“Business doesn’t have to be bigger to be better. Sometimes the best business is one that fits comfortably around the life you want to live.”

 Hi, I’m Judy Illing, Founder of The Business Signpost – created to help people and ideas find clarity, direction and confidence.

With experience spanning business ownership, community leadership, women’s development, volunteering and digital support, I help people gain clarity, confidence and direction. Through practical resources, supportive conversations and gentle guidance, I help aspiring and established business owners discover their next steps and create a path that feels right for them.

The Business Signpost brings together everything I’ve learned — from digital business support to wellbeing and community development — under one simple purpose:

Pointing people in the right direction.

Through this work, I’ve created and supported projects that make a real difference — shaped by lived experience, creativity and care.

What I Do – Connecting Enterprise, Wellbeing and Community

My work focuses on helping individuals and communities take positive, practical steps towards growth and wellbeing.

This includes:

Clarity & Calm Series – a calm, creative collection of business and wellbeing tools, alongside natural products designed to support balance and self-care.

Collaborative projects – working with local groups to bring ideas to life through design, planning and communication.

Every project under The Business Signpost is about creating pathways — from ideas to action, and from care to opportunity.

My Community Roles – Working Together for York and Beyond

Alongside my own ventures, I’m proud to contribute to York’s vibrant business and community landscape.

Director – Future Intentions Yorkshire CIC
Helping shape inclusive enterprise and wellbeing initiatives across the region.

These roles reflect what drives me most — connection, community and practical progress.

Head of Communications & Liaison – York High Street Forum
Supporting independent traders and strengthening collaboration between local groups.

My Approach & Values – Practical. Positive. Purposeful.

The Business Signpost is built on three simple principles:

Clarity – making things easier to understand and act on
Confidence – encouraging people to believe in their potential
Care – doing things with empathy, authenticity and integrity

Everything I do — whether creating a new resource, mentoring a project, or supporting a local initiative — is guided by these values.

Let’s Point Things in the Right Direction

Whether you’re exploring a business idea, developing a community project, or simply looking for guidance on your next step, I’d love to connect.

The Business Signpost — helping people and ideas move forward with clarity and care.