Recent
testimonials...
1.
Mid Suffolk District Council obtained
the building assets of the failed art centre
venture “Wingfield Arts & Music” from the
Arts Council for £1 in 2009. An Interim Management
Board was established made up of officers, councillors,
and residents from the local community, prior
to floating it off as an independent social
enterprise.This was achieved in the form of
a Community Interest Company - run by the community.
'Rescuing
Wingfield Barns was a bold and brave step for
Mid Suffolk District Council at a difficult
time when other Councils were starting to divest
themselves of services. Don was more than willing
and able to advise us on a wide range on options
for the future management of the Barns. This
proved to be particularly valuable as we needed
to ensure both political and community buy-in.
His extensive knowledge of the private, public
and voluntary sectors enabled him to clearly
see the best approach for the Council. This,
coupled with his business skills and ability
to facilitate visionary meetings, has helped
us move from a local authority form of management
to a community-led organisation which should
result in ultimate success.'
Richard Thurlow,
Head
of Cultural and Community Services
Mid
Suffolk District Council
Web
link
2.
The Centre a regenerated respite
day care service running three centres in Suffolk.
“We
started life in 1995 as “Wood N Stuff”, a family
enterprise, running day care services for vulnerable
adults, contracted by Suffolk County Council.
Today we run 3 centres across Suffolk , but
we felt that we had become “stuck in a rut”
and needed some pragmatic advice and guidance,
to adapt to a radical changing operating environment.
We contacted Don, an experienced social entrepreneur
and mentor, who came in and lead us through
a route and branch analysis of all elements
of our business. He helped us produce a new
Business Plan and Marketing Strategy. In effect,
we became reborn – new identity, new improvements,
new ideas and a much improved commercial position.
We can’t thank Don enough.”
John
Morley
Operations
Director
The Centre
Web link
3.
Media Fish a new multimedia social
enterprise, centred on the delivery of local
radio for East Suffolk.
“With
his strong marketing background, Don was invited,
in his consultancy capacity, to join us on a
team day to brainstorm and build our business
plan. Don provided some significant insights
and made a real contribution to a productive
and useful day. All agreed that he made an excellent
addition to the team.”
Trevor
Lockwood,
Chairman,
Media Fish
Web link
4. Head to Toe Health - a new
commercoal micro enterprise delivering holistic
therapies in Suffolk Coastal district.
“It was great to have
Don comment and encourage me on my business
plan. It was really helpful to have someone
who did take the time to look it over
and make valid business comments! I really valued
the usefulness of an independent business advisor
who will say it like it is and encourages you
to be the best you can be”
Susie
Enoch,
Proprietor,
Head
To Toe Health.
Web
link
