CLIENTS

These are some of our treasured clients and the assignments that we have carried out on their behalf.

Third Sector, Statutory Agencies, Local Authorities, Businesses, International

THIRD SECTOR ORGANISATIONS

African Caribbean Banking Project

market demand survey
Demand survey into the setting up of an African-Caribbean Bank in Britain. A total of 750 individuals and 200 businesses were interviewed in four London Boroughs with a higher than average proportion of blacks in the population. Their views were solicited on a whole range of issues from their banking preferences to their expenditure patterns in order to set up an establishment which would satisfy their needs.

Black Business Development Association Hammersmith and Fulham,

recruitment
Advising a Black Business Association on the appointment of an Executive Director.

business skills
The design, development and implementation of a Business start-up course. Topics included: Business Communications, Business Attitudes, Marketing Research, Product and Placing, Promotion and Pricing, Sales and Negotiation Skills, Production and Service Management, Business Planning, Structure of Business, Final Accounts, Cash Flows, Taxation, Premises and Capital Requirements, Import/Export, Sources of Finance, Employment Issues, Planning for Future, Time Management and Pricing and Costing.

Black Elderly Group in Southwark

management development
The design and implementation of a management committee course on interviewing skills and recruitment, employment and staff management.

Black Business Association Waltham Forest

organisational review and business plan
A review of the operation of a Black Business Association resulting in the restructuring of the organisation, development of a business plan and identification of new sources of funding. This formed the basis of a successful application to the Home Office, and Local Authority for 3-year funding under Section 11 of the Local Government Act.

business skills
Design and implementation of Business Management Course for 20 unemployed women wishing to set up in business or find employment. Subjects covered included: Finance, Marketing, Assertiveness, Job Preparation, and Business Plan.

management development
The design and implementation of a Women into Management course funded by the European Social Fund and a North London Borough. This included various aspects of management, business skills, personal development, job search and familiarisation with Information Technology and hands-on experience with several popular application packages.

business skills
The design, development and implementation of a Business start-up course. Topics included: Business Communications, Business Attitudes, Marketing Research, Product and Placing, Promotion and Pricing, Sales and Negotiation Skills, Production and Service Management, Business Planning, Structure of Business, Final Accounts, Cash Flows, Taxation, Premises and Capital Requirements, Import/Export, Sources of Finance, Employment Issues, Planning for Future, Time Management and Pricing and Costing.

African Caribbean Centre

management development
The design and implementation of a management design course for management committee members focused on their needs and the needs of the organisation. Topics included; Legal and lease issues, Effective management of a community enterprise, Staffing and Reward systems, Efficient resource management, Financial management, Marketing the Organisation.

feasibility study
Development of a successful bid for National Lottery Funding to conduct a feasibility study to transform the centre into an Arts and Cultural Centre

Manchester Black Resource Centre

feasibility study
A feasibility study for the setting up of a multi-ethnic, multi-purpose community business and resource centre in Manchester.

African Caribbean Leadership Centre

feasibility study
A feasibility study into the setting up of a black-controlled radio station in North London.

West Indian Self Effort

organisational review and business plan
A review of a community organisation providing a supplementary school for young black children and a day care service for black pensioners. This involved a review of their internal operations, examining their mission, roles and responsibilities, their resources, administrative and financial systems, organisational structure, the current client group and local needs, quality of service and scope for income generation, their competitors, and funding opportunities.

Brixton Community Neighbourhood Association

business plan
A business plan for the setting up of a motor repairs garage. This involved market analysis for this garage originally set up as a training project which had to generate revenue in order to survive.

Lewisham African Organisation

organisational review and business plan
A review of Lewisham African Organisation who are involved in training for unemployed people. The review resulted in the development of a an integrated business plan on their future direction.

Joint Council of African Caribbean Organisations

feasibility study
A feasibility study for the setting up of an African-Caribbean Centre in a London Borough.

Black Contractors Association

communication skills
The design and implementation of a communication skills course for members of the organisation. Topics included: Interpersonal skills, Leading a voluntary organisation, Team building, Presentation skills, Persuading and Negotiation, Meeting management

Emotan Housing Association

business plan
A business plan for the development of a black-led Housing Association.

Federation of Black Housing Organisations

housing finance training
The design and development of Housing Finance workshops.

Women Into Technology

organisational review and business plan
A management review of a Women into Technology project providing information technology skills to single mothers returning to work. This involved an analysis of the objectives of the organisation and recommendations towards efficient systems which would minimise conflicts and resolve communications problems. The review led to their designing of accredited courses.

Field Lane

business plan
Business planning for six organisations in the community care field to enable them bid for funding set aside for innovative domiciliary care projects in a London Borough. This involved providing them with individual consulting sessions, reviewing their plans, and making recommendations for funding.

Central and Cecil Housing Trust

business plan
Business planning for six organisations in the community care field to enable them bid for funding set aside for innovative domiciliary care projects in a London Borough. This involved providing them with individual consulting sessions, reviewing their plans, and making recommendations for funding.

Jewish Care

business plan
Business planning for six organisations in the community care field to enable them bid for funding set aside for innovative domiciliary care projects in a London Borough. This involved providing them with individual consulting sessions, reviewing their plans, and making recommendations for funding.

CSMH,

business plan
Business planning for six organisations in the community care field to enable them bid for funding set aside for innovative domiciliary care projects in a London Borough. This involved providing them with individual consulting sessions, reviewing their plans, and making recommendations for funding.

Tudor Trust

business skills
The design, development and implementation of a Business start-up course. Topics included: Business Communications, Business Attitudes, Marketing Research, Product and Placing, Promotion and Pricing, Sales and Negotiation Skills, Production and Service Management, Business Planning, Structure of Business, Final Accounts, Cash Flows, Taxation, Premises and Capital Requirements, Import/Export, Sources of Finance, Employment Issues, Planning for Future, Time Management and Pricing and Costing.

Tudor Trust

business skills
The design, development, and implementation of an ethnic a business training course for members of ethnic minority communities.

Thames Telethon

management development
The design, development and implementation of a Community Groups in Transition Course for voluntary project workers. Topics included, Fundamentals of Community Enterprise Management, Strategic Planning, Business Planning, Innovative Marketing Strategy, Staffing and Reward Systems, Service Delivery and Agreements, Efficient Resource Management, Financial Control Systems, Funding and Fund-raising, Budgeting and Cashflows..

Broadwater Farm Inquiry

economic policy
A report on mechanisms for the involvement of the community in small businesses. This study was commissioned for the Broadwater Farm Inquiry into the disturbances on this North London Estate. The report focused on the types of businesses which could be successfully set up and operated from a housing estate and identified a practical structure for implementation involving the community.

ICOM

personal development
The implementation of personal development seminars for women returning to work.

ICOM Women's Link-Up

business skills
The design, and implementation of business workshops for women setting up in business.

STATUTORY AGENCIES

Commission for Racial Equality

management development
The design, development and implementation of a Financial Management Course for voluntary project workers. Topics included, Objective Setting, Fund Raising, Financial Records, Record-keeping, Budgets and Cash Flows, Final Accounts, Fund Management, Accountability to Funding Bodies.

Deptford City Challenge

community policy research
Organisation of a conference for the community forum in order to assess their needs, develop a structure, plan their work activity and design a strategy for their survival after the work of the City Challenge

Brixton City Challenge

Enterprise strategy
A study into the business needs and opportunities in the Brixton Challenge Area. This involved a survey of key operators and upon thorough analysis of the report the development of an action oriented strategy to accelerate the implementation of important projects.

feasibility study
Feasibility study into the setting up of a Fund for direct assistance to businesses in the Brixton Challenge area.

enterprise strategy
Management of a £450,000 Small Business Grants Fund which involved : publicising the fund designing application pack, counselling deserving businesses, reviewing their business plans and assessing them for funding. Over 159 businesses were assisted with small grants to assist in expansion.

Greater London Enterprise Board

feasibility study
A feasibility study for a Business Training Centre in North London.

AZTEC

feasibility study
Research into the needs of young people with behavioural problems who are unsuccessful on the YT Scheme and the design of the most appropriate programme which will meet their needs.

employment training
The design, and implementation of a 12 week information technology course for long-term unemployed people. This covered application software programs:-Word-processing, Graphics, Database, Spreadsheets, Accounting, packages. Specific programs included:- Word for Windows. The course taught Personal Development Skills, Office Skills and Job Preparation Skills of CV preparation, filling of application forms, interview techniques. Major employers provided participants with work experience and eventual employment.

CENTEC

employment training
The design, and implementation of a 12 week information technology course for long-term unemployed people. This covered application software programs:-Word-processing, Graphics, Database, Spreadsheets, Accounting, packages. Specific programs included:- Word for Windows. The course taught Personal Development Skills, Office Skills and Job Preparation Skills of CV preparation, filling of application forms, interview techniques. Major employers provided participants with work experience and eventual employment.

City and Inner London North Training and Enterprise Council

employment training
The design, and implementation of a 12 week information technology course for long-term unemployed people. This covered application software programs:-Word-processing, Graphics, Database, Spreadsheets, Accounting, packages. Specific programs included:- Word for Windows. The course taught Personal Development Skills, Office Skills and Job Preparation Skills of CV preparation, filling of application forms, interview techniques. Major employers provided participants with work experience and eventual employment.

London East Training and Enterprise Council

management development
The design, development and implementation of Management Development Courses for existing entrepreneurs. Topics included: Nature of Management, Business Plans, Information and Research, Marketing, Sales and Selling, Management of Funds, Final Accounts, Cash Flows and Budgets, Personnel and Employment Issues, Taxation, Business Structures, Structure of Organisations, Working in Groups, Control Systems, Marketing, Business Viability, New Technology Overview and Presentation Skills

London East Training and Enterprise Council

business growth courses
The design, development of Business Growth Seminars for small businesses at the initial stage of expansion. Topics included: Strategic Business Planning, Market Research and Use of Support Agencies, Production and Service Management, Financial Management and Control, Human Resource Development, Sources of Finance, Taxation, Understanding and Using Financial Statements, Marketing and Business Policy.

North London Training and Enterprise Council

business skills courses
The implementation of Business Skills Seminars for business people in the first year of business. Topics included: Marketing Your Business, Customer Care, Practical Marketing, More Profit Fast!, Taxation, Advertising and Promotion, Effective Management, Direct Marketing, Export Marketing, Bookkeeping, Accounting Towards Profit, Understanding Finance, Personal Selling, Employing People, Accounting with Computers, Communicate for Profit, Time and Stress Management, Computers in Business.

South Thames Training and Enterprise Council

community policy research
A review of information held on ethnic minority people by the South Thames Training and Enterprise Council. This involved a survey of community and voluntary groups in the area operating in the fields of education, training, enterprise development and employment to elicit their views on how they can best benefit from the activities of the TEC.

enterprise awareness
The implementation of Enterprise Awareness Seminars for unemployed people going into self employment who are applying for Central Government Assistance. Topics included: Before You Start, Types of Businesses, Market Research, Marketing, Advice, Counselling and Training Sources, Obtaining Finance, Managing Money, Time Management. These courses were implemented for the Department of Employment.

employment training
The design, and implementation of a 12 week information technology course for long-term unemployed people. This covered application software programs:-Word-processing, Graphics, Database, Spreadsheets, Accounting, packages. Specific programs included:- Word for Windows. The course taught Personal Development Skills, Office Skills and Job Preparation Skills of CV preparation, filling of application forms, interview techniques. Major employers provided participants with work experience and eventual employment.

business skills courses
The design, development, organisation and implementation of Business Enterprise Programs targeted at prospective entrepreneurs. Topics included: Business Communications, Business Plans, Sales and Negotiation Skills, Sales Forecasting, Premises and Capital Requirements, Business Viability Market Research, Book and Record-keeping, Entrepreneurship, Production and Service Management, Pricing and Costing, Legal Structure of Business, Advertising and Promotion, Product Development and Distribution, Financial Control, Financial Statements and Business Strategy.

business skills courses
The implementation of Business Skills Seminars for business people in the first year of business. Topics included: Marketing Your Business, Customer Care, Practical Marketing, More Profit Fast!, Taxation, Advertising and Promotion, Effective Management, Direct Marketing, Export Marketing, Bookkeeping, Accounting Towards Profit, Understanding Finance, Personal Selling, Employing People, Accounting with Computers, Communicate for Profit, Time and Stress Management, Computers in Business.

Cranfield University

Small business programme
The implementation of business workshops in support of sales of the Small Business Programme, a multi-media distance learning programme for businesses. Topics included:, Marketing, Developing Products and Service, People, Selling, Using Design, Pricing, Advertising and Promotion, Premises, The Business Plan, Financing Growth, Accounting, Office Management, Financial Decisions, Leadership, Retailing, Budgeting, Bookkeeping and Accounting Systems, Taxation, Debtor Control, Stock Control, Production Management, Selecting Employees, Time Management, Using Computers, Costing the Options, A Bigger Europe for Small Businesses. These were developed by the Open University, BBC and Cranfield Management School for small businesses.

Manpower Services Commission

business skills courses
The design, development, organisation and implementation of Business Enterprise Programs targeted at prospective entrepreneurs. Topics included: Business Communications, Business Plans, Sales and Negotiation Skills, Sales Forecasting, Premises and Capital Requirements, Business Viability Market Research, Book and Record-keeping, Entrepreneurship, Production and Service Management, Pricing and Costing, Legal Structure of Business, Advertising and Promotion, Product Development and Distribution, Financial Control, Financial Statements and Business Strategy.

Open University,

Small business programme
The implementation of business workshops in support of sales of the Small Business Programme, a multi-media distance learning programme for businesses. Topics included:, Marketing, Developing Products and Service, People, Selling, Using Design, Pricing, Advertising and Promotion, Premises, The Business Plan, Financing Growth, Accounting, Office Management, Financial Decisions, Leadership, Retailing, Budgeting, Bookkeeping and Accounting Systems, Taxation, Debtor Control, Stock Control, Production Management, Selecting Employees, Time Management, Using Computers, Costing the Options, A Bigger Europe for Small Businesses. These were developed by the Open University, BBC and Cranfield Management School for small businesses.

Training Agency

business skills courses
The design, development and implementation of Business Workshops and Seminars targeted at self employed business people. Topics included: A Look at Self Employment, Business Records, The Implications of VAT, NI and IT, Marketing, Resource Requirements, Financial Accounts, Financial Pitfalls, Costing and Pricing, Sources of Professional Assistance.

LOCAL AUTHORITIES

Brent Council

Business skills
The design, and implementation of a business enterprise skills training programme for ethnic minority entrepreneurs setting up in business.

Camden Council

project implementation
The implementation of the Independent Sector Forum commissioning and development policy for the Caring for People who live at Home Initiative.

Greater London Council

recruitment and outplacement
Counselling, job preparation and job search for ethnic minority staff on abolition of the GLC. This involved advising members of staff on their career plans, organising seminars on interviewing skills and development of CV's, and responding to applications, contacts with potential employers and placement in jobs.

Greater London Council

Community development
providing assistance to various community groups in the preparation of their applications for grant funding from the GLC.

Hackney Council

Haringey Council

market survey
The compilation of directories of ethnic minority businesses in two London Boroughs. A combination of street by street identification of businesses as well as utilisation of sources such as, professional advisors, VAT records and existing directories.

Hammersmith and Fulham

Business skills
Providing business planning assistance to small young people and small business people interested in stetting up in business.

Haringey Council

co-operative training
The implementation of a co-operative development course for six worker co-operatives. This involved a series of seminars and counselling sessions for these co-operatives in Objectives and Strategy, Marketing, Production, Finance and People Management

Lambeth Council

organisational review
A review of the operations of a local authority's computer operation. This involved an examination of the operations, looking at staff utilisation, streamlining of purchasing of equipment systems, the implementation of a career structure for members of staff. This led to a restructuring of the operations and great improvement of service delivery to user departments.

BUSINESSES

Brixton Academy

refinancing proposal
A feasibility study for the operation of an entertainment venue for musical events and pop concerts in South London.

Beat Route

operational plan
A feasibility study for the setting up and operation of an entertainment promotion agency in London

Caribbean Foods International

refinancing proposal
An analysis of the market for food produce from Africa and the Caribbean. This involved the identification of the main distributors and retail outlets, a survey of buying habits and preferences, the development of an industry model examining capacity and financial parameters, warehousing facilities, and the determination of factors influencing profitability. This was executed for Caribbean Food International who were interested in entering the UK market for distribution of fruits and vegetables from the Africa and the Caribbean.

Ceddo

recruitment
Advising a film production company on the appointment of a general manager. This involved the development of job and person specifications, for the position, advertising, short-listing and selection of the successful candidate.

Chic Unique

business plan
Business and marketing plans for several hairdressing salons. This led to the organisation developing a franchising operation as the best option for expansion.

Christies

business plan
Business and marketing plans for several hairdressing salons. This led to the organisation developing a franchising operation as the best option for expansion.

Emiles

business plan
Business and marketing plans for several hairdressing salons. This led to the organisation developing a franchising operation as the best option for expansion.

GroveStyle Bakeries

business plan
A business plan for the expansion of a bakery. This involved an analysis of past records to determine whether it was worthwhile expanding their retail outlet in addition to their existing wholesaling operation, and the extra resources required.

J.J. Travel and Shipping

business plan
A business plan for the expansion and operation of a travel agency. This involved an investigation into the relative strength of the two locations of the company and a recommendation on the activities each location should concentrate on. The West End office to concentrate on package tours and the Brixton office to concentrate on people visiting friends and relatives in The Caribbean.

Kotu Point Hotel

feasibility study
A feasibility study for the setting up and operation of a tourist hotel in the Gambia.

L.E. Campbell

business plan
A business plan for the expansion and operation of a travel agency. This involved an investigation into the relative strength of the two locations of the company and a recommendation on the activities each location should concentrate on. The West End office to concentrate on package tours and the Brixton office to concentrate on people visiting friends and relatives in The Caribbean.

Lifestyle Magazine

market research and plan
A market survey for a freely distributed magazine in London targeted at young males. This involved interviews with the top 25 advertising companies in Britain to assess their views on the concept and whether they would buy space for their clients in this magazine.

Deck Hair and Beauty Products

business plan
A strategic analysis of the market for black hair products in Britain. This involved an analysis of the key features of the industry, market structure, segmentation, buyer behaviour, production and product developments, main operators, factors affecting demand and supply, integration and diversification strategies. This was incorporated into a business plan for the establishment of the first black hair products manufacturing and distribution company in Britain.

Paradise Cuisine,

business plan
Business plans for the operation of African-Caribbean Restaurants. The work involved an investigation of their physical and human resources, the parameters for production, the marketing strategy to be adopted and the costing of the capital and credit requirements of the restaurant.

Bambaya Restaurant

business plan
Business plans for the operation of African-Caribbean Restaurants. The work involved an investigation of their physical and human resources, the parameters for production, the marketing strategy to be adopted and the costing of the capital and credit requirements of the restaurant.

Far-I

business plan
Business plans for the operation of African-Caribbean Restaurants. The work involved an investigation of their physical and human resources, the parameters for production, the marketing strategy to be adopted and the costing of the capital and credit requirements of the restaurant.

Quality Care

business plan
Business planning for six organisations in the community care field to enable them bid for funding set aside for innovative domiciliary care projects in a London Borough. This involved providing them with individual consulting sessions, reviewing their plans, and making recommendations for funding.

Scope

business plan
A refinancing proposal for a magazine targeted at young black people. This involved a survey of the prospective readership, an investigation of the appropriate distribution mechanism using agents in institutes of further studies, and the identification of sources of funding for this workers co-operative.

Ultimate Hair Salon

business plan
Business and marketing plans for several hairdressing salons. This led to the organisation developing a franchising operation as the best option for expansion.

Black Vision Co-operative Video Productions

refinancing proposal
A refinancing proposal for a film/video production and distribution company. This involved an analysis of the objectives of the organisation leading to the decision to focus on the marketing of black films and video and their positioning in the production market to cover ethnic minority events.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS

International Finance Corporation

Project evaluation
Implementation of enterprise assistance to black business people in South Africa who were interested in expanding their businesses or buying into established existing businesses.

International Finance Corporation

investment appraisal
Evaluating proposals for funding from established businesses in a variety of sectors in Zimbabwe, Zambia, Namibia and Botswana and making recommendations for their funding.

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