Student Showcase: Stephanie Marshall – Building Better Businesses with Ideal Schools

When Stephanie Marshall first enrolled with Ideal Schools, she couldn’t have imagined just how far her journey in bookkeeping and business would take her. From a young age, Stephanie’s love for business blossomed during her time in school. At just 14 years old, she found herself captivated by the subject, igniting a passion that would guide her throughout her career. Fast forward to today, and Stephanie isn’t just a qualified bookkeeper but a business owner, an influential podcast host, and a trusted advisor.

Through her hard work and dedication, she’s grown her business, A B C S UK, into a thriving practice, all while continuing her ICB training with Ideal Schools. The journey has been challenging, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced many people, including Stephanie, to reevaluate their paths. It was during this time of reflection that she decided to take the leap and start her own business. Embracing the challenges ahead, she fully committed to her entrepreneurial journey—with Ideal Schools by her side from the outset.

Growing with Ideal Schools: A Lifelong Journey of Support

For Stephanie, Ideal Schools wasn’t just a place to earn qualifications; it became a supportive partner throughout her career growth. From her early days as a student to now training her employee, Kerry Cheeseman, through Ideal Schools, Stephanie has found that the support provided by the college evolves alongside her business. This growth isn't just professional—it’s personal too. Ideal Schools isn’t simply a training provider; it's a family, offering help and encouragement at every stage. Stephanie recalls how the relationships built during her training have not only benefited her studies but have been instrumental to her business success and personal development.

The Power of ICB and the Community It Offers

An integral part of Stephanie’s success has been her ICB (Institute of Certified Bookkeepers) qualifications, which she credits as providing the foundation for her thriving career. Beyond the formal education, though, it's the wider ICB community that has proven invaluable. The community of fellow bookkeepers, business owners, and branch networks has created a powerful support system. She’s quick to point out how vital networking has been to her success, from the early days of her involvement with motor sports, to nowadays, sharing that through ICB and Ideal Schools, she has formed meaningful connections—both online and in person at events like the ICB Luca Awards.

Collaboration Over Competition: A Key to Success

A strong advocate for collaboration, Stephanie believes that working together benefits everyone. "Collaboration over competition," she says, is not just a mantra but a lived experience. Whether it's supporting her clients or connecting with fellow bookkeepers, Stephanie knows that when businesses collaborate, everyone grows. It’s a sentiment echoed by Ideal Schools, which fosters a community where current and former students can learn from and help each other. Stephanie’s networks have played a vital role in her career growth, proving that no one succeeds in isolation. As an Ambassador for Ideal Schools, her willingness to share her experiences and insights is both inspiring and invaluable.

 Stephanie Marshall: A Unique Voice Helping Businesses Flourish

What makes Stephanie truly special is her unwavering commitment to helping business owners succeed. Through her business, she provides not just bookkeeping services but mentorship and guidance, helping her clients navigate the challenges of running a business. Her passion for helping others led to the creation of her business podcast, The 3Bz (Building Better Business) Podcast, which is now listened to in 18 countries. Each episode is a bite-sized, 15-minute session filled with actionable advice and relatable, honest experiences, aimed at helping business owners become more successful.

Stephanie’s openness in sharing her insights and the hurdles she’s encountered adds significant value to her guidance. Whether she’s talking about the first awkward sales call or the fear of taking on a new employee, Stephanie’s honesty resonates with her audience. This transparency, combined with her drive, makes her a compelling voice in the bookkeeping and business community.

The Ideal Schools Family: A Foundation for Success

For Stephanie, Ideal Schools remains a crucial part of her journey. As she continues to grow her business and mentor her employee, Kerry, the support she receives from Ideal Schools is ongoing. "Thank you so much to Ideal Schools, because this is where it all started for me," she says. Her story is a testament to what can be achieved when you’re part of a supportive learning community that doesn’t just teach you how to pass exams but helps you grow into a confident, capable business owner.

Stephanie Marshall’s journey with Ideal Schools is an inspiring reminder that when you enrol with the right training provider, you're not just learning a skill—you’re joining a community that will support you every step of the way. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your business, Ideal Schools, with their expert guidance and supportive network, will be with you on the journey.