaction of building something with your own hands.

You can see a video version of this here

The Problem

A lot of founders and small business owners feel like they’re supposed to have everything figured out. They’re juggling operations, customers, finances, planning, marketing, admin — all while trying to stay motivated and keep the business moving. It’s a huge load to carry, and most people don’t talk about how heavy it can feel.

The truth is, many business owners don’t need more information. They need clarity. They need someone who understands the pressure of being the one everyone relies on. Someone who can help them steady the chaos and make sense of the noise.

The Simple Fix

The fix isn’t complicated — but it does require the right kind of support. And that support is most powerful when it comes from someone who’s lived the journey.

My first business started with me travelling to country and equestrian shows across the UK. Long days, early mornings, and a lot of miles. It taught me resilience, customer service, and how to earn trust face‑to‑face. Over time, that small operation grew into a £2m mail‑order business — not because of luck, but because I listened to customers and built a reputation for reliability.

My second business — a thriving dog‑walking service — might sound like a complete shift, but the principles were the same: consistency, trust, and showing up for people.

Before all of that, I worked with BT and Sainsbury’s, learning how big systems operate and how much difference it makes when someone takes responsibility and pays attention to the details.

All of this shaped the way I work today: practical, grounded, and focused on what genuinely helps a business move forward.

The Results

When people work with me, they often describe the same shift: Things feel lighter. The noise settles. They can finally see what matters and what doesn’t.

Together, we create structure where there was overwhelm, clarity where there was confusion, and momentum where things had stalled. I don’t take over — I stand alongside you. I listen properly, ask the right questions, and help you make decisions that feel steady and achievable.

Why It Works

It works because I’m not guessing. I’ve lived the pressure of being self‑employed. I’ve navigated uncertainty, built systems from scratch, and kept businesses going through good times and difficult ones.

I’m naturally organised, detail‑focused, and calm under pressure — and those qualities make a real difference when you’re trying to untangle a messy situation or bring order to a busy week.

Most importantly, I care. I want people to succeed, not through hustle or burnout, but through clarity, structure, and a way of working that actually feels sustainable.

First Meeting

If you’re thinking about working with me, here’s what you can expect from the very first conversation:

• A grounded, honest chat — no jargon, no judgement

• Practical steps you can act on straight away

• A clearer sense of what matters and what doesn’t

• Support shaped around your business, not a template

• Someone who listens properly and takes the pressure off

• A partner who genuinely wants to help you move forward

Bullet Points — At a Glance

• 20+ years self‑employed

• Built a retail business into a £2m mail‑order operation

• Ran a successful dog‑walking service

• Early career with BT and Sainsbury’s

• Passionate about start‑ups, customer service, and organisation

• Known for reliability, clarity, and practical problem‑solving

• Lover of the outdoors, travel, photography, and balance

• Committed to helping businesses move forward with confidence

Summer days mean funky clothing and bright colours

Disclaimer

Whilst every precaution has been taken to ensure this information is accurate, Stuart Ashley takes no responsibility for any errors contained within. Please conduct your own research before making business or financial decisions.