Tina Boden
Enterprise Rockers
One of the UK’s leading voices for Micro Business, an Independent Business Ambassador, Strategist, Networker, Collaborator, Speaker, Writer & Giver of Time
Tina Boden is 3rd generation self-employed, she did not go to university after completing a vocational qualification at college because she wanted to be involved with the family business. By the age of 21 Tina was running her own business, in partnership with her Mum, and has been running micro businesses every since, apart from a brief spell when she tried employment, this did not last, she believes she is officially ‘unemployable’.
Based in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, but working anywhere in the world that people want her, using the benefits that technology brings, Tina now, through her business, The Efficiency Angel, shares over 25 years experience helping others who are running micro businesses, charities or social enterprises keep their organisation on the right track. She ensures business owners develop and flourish through strategic implementation.
‘People always think it sounds complicated’ says Tina ‘but when I point out it is just a case of planning then staying focused they usually reply ‘That’s just what I need’’
A portfolio entrepreneur, though not a great lover of the over used word entrepreneur, Tina is also Managing Director of Business Advisory Bureau. This micro business helps large organisations become micro business friendly. In addition they ensure those just starting out on the path of self employment are guided by experts that have actually run their own business.
In January 2012, Tina co-founded Enterprise Rockers with Tony Robinson OBE, an independent community interest company that they co-fund. This network of networks helps to make life in micro business better bringing together the ‘Power of Plenty’ - the force created by micro business collaboration and inter-trading. Enterprise Rockers works not just across the UK but the world. In January 2015 they held their first global Micro Biz Matters Day via online Google Hangouts – it was a huge success and will become an annual support day for those running some of the smallest businesses globally.
Tina gives 20% of her time back to charities and good causes through what she calls her ‘Give A Little Back’ scheme. ‘Give A Little Back’ is time and goodwill donations rather than monetary and offers strategic development, fundraising, event management or online and offline network support. As well as her ongoing role as Trustee of Ellie's Fund - Brain Tumour Trust, Non- Executive Director of The BEACH, Yorkshire Coast Homes' social enterprise that helps young people & long term unemployed with employability skills and training, a Voice for the Positive Image campaign, helping inspire confidence in young people, and Small Business Saturday UK Ambassador, Tina chooses a number of other charities to support every year. 2015's theme is Food & Shelter and Tina has taken on the role of Yorkshire Coast Ambassador for SASH, a York based charity helping to prevent youth homelessness, while also supporting The Rainbow Centre Fundraising Committee & the Huddersfield Town Foundation who feed around 1000 children day through Early Kick Off Breakfast Clubs.
In 2012, as a commitment to what she believes in, Tina pledged to only buy goods and services from independent businesses whenever she can and now spends around 90% of her shopping budget with them while encouraging others to do the same.
Tina can often be found speaking at events or writing articles for national publications on both micro and independent business, sharing her wealth of experience, both the good and the bad, with others. She also enjoys taking on the role of Compere at charity events.
