Business Consulting
Delivering from within the organisation
Large organisations, whether they are global corporations or public authorities employing thousands are complex and fast-moving, requiring the consultants who work with them to be adaptable to the internal culture and able to perform effectively from day one. I spent many years in the telecoms industry during the ‘boom and bust years’ which gave me the skill and experience to cope with and manage change as well as lead teams in matrix organisations. Since 2002 I have built on that foundation by working with large organisations from both the private and public sectors.
Comments about my performance from a major corporate client included “Clear thinking which results in simplification of issues and outputs in a complex matrix environment…” and “Superb value from Chris’s contribution to a project. His willingness and flexibility enable objectives to be delivered on time, despite any distractions or blockers to delivery…” Feedback like that confirms to me that I have the right attitude and skills to deliver projects successfully from within the organisation.
Many large businesses effectively operate as a confederation of small internal businesses with empowered workforces and high levels of autonomy for functional heads. My experience of working with small businesses (sometimes as an adviser or mentor) gives me an edge by appreciating the need for internal businesses to operate in an enterprising way whilst my marketing training ensures that internal marketing and brand consistency is maintained. My project management skills, combined with good interpersonal skills that enable me to work with people at all levels of an organisation, mean I deliver to time and to budget in a way that reflects the culture of my customer’s organisation.
Charities, social enterprises and voluntary organisations
My client base includes both profit-making and not-for-profit organisations, the latter group benefiting from my experience as a trustee/director of several charities and as a CEO. In many ways business is the same irrespective of size (it’s mainly a question of scale!) or purpose and the same principles can often be applied to ensure they are sustainable. A not-for-profit still needs to generate a surplus income from trading activities for example, in order to be viable.
The Voluntary and Community Sector landscape is changing significantly and organisations that operate for community benefit are having to become more business-like to capitalise on the opportunities brought about by commissioning and contracting under the emerging ‘Big Society’. The recent recession also brings challenges for these organisations such as considering collaboration and even merger. As well as being a SFEDI accredited business adviser specialising in social enterprise, my mixed experience of all three sectors and a passion and empathy with the Third Sector, mean I can offer practical meaningful support to charities, CICs and other social enterprises.
Flexible charging
Clients have sometimes been concerned about consultant charging – the cost being too high and a minimum of a day rate. My rates are very competitive and I am very happy to charge by the hour if that is the most efficient solution. Similarly, my well-resourced office means it I can introduce the flexibility of remote working into the assignment when required to ensure it is as effective (and economical) as possible for the client.
Versatile solutions
Whether your business is an SME, large corporation or social enterprise, my services are tailored to what you need and draw on a range of different skills and techniques I have developed over many years. This helps me to deliver, not only, well-considered strategic solutions, but also, practical, effective delivery.