Business Planning without Spreadsheets

How to get a plan that works, even if you hate planning & strategy work!

• Got great ideas, but can’t seem to make progress?
• Got a new business project coming up?
• Feeling a bit daunted & disorganised?
• Don't like spreadsheets and linear thinking?
• Love what you do, but don't love what it's doing to you?

You’ve got something brewing – an idea, a shift, a project that matters – but the thought of strategy plans, funnels or spreadsheets makes you want to hide under a duvet.

This workshop is your reset button.

A half-day to reconnect with your own rhythm, your vision, your joy – and walk away with a soulful, usable plan. One that makes sense for how You work, not how the internet coaches say you should.

This is for you if:

• You're running a purpose-led business and feel a bit daunted about what’s next
• You've got more dreams than direction (and maybe a touch of spreadsheet aversion)
• You crave clarity, but not at the expense of your sanity

Let's get you a practical and sustainable plan to use. These (no spreadsheet) methods have helped secure £millions in project funding - now I am sharing them with the small business community.

What happens on the day?

We’ll gather (small group) in the Loft at Stroud Brewery with tea & coffee, really good biscuits, favourite pens, and zero pressure. You’ll journal, vision, scribble and draw, walk through your imagined future, body-storm your ideas (yes, it’s a thing), and translate it all into a gorgeous, doable action map.

There’ll be coloured pens, flipchart paper, post-it notes, and enough inspiration to reignite your enthusiasm and sparkle.

You’ll leave with:

• Clear direction on what you’re creating (and why it matters)
• A plan with real steps: grounded, spacious, and full of your energy
• Ways to keep momentum going (without needing an app or new productivity system)
• Encouragement, insight, and real connection with others who get it

One week later, we’ll meet for a relaxed follow-up coffee (10-11am downstairs in the Taproom) to check in, cheer each other on, and keep things moving.

Bring:

• Your favourite notebook and pen
• A significant or beloved item
• Your brilliant brain (even if it’s feeling foggy)

We won’t be using:

• Spreadsheets
• Laptops (unless absolutely needed)
• Pressure, perfectionism, productivity apps or other unhelpful ‘blueprints for success’

Let this be your seasonal re-set. A gentle reclamation of your business, your dreams, and your way of doing things.

You know that moment when everything clicks into place? Let’s create that.

To help you implement your plan, we will be meeting for coffee and an hour's follow up discussion a week later at Stroud Brewery 10-11am.

What previous participants said:

“It was good to work on the business for a morning with no phones and focus on what I want to achieve. I left with more clarity and direction. Alison was there if you needed her but not overpowering, so lots of time for reflection” Joanne Macaskie

“A beautiful space to explore a new idea. Expert guidance from Alison who took us on a journey to explore what is important to us, and to produce a plan. I learnt things about myself and my situation that I wouldn't have done otherwise. I left buzzing and knowing that this idea feels the right thing for me.” Vivien Rolfe

“A well curated workshop with lots of time to dig deep. With Alison's gentle and wise encouragement I was able to explore my problem in a new way and see solutions which had been evading me.”

"I'm neurospicy and find traditional business planning stressful and emotionally challenging because I can't work in all the expected linear ways. Alison's approach is a breath of fresh air."

"I've been too busy to untangle the jumble of ideas in my head. In just half a day I have a plan I like. It's made me realise I have two businesses in one and now I'm already making changes to how I am running my workspace and studio."

Dress to feel good: whatever is right for you. In this workshop, what matters most is that you are prioritising you and your work.

We will be finished by 1.00pm, freeing you up to go for lunch together, should you wish to.

Refreshments: light refreshments are included. If you have specific dietary needs, please bring a favourite nibbly snack. You will also be able to purchase food and drink from the Taproom on the ground floor.

Limited access: we will be using the loft space at the Brewery. The lift only goes as far as the floor below, so regrettably access to this workshop is limited to people who can use stairs. If this will prevent you from taking part, please make contact so I can find a better way to include you.

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