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 (2026)

19/01/2026

Last week I spoke to a trainer who said,

“I’ve got the idea… I just need to finish the plan first.”

What they really meant was:

• the full outline
• the perfect title
• every answer upfront

That’s where they were stuck.

Once we talked it through, one thing became clear.

They already knew the problem they help people with.

That was enough to start.

Clarity comes from talking, not overthinking.

Finish this sentence in the comments:

“My course helps people who struggle with ______.”

If you ever want to talk it through properly, a relaxed chat can help (just DM me).

15/01/2026

Most trainers and coaches don’t struggle with knowledge.

They struggle with everything around it.
• The tech.
• The platforms.
• The setup.

The “what connects to what” questions.

That’s usually where confidence dips.

People start strong with an idea.

Then stall when they hit decisions they’ve never had to make before.
• Where should it live?
• How do learners log in?
• What does “ready to sell” even mean?

This is where Skills Shop comes in.

Our role is simple.
• You focus on teaching.
• We focus on building.

You bring your content in whatever form works for you.
• Notes.
• Slides.
• Audio.
• Video.
• Existing materials.

We take care of turning that into a proper online course.

That means
• Clear structure built into the platform
• Lessons laid out so learners can follow easily
• Resources added in the right places
• Quizzes and progress tracking where needed

A course that looks professional and works properly
• No guesswork.
• No wrestling with systems.
• No half-finished setup sitting in draft.

By the time it’s done, you’re not wondering what to do next.

You’re holding a finished course that’s ready to be shared.

This partnership works because everyone stays in their lane.

You don’t have to become techy.

And we don’t try to teach your subject.

Together, that’s how ideas turn into real courses.

Would having someone handle the build side take a weight off your shoulders?

[Lets talk about your course: https://tidycal.com/skillsshop/coursebuilder-chat]

14/01/2026

If you’ve been delivering training, coaching, or workshops for any length of time, you are already sitting on course content.

You just might not see it yet.

Most people assume creating an online course means starting from a blank page.
• New scripts.
• New slides.
• New recordings.

That belief alone stops a lot of good courses from ever being created.

The reality is very different.

Your existing materials are usually more than enough to get started.

Think about what you already have
• Slide decks from workshops
• Notes you’ve refined over time
• Handouts or worksheets
• Recorded Zoom sessions
• Answers you give clients every week

That is not “old stuff”.

That is proven content.
• Content that has already been tested in the real world.
• Content that people have paid for.
• Content that already solves problems.

Turning that into a course isn’t about redoing everything.

It’s about reusing it differently.

A workshop doesn’t fail as a course because it was live.

It fails if it’s dumped online without thought.

The key is stepping back and asking

“What is this actually teaching?”

Once you see that, the structure usually follows.
• You might split one workshop into several short lessons.
• You might turn a handout into a downloadable resource.
• You might record short explanations instead of long sessions.

Small changes.

Same knowledge.

This approach does two important things.
• It reduces overwhelm.
• And it builds confidence.

Because instead of thinking

“I can’t do this”

You start thinking

“I’ve already done most of this”

Progress comes from recognising what you already have, not focusing on what you think is missing.

What existing material do you already have that could be the start of your course?

13/01/2026

One of the biggest fears people have about creating an online course is structure.

They worry about

• “What if I miss something important?”
• “What if it doesn’t flow?”
• “What if learners get confused?”

So they overcomplicate it.
• They plan huge module lists.
• They add extra lessons “just in case”.
• They try to include everything they know.

And that’s usually what causes the confusion.

Good course structure isn’t about more content.

It’s about clear progression.

A simple structure almost always works better than a clever one.

At its core, every effective course answers three questions for the learner.
• Where am I now?
• Where am I going?
• What’s the next step?

That’s it.

You don’t need fancy names or complex pathways.

A simple approach looks like this
• Start with the problem or situation the learner is in now
• Break the journey into logical stages
• End each stage with a clear outcome

Think in steps, not topics.

Instead of “Module 1: Background and Theory”
Try “Step 1: Understanding why this keeps happening”

Instead of “Module 4: Advanced Techniques”
Try “Step 4: Handling this confidently in real life”

This shift changes everything.

It stops you teaching for the sake of teaching.

And starts you guiding the learner forward.

Another useful check is this.

If someone only completed the first half of your course, would they already be better off?

If the answer is yes, your structure is probably working.

Courses don’t need to be perfect.
• They need to be usable.
• Clear.
• Predictable.
• Supportive.

When learners know what’s coming next and why it matters, they stay engaged.

Simple structure isn’t basic.

It’s kind.

Does your current idea feel clearer when you think about it in steps instead of sections?

12/01/2026

Most people don’t get stuck because they don’t have a good course idea.

They get stuck because they think they need the whole thing worked out before they start.

They imagine a finished course...
• Perfect modules.
• Polished videos.
• A clear sales page.

And because they can’t see all of that yet, they do nothing.

Here’s the truth most trainers and coaches need to hear.

You are not supposed to have it all figured out at the start.

Every good course begins messy.
• With half-formed thoughts.
• With notes scribbled in different places.
• With experience that lives in your head but hasn’t been organised yet.

That's normal.

The mistake is thinking clarity comes before action.

It doesn’t.

Clarity comes from conversation.

• From talking things through.
• From mapping ideas out loud.
• From seeing your knowledge laid out in front of you for the first time.

When you’ve been delivering training or coaching for years, your brain shortcuts everything.

You jump from A to D because B and C feel obvious to you.

Your learners don’t have that shortcut.

That’s why the early stage of course creation feels uncomfortable.

You’re slowing down something that normally feels automatic.

Instead of asking

“What should my full course look like?”

Try asking

“What do people already come to me for help with?”

That question usually unlocks more than you expect.

Think about
• The questions you answer again and again
• The problems clients bring to you when they feel stuck
• The moments where people say “I wish I’d known this earlier”

That’s where your course lives.
• You don’t need the perfect name.
• You don’t need all the modules planned.
• You don’t need to know how it will be filmed or hosted.

You just need a starting point.
• A direction.
• A learner in mind.
• And permission to start before it feels tidy.

Courses don’t become clear by sitting in your head.

They become clear when you start getting them out.

Does that feel like something you’ve been waiting to give yourself permission to do?

10/12/2025

Over the past few weeks I’ve been getting to know a brilliant business coach.

She’s helped so many people with clarity, confidence and mindset, yet there was one thing she kept putting off… getting her own online course built.

It wasn’t the content that worried her.

It was the tech.

She told me she’d thought about it for years but the idea of platforms, settings, videos, quizzes and automations made the whole thing feel out of reach. She didn’t know where to start so it stayed as one of those “I’ll get to it one day” dreams.

Last week we finally sat down for a chat.

Within minutes she realised something important… she already had more than enough to begin.

She showed me her workshops, her slides, her lesson notes and all the value she delivers in person. When I explained that she could simply record her we**am and voice over her existing PowerPoint slides, her jaw literally dropped. The look on her face said it all.

“That’s it? I can do that?”

And the best moment…

Right at the end she laughed, leaned back in her chair and said,

“It’s such a relief having someone who can deal with all the tech.”

That’s the whole point of my course building service.

You bring the knowledge.

I bring the tech, the structure and the build.

Together we turn your ideas into an online course you can be proud of.

So if you’ve been sitting on your own course idea but the tech feels overwhelming, let me be your tech partner. You focus on your magic and I’ll handle the rest.

Jump on a call here and let’s explore your course together:
https://tidycal.com/skillsshop/discovery-call

Would having someone handle the tech make it easier for you to finally get your course online, yes or no?

11/11/2025

On Saturday I found myself doing a three-hour round trip to take my son to an open county chess tournament. Some people might think that’s a long way to travel for a board game, but chess is so much more than that.

Watching Drake compete reminded me how much the game mirrors business. Every move in chess teaches patience, strategy and foresight. You learn to:

✅ Plan ahead
✅ Think several steps forward and;
✅ Adapt when things don’t go as expected.

It’s about:

✅ Understanding risk
✅ Protecting your assets and;
✅ Knowing when to seize an opportunity.

Running a business isn’t all that different. Whether you’re leading a team, managing a project or building a course, success comes from having a clear plan and being able to adjust it when the board changes.

That’s exactly why I help established trainers and coaching build profitable online courses without the tech overwhelm so they can focus on growing their business, which means they keep earning money even when they’re not teaching

And as for Drake? He came joint second against some very tough competition. I couldn’t be prouder of how he handled himself both on and off the board.

Have you ever played chess and noticed how it shapes the way you think in business? Yes or no?

04/11/2025

We’re proud to be featured by Barrow Rising for the work we’re doing through Skills Shop to help local people and businesses grow stronger.

Our focus has always been on making workplaces safer and more supportive through practical, engaging training. From first aid and mental health to conflict management and workplace safety, we give people the confidence to act when it matters most.

It’s great to see how much can be achieved when local businesses work together to lift our community.

You can read the full story here:

https://barrowrising.uk/business/success-stories/skills-shop-limited-for-any-occasion-events/

How are you helping your community to rise?

21/10/2025

You know that sinking feeling when your favourite software quietly announces a price rise and you realise you have no choice but to pay it?

That is exactly what has just happened to countless course creators.

A well-known online course platform has recently added $100 per month to their pricing plans. Not because of a major new feature or breakthrough update, but simply because they can.

Once you are part of their ecosystem, they know how difficult it is to leave.

When your whole business depends on a subscription-based platform for hosting, course delivery, student data and payments, you are locked in. Moving everything elsewhere takes time, money and technical effort that most solopreneurs simply do not have. So, they pay it.

At first, paying $20 or $30 per month sounds like a good deal. Then the price increases start creeping in and before you know it, you are paying hundreds each month just to keep your content online.

For a solopreneur, that kind of increase hits hard. When your software costs rise, you either absorb the extra cost and watch your profit margins shrink, or you pass it on to clients and risk pricing yourself out of reach.

Neither option feels fair. Add in exchange rates, transaction fees and those hidden “upgrade” prompts that push you into a higher plan just to access basic features like certificates or quizzes, and it quickly becomes clear that convenience can come with a big price tag.

As a solopreneur myself, I completely understand how challenging it is to balance delivery, marketing, admin and tech. You turned to online courses for a reason. You wanted to reach more people, deliver great learning even when you couldn’t get everyone in one room, and build something flexible that fits your lifestyle.

But what you didn’t expect was for your overheads to rise just because someone else decided to change their pricing.

That’s why I build online courses using LearnDash LMS. LearnDash gives you full ownership and flexibility. It runs on your own website, grows with your business and lets you decide exactly how it looks, how it works and how your learners engage with it. Most importantly, you control the cost.

As a multiple licence holder of LearnDash, I’m able to pass that stability on to my clients. When I build your course, I can fix the annual cost of your LearnDash licence over a time period that suits your budget, offer multi-year plans that protect you from sudden increases, and even provide a lifetime licence so your platform becomes a one-time investment instead of a forever bill.

That means no unexpected hikes, no nasty surprises and no “pay more or lose access” scenarios. Just a predictable cost that allows you to focus on what really matters – creating brilliant learning experiences.

Think about it. The most valuable thing you can own as a course creator isn’t just your content, it’s the platform that delivers it. When you rely on a third-party service, you’re essentially renting space in someone else’s house. When you build your own LearnDash-powered platform, you own the property outright.

You can brand it completely to your business, add unlimited courses and learners, use your own payment gateways and keep your data safe and fully under your control. It becomes your ecosystem, designed around you. And when the time comes to scale, you’re already ready.

Whether you’re new to online courses or have already tried a few platforms, I can help you create a self-hosted solution that gives you long-term control and stability. Together, we can look at what you already have, design the learner journey and choose the best setup for your goals and budget.

If you want a professional, secure and scalable system that doesn’t trap you in rising subscriptions, book a free chat today.

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

Let’s make sure you own your platform, not the other way around.

Have you had seen a recent price hike with your subscriptions?

05/10/2025

Friday night started just like any other...

Everyone tucked up in bed, the dogs chilling downstairs, and the sound of rain tapping gently at the window. That peaceful rhythm didn’t last long.

At 2am (Saturday), the dog suddenly began growling, and then came the sound no parent wants to hear...

My daughter crying.

I rushed to her room and heard a strange banging at the window. When I looked out, my heart sank.

The elm tree in our front garden had come down in the storm.

To my relief, it had narrowly missed the house with the pickup taking the brunt of the damage
But it could have been much worse. It could’ve fallen into our neighbour’s property or out into the road.

That’s when Amy, yes, the storm taught me a valuable lesson.

When life throws you a curve ball, your network can make all the difference.

By 9am that morning, my phone was buzzing with messages from friends and colleagues offering help. Huge thanks to:

* Paul Curwen from MKM Barrow
* Phil Heath from Heaths
* Tim Pearson from Tim Pearson Electrical
* Paul Graves from Identity

Each one offered the use of their van so Lynne could still complete her balloon deliveries. That simple gesture meant the world.

And a special shoutout to Greaves Tree Services, who arrived that morning promptly and cleared the fallen tree so Lynne could get the transit van off the drive and do her deliveries.

Storm Amy may have taken down a tree, but she reminded me of something much stronger the power of a network that truly cares*

👉 When did your network last reach out and help you?

30/09/2025

Running a training business isn’t just about delivering courses, it’s about making sure learners can continue to access the right information long after the training day has ended.

That’s why I’ve been using LearnDash in my own business, not only for courses, but also for creating reference materials and online manuals.

Instead of handing out paper booklets that get lost, thrown in a drawer, or quickly go out of date, I’ve created digital manuals covering First Aid, Neurodiversity, and Mental Health.

Here’s why this approach has been such a game-changer:

1️⃣ No more printing costs

Anyone who’s ever ordered training manuals knows how expensive they can be especially when you’re updating content regularly. Going digital means no printing bills, no storage boxes of outdated guides, and no wastage when regulations change.

2️⃣ Always up-to-date information

If a piece of guidance changes, I can update the manual instantly inside LearnDash. That means clients always see the latest, most accurate information without needing a reprint or reissue. No more outdated pages being used in the workplace.

3️⃣ Easy access, anywhere

Paper manuals live on desks (if they don’t end up in the bin). An online manual lives in the cloud. Learners can access it from their phone, tablet, or computer at work, at home, or even on the go. This accessibility massively increases the likelihood of people actually using the information when they need it.

4️⃣ Better organisation of knowledge

Instead of one big PDF, I can break content into logical sections with LearnDash lessons and topics. That means learners can quickly jump to what they need whether that’s a refresher on CPR steps or guidance on workplace adjustments for neurodiverse colleagues.

5️⃣ More value for clients

By giving clients access to online manuals, I’m not just delivering training I’m giving them a living, breathing knowledge base that supports their team in the long run. It’s added value that sets my services apart.

When I talk to other business owners, trainers, or coaches, one of the biggest lightbulb moments comes when they realise:

❌ They don’t need to rely on paper handouts.
✅ They can give their clients something more dynamic, professional, and easy to access.
✅ They can build a resource once and keep improving it over time.

That’s exactly what an online knowledge base is and LearnDash makes it possible.

So, my question to you is this:

Have you considered creating an online knowledge base for your own business?

If the answer is yes or even if you’re just curious I can help you set it up.

From structuring your content to getting the tech running smoothly, I’ll make sure your clients get the same benefits mine do.

💬 Do you need help setting this up?

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]

Skills Shop

19/01/2026

15/01/2026

14/01/2026

13/01/2026

12/01/2026

10/12/2025

11/11/2025

04/11/2025

21/10/2025

05/10/2025

30/09/2025

17/09/2025

Address

Opening Hours

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category

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