Background
With over a decade of experience in the building controls industry, Matt Litten had already built a strong track record before joining ABEC. But when the company partnered with ActionCOACH’s Sanjiv Dodhia, everything stepped up a level.
“I’d spent 10 years in the industry,” recalls Matt. “To then get some external guidance and support was fantastic. From the very first meeting with Sanjiv, it felt different – he wanted to really understand us, our goals as shareholders, and our vision for the business.”
The Challenge
ABEC already had ambitious plans for growth. But as Matt reflects, “Looking back now, five years down the line, I just don’t think we’d have got there without Sanjiv’s support. Even our original revenue targets were surpassed – we went beyond what we thought possible.”
The challenge wasn’t lack of ambition – it was alignment, accountability, and perspective.
The Coaching Journey
From the outset, Sanjiv worked closely with ABEC’s leadership team to map out a five-year growth plan to £50m. This wasn’t just about setting numbers; it was about creating clarity for shareholders, aligning individual goals, and building a roadmap that everyone could commit to.
“Having Sanjiv supporting from the outside was really useful,” explains Matt. “Day to day, we had our one-to-ones and the normal running of the business, but Sanjiv brought a completely different perspective. He challenged us, gave us new insights, and made sure we stayed on track.”
The impact wasn’t just business-focused. Matt highlights the personal benefits too: “I’d definitely recommend coaching for both business and personal growth. It gave me structure, perspective, and helped me become a stronger leader.”
The Results
- Exceeded growth targets: Revenue growth went beyond both the original budgets and the revised five-year goals set with Sanjiv.
- Clear strategy & alignment: Shareholders and leaders gained clarity on personal and business objectives.
- Sustained momentum: With regular coaching, the company built consistent accountability and stayed focused on execution.
“We far surpassed what we even set with Sanjiv,” says Matt. “That says it all.”
Looking Ahead
With private equity backing securing financial freedom for all shareholders, a strong senior leadership team, and a clear roadmap, ABEC is now operating across multiple countries and targeting £100M in revenue. For Matt Litten, the journey proves the power of external coaching to unlock potential.
“Having that outside support was invaluable,” they reflect. “We’ve achieved so much more than we thought possible – and the future looks even brighter.”
Coach’s Perspective
“Matt Litten was committed from day one,” says Sanjiv. “They were open to challenge, ready to align personal and business goals, and fully embraced the process. That’s why ABEC not only hit their targets but exceeded them. It’s been inspiring to be part of their journey.”
