About Us
Our
Story
I’m Laura Philbin, founder of Ascend SME and an accredited AI trainer. After 15 years in both commercial and operational senior leadership positions for fast-growing companies, I saw too many owners pulled under by disorder, paper trails and well-meant tech that never took off. I launched Ascend SME to bring calm efficiency and clear direction to those firms. Today we mix hands-on process know-how with practical AI tools so leaders regain headspace, teams reconnect and profits grow.
“Laura didn’t just bring structure: she brought stability. In a few months we regained cohesion, new SOPs anchored every hire and leadership had the capacity to focus on strategy. Her involvement has been nothing short of transformational.”
Dawn Coupe, CEO, Equinox Consulting
Our Mission
Ascend SME’s mission is to free owner-managed businesses from operational drag and digital uncertainty. We simplify processes, equip people with accessible AI skills and create data clarity, turning scattered effort into measurable progress. By pairing accredited training with sleeves-rolled-up delivery, we release 30–50 % capacity within three months and lay foundations that hold under growth, funding rounds or exit plans. The result is a resilient company where time, talent and capital are invested exactly where they add value, day after day.
Working With the Best Clients and Partners
Our Values
✔ Efficiency First – We design lean processes that release time and cash for growth.
✔ Action Over Theory – We translate ideas into quick wins and prove their impact in pounds and hours.
✔ Clear & Simple – Plain language, transparent data and next steps anyone can follow.
✔ Sustainable Growth – Fixes that stand up to scale, succession and scrutiny.
✔ Responsible AI – Ethical, secure and human-centred use of automation.
✔ Partnership & Integrity – We operate as an extension of your team, with honesty and accountability at every step.
Why Work With Us?
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Calm, human-centred approach: We listen first, then act with empathy and speed so your team feels supported, not steam-rolled.
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Proven, rapid gains: Clients see cash released, capacity increased and trust restored in weeks, not quarters.
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Accredited AI expertise: From starter workshops to bespoke automations built with specialist partners, we turn AI into safe, measurable wins.
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Fractional leadership option: Need a seasoned COO without the salary overhead? We embed leadership that keeps people, processes and numbers on track.
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Partnership you can trust: CEOs call us their “quiet force of leadership through ambiguity” — and they keep us close as they scale.
