What are the opening hours?

Monday 8:30am - 5:30pm Tuesday 8am - 5:30pm Wednesday 8:30am - 5:30pm Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm Friday 8:30am - 5:30pm

Skills Shop, 2-6 Derry Street, Barrow in Furness (2025)

17/09/2025

Sunday was one of those moments that makes you beam with pride as a parent. My daughter took part in her second Acro (that’s Acrobatics & Dance) competition at Accrington Town Hall.

She bravely entered two classes, each packed with 30+ incredibly talented dancers.

And do you know what?

She placed 3rd in both. 🥉🥉

Now, as her dad, I couldn’t be prouder. But as someone who spends his days building courses and helping trainers share their expertise, I couldn’t help but notice the parallels between her Acro journey and what we do at Skills Shop.

👉 Empower – Just like in Acro, it starts with giving people the tools and confidence to perform. In course building, that means empowering trainers with the right platform, resources, and structure.

👉 Elevate – Training, practice, and guidance help dancers elevate their performance. The same is true with online courses — we help elevate your ideas into engaging, professional, and polished programmes.

👉 Expand – Every competition opens up new possibilities for growth. In your business, every online course expands your reach, impact, and income.

So, whether it’s stepping onto the stage at Accrington Town Hall or launching your first online course, the values are the same: Empower, Elevate, Expand.

If you’re ready to take your knowledge and turn it into something that makes an impact, let’s have a chat.

The stage is set — the only question is, are you ready to step onto it?

\

[https://tidycal.com/skillsshop/virtual-chat-with-phil]

10/09/2025

As I was approaching my office today, I came across a scene that made me slow right down.

A transit van was stopped in the middle of the road, hazard lights flashing, and for a moment I thought there’d been an accident.

But then I saw it...

A little Dachshund (darting about, clearly frightened and confused.

It had escaped from a yard and was now aimlessly running in circles, not sure where to turn.

The van driver was out trying to catch it, but the dog was too scared to be caught.

So I did what anyone would do...

I pulled over, flicked my hazards on, and got out with Coby, our Border Collie.

Within moments the Dachshund spotted Coby, came over to make friends, and we were able to secure it safely.

A quick check showed no injuries, but it had no collar, no ID tag, nothing to identify where it belonged.

After a few knocks on doors we finally tracked down the owner and the little escape artist was back home safe.

It was one of those moments that makes you smile afterwards 😌.

But it also got me thinking...

Are Your Potential Clients Aimlessly Roaming Too?

That little dog was running scared because it couldn’t find its way home.

And I see the exact same thing happening with potential clients online every single day.

People are out there, searching the internet desperately for solutions to their problems.

You’ve got the very thing they’re looking for – but they can’t find you.

No webpage. No online course. No way of knowing...

That’s where online courses change the game.

When you build an online course:

✅ You create a clear path that directs people straight to you.
✅ You position yourself as the expert, the trusted guide who knows the way.
✅ You give people instant access to the knowledge, tools, and support they’re searching for.
✅ You stop potential clients from wandering off to competitors because you’ve made it easy for them to engage with you.

Instead of chasing aimless traffic, you build a structured, branded platform that works 24/7, attracting the right people and giving them a safe place to land.

Ready to Stop Losing Clients in the Crowd?

Building an online course doesn’t just help your clients.

It builds your credibility, saves you time, and creates an asset that can generate income over and over again.

So here’s my question to you:

If you’d like to stop leaving it to chance and start creating a course that positions you as the go-to expert in your field, then let’s have a chat.

📅 Book a call today and let’s talk about how you can create a course that brings your clients straight home. [https://tidycal.com/skillsshop/virtual-chat-with-phil]

Are your potential clients aimlessly roaming the internet, or are they finding their way safely to you?

19/08/2025

Saturday was a special day for me. Not only did the world mark 48 years since Elvis left the building, but I was also celebrating my own 48th birthday and, to top it off, my 18th wedding anniversary.

Family is the most important thing in my life, so there was no better way to celebrate than by spending the afternoon monkeying around together at Go Ape in Grizedale Forest. I’m fortunate to have this amazing adventure park practically on my doorstep.

If you’ve ever been, you’ll know the mix of excitement and nerves as you step out onto a wobbly obstacle high in the trees, or clip in ready to launch yourself across a zip line. It’s that blend of thrill, fear, and achievement that makes the experience unforgettable.

And honestly it’s not so different from building your first online course.

At the start, standing on the platform (or staring at a blank screen), it feels daunting. You’re not sure where to place your feet, or whether you’ll make it to the other side. But with the right support, guidance, and step-by-step plan, you find your balance. Each obstacle you overcome builds confidence, until suddenly you’re flying along the zip line your course live, learners enrolling, and that wave of pride rushing over you.

That’s exactly what I do at Skills Shop. I help trainers, coaches, and business owners tackle the obstacles of course building so they can reach the thrill of launch day without the fear or overwhelm.

So, if you’ve been putting off creating your course because the climb looks too steep, remember you don’t have to do it alone. I’ll help you harness up, take those first steps, and make the leap.

Are you ready to step off the platform and finally get your course online?

[Let's have a chat: https://tidycal.com/skillsshop/virtual-chat-with-phil]

13/08/2025

This weekend I ticked something off my bucket list!

🚴‍♂️ cycling from home, around Coniston Water, and back home.

✅ 40 miles
✅ 2,500 calories burned
✅ 3,000 ft in elevation

It was tough. My legs screamed, the climbs tested my grit, and there were moments I thought about turning back.

But the views… the sense of achievement… the feeling of pushing myself outside my comfort zone it was worth every pedal stroke.

Here’s the thing: getting your online course live can feel the same.

You might be worried about dipping your toes into the water of online courses.

It’s unknown territory...
It feels like a huge climb....
And you might be tempted to put it off until “next month” or “when things are quieter.”

That’s where I come in.

I help trainers, consultants, and business owners take their idea and turn it into a fully functioning online course without the overwhelm, tech headaches, or endless delays.

I handle the heavy lifting so you can focus on sharing your expertise, not stressing over the process.

If you’re ready to take that first pedal stroke into the world of online learning, let’s talk.

https://tidycal.com/skillsshop/virtual-chat-with-phil

07/08/2025

We’ve got some brilliant news for those in the construction sector…

Skills Shop is now officially registered as part of the CITB Employer Network, which means eligible construction companies can claim back up to 70% of their training costs – even on courses you’ve already got planned.

Whether you’re booking in-person, blended, or e-learning, you could get support for most of our training courses – including:

🩹 First Aid
🧠 Mental Health First Aid
⚠️ Workplace Health & Safety

Here’s what makes us different…

✅ You choose the date, start time and location.
✅ You book by seat, not by name – so you can swap staff in and out last minute without penalty.
✅ No hidden fees. No corporate faff. Just great training that works around you.

If you're in the construction industry and want to upskill your team without breaking the bank, give me a ring on 07563 246 110 and let’s talk through your options.

30/07/2025

Last night, I was just heading up the road to take my daughter to gymnastics when I spotted a delivery van parked awkwardly: hazards flashing, half a mile from the kerb, completely blocking a driveway on a sweeping bend.

I’ll be honest, my first thought? “Typical delivery driver.”

But within seconds, he jumped out and explained he’d broken down.

His drive shaft had gone, and he was stranded. Not reckless, just stuck.

Fast forward 90 minutes: I returned home, and there he was still in the van, still waiting for recovery.

It was now 8:15pm.

I got chatting with him and it turned out he was from Bury not far from where I grew up.

I offered him a drink, the loo, and most importantly, a portable battery pack when I found out his phone was on 2% and he was worried about staying in contact.

He was genuinely grateful.

And it hit me...

Things aren’t always as they first appear.

We can be quick to judge, especially when something looks like it’s in our way.

But behind the scenes, there’s usually a story.

Just like course building.

From the outside, you might assume it’s all smooth sailing… until you’re halfway through and something breaks down.

⚠️ You lose your structure.
⚠️ You hit a tech wall.
⚠️ You feel stranded.

At Skills Shop, we anticipate the detours and help you stay on track even if you break down halfway round the bend.

Whether you’re building from scratch or just need help getting it over the finish line, I’m here to make sure you always deliver.

Have you ever had one of those moments where you assumed the worst… only to be surprised?

Yes or no? 👇

15/07/2025

Last Friday, I took a day off to spend time with the kids and headed to Preston. Two years ago, I tried the Guild Wheel, a 20-mile loop around Preston popular with cyclists. Unless you get lost and head toward Southport, then it’s 43 miles of soul-searching 🤣

This time, I was confident I'd conquer the loop with my kids' expert guidance (they're better at directions than I am). In 30-degree heat, it took us 2 hours and 53 minutes, with moments of me saying, “Not much further… just around this bend.”

And that got me thinking…

Whether cycling or creating an online course, you don’t power through it all at once.

✅ Break it into chunks.
✅ Take breaks when needed.
✅ Stop to check your progress.
✅ Have someone alongside you to keep you going.

That’s how I approach course creation with clients. It’s not “write a course in a day.” It’s about reaching milestones with expert guidance to keep you on track and avoid detours. 😅

💡 Course Creation Looks Like This:

Start with your map – Define your destination and key outcomes.
Break the route into checkpoints – Your modules and lessons.
Plan for hydration stops – Time for reflection, quizzes, activities.
Ensure your kit works – Tech, LMS, videos, resources.
Finish strong – Publish and promote with confidence.

Overwhelmed? That’s what I’m here for. Whether you're at the start line or stuck halfway, I’ll guide you through each stage without the heatstroke.

Ready to stop circling and start building? Is it time to get your course live?

[Book a call 👉🏻 https://tidycal.com/skillsshop/coursebuilder-chat]

08/07/2025

Over the weekend I sat down to watch one of my favourite sporting events of the year — the British Grand Prix.

Now yes, it was incredible to see Lando Norris cross the line first but the standout moment for me?...

Nico Hülkenberg getting 3rd place.

Why?

Because this was his first podium finish in 239 race starts.

Two. Hundred. Thirty. Nine.

That’s more than a decade of showing up...

Of putting the work in...

Of racing, missing the champagne, and going again anyway!

And finally, it paid off.

It got me thinking about perseverance and how often we give up when success might be just around the next corner.

It reminds me of that quote often (possibly incorrectly!) attributed to Edison:

“I haven’t failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.”

He didn’t invent the light bulb on the first go.

And neither did I wake up one day as a 5th Dan Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu.

That took years of effort, training, knocks, and learning.

The same goes for building online courses.

When I first started, it took time to figure out how to create engaging, effective, and scalable learning experiences.

But I stuck at it.

Now, I’ve helped dozens of clients transform their knowledge into sleek, professional online courses — without the tech headaches or time drain.

And I do it fast, because I’ve done the laps.

So if you’re sitting on a great course idea, remember:

You don’t need to have it all figured out right now.

You just need to keep going or better yet, get someone in your corner who’s already done the distance.

Want to launch your course faster and smarter?

Drop me a comment below 👇🏻

Have you ever achieved something simply by not giving up?

02/07/2025

🎪 Feel like you're juggling too much?

• Running a business.
• Serving your clients.
• Taking care of your family.
• And somehow managing everything else life throws at you…

Sound familiar?

Now here’s something that might surprise you: when I’m not delivering training, I only work 4 hours a day.

Yep. Just 4.

Here’s why 👇

• I homeschool my kids.
• My wife’s balloon shop is open 10am–2pm on weekdays.
• So I’ve had to build a business that works around life, not the other way round.

And the reason it works is because of systems...

Systems that let me get done in 4 hours what used to take me 8!

Here’s my setup:

🧠 Step 1: Dump it all out

I use Todoist for task management and communicating with my clients. It’s my digital brain.
Everything I think of goes in there—ideas, tasks, reminders, you name it.

🏎 Step 2: F1-style project board

Because I’m F1 mad, my client work sits on a “grid” (just like the starting lineup).
Everything else? That’s on the “pit wall” waiting for attention.

🔁 Step 3: The 3–3–3 Method

Every day I focus on:

1️⃣ 1 client on the grid
2️⃣ 3 priority tasks from the pit wall
3️⃣ 3 admin jobs to keep things ticking

That’s it.

Anything beyond that? Bonus points.

But most days, this simple system keeps me focused, on track, and sane.

So if you know someone who’s desperate to get their course online but is struggling to juggle time and tasks — send them my way.

We’ll take the chaos out of their calendar and help them finally bring their course to life 🚀

✅ Clear head
✅ Clear path
✅ Course online

Could a 4-hour workday actually be possible for you too?

11/06/2025

I’ve just cleared one spot in my diary for a fast-track course build — and it’s for someone who’s ready to stop overthinking and finally get their course live.

Not “someday.”
Not “when things quieten down.”
Now.

You’ve been telling yourself you’ll get round to it.
But let’s be honest — if that was going to happen, it would’ve happened by now.

Here’s what I’m offering:

🔧 I’ll take your content
🎯 Build out a proper course structure
⚙️ Set it up on LearnDash, Kajabi, or whatever suits your needs
🚀 And get your course live — stress-free, tech-free, excuse-free

🛑 This is NOT a freebie.

It’s a paid fast-track service for someone who’s serious about launching their course and wants it done properly, quickly, and without the usual chaos.

If that’s you — comment “FAST TRACK” right now.

Because there’s only one slot, and when it’s gone… it’s gone.

03/06/2025

Ever lost a sale because your payment process was clunkier than a 90s dial-up connection? 😬

Your enrolment journey should be so smooth that learners barely notice it happened!

3 quick fixes:
• Test your checkout on mobile (where most people will buy!)
• Remove unnecessary form fields (nobody needs your life story)
• Add multiple payment options (not everyone has PayPal!)

The easier you make it to pay you, the more people... will pay you! Funny how that works, right? 💸

Ready to stop losing sales to technical hiccups? Let's chat about your course setup: https://tidycal.com/skillsshop/coursebuilder-chat

27/05/2025

Still sitting on that course idea?

If tech overwhelm, lack of time, or just not knowing where to start has held you back—this is for you. I’ve opened up 2 fast-track build slots this week to get your course live without the stress.

You bring the content, I’ll handle the rest.

Drop “READY” in the comments and I’ll send you the details.

Skills Shop

17/09/2025

10/09/2025

19/08/2025

13/08/2025

07/08/2025

30/07/2025

15/07/2025

08/07/2025

02/07/2025

11/06/2025

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27/05/2025

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Monday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Tuesday	8am - 5:30pm
Wednesday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Thursday	8:30am - 5:30pm
Friday	8:30am - 5:30pm