TODAY more and more companies are turning to business coaching in a bid to boost efficiency and maintain growth.

A corporate alternative to yoga, it helps people identify and realise their goals whether it be a fear of public speaking or a multi-million pound management reshuffle.

In 2003 Peter Smith launched his own coaching company Pemsa Ltd. Based in Chalfont St Peter, he guides businesses and small business owners to make decisions that can improve anything from turnover and profitability to staff motivation.

"People do need guidance," the 53-year-old remarked. "But there's a huge difference between coaching someone and offering counselling."

Although it remains an unregulated industry business, coaching is evolving. Coaches work on a one-to-one basis with clients, helping to set goals while providing positive feedback and encouragement.

"Each individual has different development needs and different learning styles," Peter told the Free Press.

"Often in smaller businesses there aren't enough people with the same training needs, at the same time, to design and run a formal training course."

Business coaching is the new answer. Coaches offer a flexible approach to development that can be delivered effectively on an individual basis, at the time it is needed.

Although Peter only launched Pemsa Ltd in 2003, he is no stranger to coaching roles. After 30 years with Marks & Spencer, much of which was spent as SW London area manager, he took voluntary redundancy and pursued a career in coaching.

"Most of my time was spent dealing with people over a large distance," he said. "This involved developing skills such as coaching, because you're responsible for such a large area you can't be everywhere at the same time."

After reviewing his aspirations and skills Peter concluded he wished to base himself within an area centred on the success he had developing people. Areas such as performance coaching, career counselling, management recruitment and team building.

He spent time researching countless training organisations until he plumped for Australian-based company Results Coaching Systems. Training followed, and this year he was invited to become an Associate "a rare honour".

In late 2002 Peter took on his own coach and practised on friends in a bid to develop his own skills. It was not long before his own sound client base emerged.

He added: "Coaching can help staff to adapt and accept change while keeping consistent with their own goals and values. Coaching is a tool that can help businesses be competitive and individuals meet their full potential."

To find out more about business coaching or to contact Peter log on to www.pemsa-ltd.com