Accelerate your growth.
De-risk your future.
Running a business is hard. Working with the right business coach and mentor makes all the difference. Nexus Blueprint offers expert business coaching and mentoring across Brighton, Sussex and the UK — bringing 25 years of real-world experience to help you get clear, get structured, and get moving.
Your Coach & Mentor
Richard Shaw
Founder, Nexus Blueprint
About Richard Shaw
A different kind of
business mentor
I've spent over 25 years helping some of the UK's most complex organisations — including government departments, the NHS, and major corporations — get properly structured, make better decisions, and deliver real results.
As a Brighton-based business coach and mentor, I now bring that same disciplined, practical thinking to ambitious SME owners and business leaders across Sussex and the UK. My background isn't in theory — it's in rolling up my sleeves and working through the real challenges that hold businesses back.
"I don't just ask good questions. I bring the experience to help you find the right answers."
Whether you're trying to grow, struggling to find direction, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the day-to-day, I can help you step back, see the bigger picture, and build a practical plan that actually works for your business.
I also write regularly for Enterprise Nation — sharing practical insights on business architecture, structure and change management for SME owners.
Read Richard's full storyLet's have a conversationHelp to Grow Mentor · ILM Level 7 · AI for Business Mentors
Qualifications & Credentials
L7
ABM
Ops
Verified Credentials
Qualifications you can
verify independently
Every qualification listed below is independently verified and publicly accessible. Click any badge to confirm its authenticity.
All active certifications are independently verifiable. Richard is committed to maintaining the highest professional standards in coaching, mentoring and business practice.
Why Nexus Blueprint
More than just
good questions
Most business coaches help you think. That's valuable. But I bring something most business coaches and mentors don't — 25 years of hands-on experience solving real business problems at the highest levels.
How We Work Together
A programme shaped
around your business
Every business coaching and mentoring engagement starts with a conversation about where you are, where you want to get to, and what support will serve you best. There's no off-the-shelf package — just tailored coaching for Brighton, Sussex and UK-based businesses.
Not sure which is right for you? Get in touch and we'll work it out together.
Help to Grow
Years of experience
volunteering with Help to Grow
Richard has been volunteering as an approved Help to Grow mentor for several years, supporting SME owners across a wide range of industries — from landscaping and logistics to IT services and call centres.
This experience directly informs how Richard works with clients through Nexus Blueprint. Help to Grow mentoring is delivered exclusively through the official government programme — it is not available for private booking through this website.
Find Out More at Gov.uk →What Help to Grow covers
Strategy & Growth Planning — where your business is going and how to get there
Financial Management — understanding your numbers, cashflow and profitability
Marketing & Customer Acquisition — reaching the right people in the right way
Digital Adoption — using technology to save time, reduce costs and grow faster
People & Leadership — building the team and culture your business needs
1-to-1 Mentoring — dedicated sessions with an experienced, approved mentor
How It Works
Simple steps to
real progress
No pressure, no pitch. We start with an informal chat to understand where you are and what you're looking for.
Together we map your current situation and agree a tailored plan aligned to your specific goals and circumstances.
Regular sessions, honest conversations, practical action. We tackle the real issues and keep you moving forward consistently.
Measure what's changed, embed new habits, and build a business that's stronger, clearer, and ready for what comes next.
The Foundation of Good Mentoring
Know. Like. Trust.
The most effective coaching relationships are built on three simple things. Everything at Nexus Blueprint is designed with this in mind.
Client Stories
Businesses that have
moved forward
A snapshot of the businesses Richard has worked with through the Help to Grow programme and beyond.
"Working through the finances with Richard was a real eye-opener. I finally understood where my business was making money — and where it wasn't. That clarity has changed how I make decisions."
"Richard helped us identify that we didn't have documented roles or an organisational structure. It sounds obvious now, but having someone point that out — and help us fix it — was invaluable."
"We used the strategy sessions to look seriously at expanding into European and US markets. Richard helped us apply the right frameworks to assess the opportunity properly before committing."
"We completely rethought our marketing strategy — who we're targeting, how we're positioning ourselves, what channels actually make sense for our business. Much more focused now."
"Richard helped us get our Growth Action Plan properly documented, with clear goals and milestones. Having that written plan — and someone to hold us to it — made a real difference to our progress."
"We needed help with our structure and how we were managing resources. Richard brought a clear, methodical approach that helped us get the right people doing the right things."
Insights & Articles
Practical thinking
for SME owners
Richard writes regularly for Enterprise Nation — one of the UK's leading small business platforms — sharing practical, plain-English thinking on strategy, structure and change management for growing businesses.
How to connect goals, people and daily work
When you run an SME, planning can feel like juggling chainsaws. This article explains how a simple approach to business architecture helps you connect your goals, your team and the work that actually gets done — without the corporate jargon.
Business Architecture · Series Part 2Turning your vision into a working structure
Every SME owner has a vision — but vision alone won't deliver. This article explores how to turn your business direction into a practical, working structure using the principles of business architecture and the two roles every owner must master.
Change Management · Series Part 3Why SMEs need smarter change management
Change is inevitable in every growing business — but most SMEs manage it reactively. This article sets out why a more structured approach to change management is one of the most valuable things a small business can invest in.
Read all of Richard's articles and view his adviser profile on Enterprise Nation
View Profile on Enterprise Nation →Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is business coaching and how is it different from mentoring?
Business coaching focuses on specific, measurable goals — using questioning and proven frameworks to help you find your own solutions and develop your capabilities. Mentoring draws on the mentor's personal experience to provide guidance, perspective and a trusted sounding board for longer-term development. At Nexus Blueprint, I offer both — and the right blend depends entirely on what you need.
What is the Help to Grow programme?
Help to Grow: Management is a UK government-backed programme that provides business education and one-to-one mentoring for SMEs. Richard has been volunteering as an approved Help to Grow mentor for several years, supporting a wide range of businesses through the programme. Help to Grow mentoring is delivered exclusively through the official programme and is not available for private booking — visit Gov.uk for eligibility and how to apply.
Who does Nexus Blueprint work with?
Nexus Blueprint works with SME owners, directors and business leaders across Brighton, Sussex and the wider UK. Richard has supported businesses across a wide range of sectors — including IT services, logistics, landscaping, call centres, product development, industrial services and more. Sessions are available in person or remotely.
How do I get started?
The first step is simply a conversation — no obligation, no pressure. Fill in the contact form below or email info@nexusblueprint.co.uk and Richard will be in touch within one working day to arrange a time to speak.
Where is Nexus Blueprint based?
Nexus Blueprint is based in Brighton, East Sussex, and works with businesses across Brighton, Sussex and nationally across the UK — both in person and remotely via video call.
Book Online
Book a Discovery Call
Choose a time that works for you — a free, no-obligation 30-minute conversation to see if Nexus Blueprint is right for your business.
Get In Touch
Ready to start
the conversation?
The first step is simply a conversation. There's no obligation and no pressure — just an honest discussion about where your business is and whether I can help.
Fill in the form and I'll be in touch within one working day to arrange a time to speak.
"Richard helped us build a clear growth strategy when we were at a crossroads. Within a few sessions we had clarity, a plan, and the confidence to move forward."
Business Owner · SME client