For more than 30 years, Anthony Brookes Surveys has been a trusted name in land and building surveying across the South West. From measuring land and railways to producing detailed plans for architects, councils, schools, and homeowners, their team prides itself on accuracy, reliability, and decades of specialist experience. 

But like many long-established businesses, changing markets, shifting customer bases, and evolving digital expectations brought new challenges — and a need to strengthen their visibility and reconnect with clients. 

This is where Cool Ventures stepped in. 

A Business Built on Experience — and the Love of Working Outdoors 

Director Phil began his career with one simple goal: to work outdoors. Originally dreaming of becoming a lumberjack, he discovered surveying offered the perfect balance — hands-on, technical work with long-term career potential. 

He joined founder Anthony as a partner in 1996, and became a joint owner on incorporation in 2003. Under Anthony and Phil’s leadership, the business has continued to deliver high-quality survey services for a wide range of sectors. 

Challenges Along the Way 

Like many long-standing SMEs, Anthony Brookes Surveys faced a series of external pressures over the years: 

• The 2008 recession, Brexit, and Covid significantly impacted staffing and demand 

• Previous clients retired, and relationships needed rebuilding 

• Marketing activity was minimal 

• There was no social media presence 

• HR processes needed updating after years of business evolution 

With retirement on the horizon, Phil wanted to ensure the business remained strong, visible, and sustainable for the future. 

Why They Turned to Cool Ventures 

Phil attended a Cool Ventures event at Thornbury Leisure Centre and realised the support on offer aligned exactly with the challenges he wanted to address: 

• Building confidence with social media, particularly LinkedIn 

• Reconnecting with long-standing clients 

• Strengthening HR processes through the HR Essentials Programme 

• Updating the team handbook & compliance documentation 

• Creating a structured approach to marketing and communication 

The free, expert-guided support made the next steps achievable and far less overwhelming. 

What the Support Made Possible 

Cool Ventures’ advisors provided practical, bite-sized sessions, tailored to fit around the demands of a busy surveying business. 

Key achievements include: 

• Phil launched his personal LinkedIn profile and grew it to over 68 meaningful connections 

• The company page gained 150+ new followers, increasing visibility 

• Reconnection with former clients led to new conversations and fresh leads 

• HR processes and documentation were fully updated and compliant 

• The business regained confidence in promoting its work and brand identity 

• Working on a climate transition plan 

Phil particularly valued the hour-long sessions, which allowed learning, implementing, and reviewing at a realistic pace. 

The Impact 

The support has helped Anthony Brookes Surveys: 

• Raise their profile within the industry 

• Reconnect with clients they hadn’t spoken to in years 

• Improve future resilience through stronger HR and marketing foundations 

• Gain clarity and confidence around their strategic direction 

LinkedIn is now a new and powerful avenue for client outreach — a major shift from where they began. 

Looking Ahead 

As technology in the surveying industry evolves rapidly, Phil is excited about the future. His long-term goal is clear: 

“I want the business to be successful and keep running — even when I’m no longer here.” 

With renewed visibility, stronger systems, and a refreshed network, that legacy is well underway. 

Phil’s Message to Other Businesses 

“If they don’t know about Cool Ventures, get in touch. 
Established businesses may not realise this support exists — but it can make a huge difference.” 

Discover more about Anthony Brookes Surveys : Topographical Survey, Measured Building Survey, Rail Surveys

More Information:

If you want to read more about other businesses Cool Ventures has supported click Success Stories Archives – Cool Ventures

To find out what support is available to you check out this page Funded Support – Cool Ventures

The post From Established to Energised: How Anthony Brookes Surveys Strengthened Visibility and Future-Proofed the Business appeared first on Cool Ventures.

Through its inclusive programmes, the Foundation has reached hundreds of local residents, delivering initiatives that support mental health, physical activity, and social connection. From youth sessions and walking football to projects that engage isolated adults, every activity reflects the Foundation’s mission to create a happier, healthier, and more resilient community.

Over the past year, Bath City FC Foundation has celebrated a series of key achievements, including:

• ⚽ Expanding its range of community projects and partnerships

• 🌿 Strengthening relationships with schools, charities, and local groups

• 👥 Welcoming a university placement student to support its communications and outreach

• 📢 Enhancing awareness of its work through a more consistent and engaging digital presence

Amid this growth, the Foundation recognised the importance of improving its marketing and communications to better showcase its impact. That’s where Cool Ventures stepped in.

How Cool Ventures Helped

Through one-to-one business support and tailored advice, Cool Ventures helped the Foundation refine its messaging, improve time management, and build confidence in its communications strategy.

By applying these insights, Chris and the team have created stronger systems for storytelling, promotion, and engagement — laying the foundations for even greater community impact in the future.

Next steps

Looking ahead, the Foundation plans to consolidate after a period of rapid growth, securing the long-term delivery of its projects and continuing to use football to change lives for the better.

About Bath City FC Foundation

Check out what the foundation does for the community and see how you can get involved.

bathcityfoundation.org

facebook.com/BCFCFoundation/

About the free business support in Bath & North East Somerset 

If you would like support from Cool Ventures visit:

https://coolventures.co.uk/funded-support/funded-support-banes/

info@coolventures.co.uk 

Fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  

The post ⚽ Building Stronger Communities Through Football: Bath City FC Foundation’s Journey appeared first on Cool Ventures.

Paul Elliott, founder of City of Bath Guides, has a story of resilience, creativity, and relentless determination. From the fallout of a global pandemic to launching a thriving Bridgerton-themed tour business, he’s shown that reinvention is possible at any stage of life — especially with the right support. Read on to learn about Paul’s thriving Bridgerton tour. 

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Paul Elliott’s career in coach tourism came to a sudden standstill. Like many in the industry, he found himself out of work — with no safety net and no clear path forward. 

“I was a sole operator, no insurance. Everything just collapsed,” Paul recalls. “The coach tourism industry was already in decline, but COVID destroyed it.” 

But where others saw an ending, Paul saw an opportunity to rebuild – differently.

How it all started

Paul’s journey into entrepreneurship didn’t begin in tourism. His career started in marine engineering with the Ministry of Defence, designing warships and working on major projects like Trident and Polaris. But a passion for storytelling and people led him away from engineering and into sales, and eventually — through a chance encounter — into tour guiding.

“Someone said, ‘You’re a bit of a character. Would you like to drive clients around Bath and tell them the history?’” he remembers. “That’s how it all started.”

For years, Paul ran successful tours around Bath and beyond — until the pandemic forced a complete reinvention.

Rebuilding with free business support in Bath

“I was desperate. I tried everything,” Paul says. “That’s when I found the free Bath & North East Somerset Business Support Service, delivered by Cool Ventures.” 

Through the programme, Paul accessed a range of fully funded business support — from one-to-one coaching to workshops covering marketing, branding, SEO, and digital skills. 

“Everything was alien to me at first. But the courses broke it into bite-sized chunks, and gradually it started to make sense. I began putting the puzzle together.” 

He embraced learning everything from Canva and Google Analytics to SEO and online visibility. 

The rise of the Bridgerton Tour

While grounded during lockdown, Paul watched Bridgerton on Netflix — nine times.

“I realized the whole series was filmed around my doorstep. I had the knowledge, I had the story, I just had to package it.”

And so, the Bridgerton Tour was born — a walking tour that blends Paul’s historical expertise, theatrical flair, and local insights with the glamour of the hit show. Complete with 14 locations, over 30 supporting photos, and Paul’s characterful narration, the tour became a standout success.

“It’s been a gift,” he says. “I took a chance and started something new — and now it’s working. But honestly, I couldn’t have done it without the free support that’s available to business owners in Bath and nearby communities.” 

Cool Ventures: “Like a picnic hamper of help” 

Paul describes the support he received as “a picnic hamper full of helpful things.” 

“You dip in and find what you need — one day it’s a sandwich, another day it’s a packet of crisps. And then you come back and find something new.” 

Beyond the practical advice, Paul appreciated the encouragement, structure, and genuine human connection. 

“You’re talking to real people who care. And if they don’t have the answer, they know someone who does.” 

Looking ahead: innovation and adaptability

Paul continues to evolve, attending further training and exploring new business models — even joking about creating a hologram version of himself to lead tours in the future.

“In this business, you have to keep learning. Complacency leads to bankruptcy.”

With the rise of “set-jetting” tourism — where fans travel to see filming locations — Paul is keeping his finger on the pulse of trends in tourism and digital marketing.

Final thoughts

“If you’re stuck, Cool Ventures is the place to go. They won’t do the work for you, but they’ll give you everything you need to find your own way through.”

About City of Bath Guides

Check out Paul’s thriving Bridgerton-themed tour business.

https://cityofbathguides.com/

bathguide@yahoo.co.uk 

+44 7776 033560 

About the free business support in Bath & North East Somerset 

https://coolventures.co.uk/funded-support/funded-support-banes/

info@coolventures.co.uk 

Fully funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.  

The post Client Story: City of Bath Guides appeared first on Cool Ventures.

But they didn’t want to create just any home support service. They envisioned a service built on continuity, trust, and companionship, where clients didn’t just receive a service—they felt truly supported.

However, as with any new business, their dream came with its own set of challenges. With no prior experience in marketing or business development, they struggled to establish an online presence and reach potential clients, particularly in rural areas. Defining their brand and creating the right marketing materials felt daunting.

Turning to Bath & NES Business Support for Help

Determined to overcome these obstacles, John and Nathalie turned to Cool Ventures and their fully funded Bath & North East Somerset Business Support Service. The support was exactly what they needed to take their idea and turn it into a reality.

They received invaluable one-to-one business coaching from Cool Ventures’ outreach business advisor, Rachel Sweet, and attended practical workshops designed to develop key business skills.

Together, they worked on creating a marketing plan, built their brand identity, and designed eye-catching business cards and leaflets. They also set up a Facebook business page to extend their reach beyond the local community and into the online world.

Turning Challenges into Success

With the support from Cool Ventures, John and Nathalie began to see tangible results. They established a clear business identity and started marketing their services within the local community. Slowly but surely, their vision for Somer Valley Home Support began to take shape.

While Nathalie focuses on hands-on care and building meaningful relationships with clients, John not only provides care but also manages the administrative and marketing side of the business. Their complementary roles ensure that clients receive the personal, high-quality service they strive to deliver.

“Cool Ventures has been invaluable in helping us develop our business. From marketing to branding, their support has given us the confidence to move forward. Without their help, we wouldn’t be where we are today.”

John, reflecting on the support they’ve received.

What’s Next?

With a solid foundation now in place, John and Nathalie are focused on expanding their client base. They are excited to take things one step at a time, always with their goal of providing exceptional service to those who need it most.

Somer Valley Home Support

+44 7758 058630

nathalie1help@gmail.com

Facebook: SommerValleyHomeSupport

The Bath & North East Somerset Business Support Service is available to all residents with a business idea. Access up to 12 hours of fully funded support today and turn your vision into a reality.

Fully funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

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With the guidance from Cool Ventures, Tea Rex was successful in securing a Business Growth & Adaptions Grant.

Find out what Tea Rex owner, Andrew Walker, thinks of Cool Ventures’ fully funded business support and training. Tea Rex invented revolutionary fresh tea infusions made from just fresh chopped fruits, roots and leaves (https://tearex.co.uk/)

The post Client testimonial: Tea Rex appeared first on Cool Ventures.

Watch this video to hear an inspirational story from our client Lucy Smith, the founder of Your Village Shop, an independent shop set in a new community in Bristol. Learn how our free business support and advice helped Lucy to move her business forward.

Your Village Shop (https://yourvillageshop.com/) began as a dream to create an inclusive environment for customers and staff along with an ambition to develop a work experience programme for neurodiverse young people and adults.

Lucy needed a sounding board to help her put all her ideas into an action plan. Cool Ventures business advisers supported Lucy with strategic planning, finance and marketing.

If you need a sounding board to help move your business forward, get in touch with us.

The post Client testimonial: Your Village Shop appeared first on Cool Ventures.

Picnic Coffee is an indie coffee shop, bringing people high-quality coffee in a relaxed atmosphere ( https://picniccoffee.co.uk/).

If you need help with developing and growing your business get in touch to find out how we can help. We regularly include growth strategy workshops in our programme, and can also provide bespoke one-to-one support for ambitious businesses.

The post Client testimonial: Picnic Coffee in Bath appeared first on Cool Ventures.

Fabric Plus is a thriving local business based in the Downend high street selling a broad range of quilting, craft and dressmaking fabrics and wool. Cool Ventures helped Fabric Plus improve their online presence and by doing that bring more customers to the shop (https://www.fabrics-plus.co.uk/)

If you would like to find out about our fully funded marketing workshops, visit our events page or get in touch to speak to one of our friendly staff.

The post Client testimonial: Fabric Plus appeared first on Cool Ventures.

The pandemic has been the spark for many people to take the plunge and start their own businesses. Bal Kaur found herself cooking more and more during lockdown, and after a disappointing Indian takeaway experience, her family and friends helped convince her to turn her passion for Punjabi food into a new venture.

“Finding genuine Punjabi takeaway food around here is rare,” explains Bal, who is relatively new to the Bristol area. “Most Indian takeaways offer a Bangladeshi-style menu. Punjabi flavours are distinctly different, and I felt there was a real opportunity to offer my authentic homemade recipes. It’s important to me that all my food is cooked fresh on the day it’s eaten – I don’t pre-prepare or reheat dishes.”

Testing products and seeking advice

Bal started out by testing her recipes with local groups and clubs. The feedback was great, but she still faced some big challenges. The main ones were around finance – not just paying for things like a new website, but also gaining the skills to plan and manage the costs of all the ingredients involved. Recruitment was key, too: keeping up with takeaway orders while also running busy pub curry nights was too much for one person: she needed help but didn’t know where to start, as she had never employed anyone before.

Luckily, Bal heard about the free business support available through South Gloucestershire Business Support Service from a family member. She signed up for a series of online workshops that equipped her with some of the essential skills she needed, and also had a one-to-one support meeting with Emma, one of Cool Ventures’ friendly business support specialists.

“The support I received from Cool Ventures was really, really good,” says Bal. “I gained so much important knowledge on issues like business insurance and HR. Emma helped me put together an action plan, and was always available when I had questions or concerns.”

Online workshops

The online workshops Bal attended included sessions on Facebook and Instagram for business, how to win customers, and how to write a business plan and apply for funding. She had struggled a bit with Instagram for example, but with Emma’s help and what she learnt from the workshop, she was able to advertise her business more effectively online.

“I found starting my own business scary, but all the advice and support I received from Cool Ventures, then attending networking events and speaking to people, has helped build my confidence.”  Bal Kaur, The Punjabi Inn

Going forward, Bal has exciting plans. The Punjabi Inn has had amazing customer feedback, and her ambition now is to open her own pub. Bal’s advice to fellow business startups is,

“Get all the help available from people like Cool Ventures. It’s not just about funding: different courses really help and give you the confidence to run your business.”

https://www.thepunjabiinn.co.uk/  |  bal@thepunjabiinn.co.uk | 07984 618327

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Free business support helps Ruth set up crucial service.

There are many different motives behind new business startups. And even when financial success isn’t the primary objective, you need key business skills to succeed. Ruth Lane turned to Cool Ventures for expert guidance as she launched Forget Me Not Dementia Services.

Ruth’s dementia day care business started in response to the closure of a local service offered by a charity she worked for. Many people with dementia had been left with nowhere to go, leaving their families without any break from providing 24/7 care. As Ruth knew all too well, giving families a break enables them to continue looking after their loved ones, avoiding them having to go into a permanent care setting.

Forget Me Not provides individualised, person-centred therapeutic support for people with dementia. The day club offers a variety of activities like exercise, games, day trips, singing, and providing a nutritious meal.

Ruth says, “We have huge feedback from families who’ve seen a big difference in their loved ones and their ability to do things after attending the club – they even remember it and ask to attend again.”

The skills to keep a business viable

When it comes to dementia care, Ruth and her loyal team are experts. But while the new service isn’t about making money it still needs to be run along business lines, staying viable yet keeping prices low. To achieve these things, she needed different specialist skills: like creating a business plan, setting pricing, running a payroll, and recruiting staff. “I wanted help to put it all together in a professional way, to make my staff proud and the business stand out,” she says.

Ruth discovered the free Bath & North East Somerset Business Support Service provided by Cool Ventures and funded by the Council and West of England Combined Authority.

“I’d never run a business, and had to learn lots of lessons very quickly – that’s where Cool Ventures’ help came in. Without that, I couldn’t have done it. They made me think about things that I hadn’t even considered, like insurance and bookkeeping.”  Ruth Lane

Cool Ventures advisors set up one-to-one business support meetings and helped Ruth access a business start-up grant.

Ruth says, “Sue was absolutely amazing: she made me believe I could do it. I couldn’t have asked for more, and would never be where I am now without her advice.” Cool Ventures kept in regular contact, sharing useful guidance and walking Ruth through each stage. “I felt in total control, but with someone experienced at my side,” she says.

What’s next for Forget Me Not Dementia Services?

Forget Me Not has made a great start. Now Ruth is aiming to build her team of three further by recruiting people who share the same passion for dementia care services.

“Don’t think you can do it all on your own,” she says, “An idea is a good idea if you have the people to make it happen. It’s taken the belief of Cool Ventures to get me here.”

https://www.forgetmenotclub.net/ | ruthalane@hotmail.com | 07976390528

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