I established my own consultancy in 2013 to enable charities to increase their impact and ensure their sustainability by creating new ideas, opportunities and networks. Building on 30 years experience, and a proven track record of success, I act as a ‘critical friend’ and provide charities with flexible, tailored and cost effective support including• Creating new charities, CICs and CIOs – to enable the delivery of new business opportunities including the conversion of existing organisations and the creation of trading and joint venture companies • Developing new organisational strategies - leading organisational reviews, undertaking market assessments (including consultation and research), assessing new business models (including options appraisal), preparing business plans (including financial modelling and risk assessment) and designing and implementing change programmes• Increasing and diversifying income – from trading (including creating new social enterprises), social finance (including community shares), grants (including European, Government, Lottery and Charitable Trusts), and fundraising (including appeals, events and donations)• Creating new partnerships (with other charities and public and private sector organisations) –mapping current networks and developing new contacts through research, networking and the development and implementation of pilot projects I also build organisational capacity through mentoring and training and by acting as an interim project manager to establish new business opportunities. I am currently working with clients including Bassetlaw Community and Voluntary Service, FareShare East Midlands, Include, National Flood Forum, Rhubarb Farm, Rural Action Derbyshire and Valley House and on contract with A Way Out (as part-time Business Development Manager). I am also chair of Cumbria Action for Sustainability.