James Perrott

social enterprises and small businesses

strategy / finance / growth

Hello...

I am James Perrott, an experienced coach, consultant, doer. I cut my teeth in operations management, moved into management consultancy and for the last decade I've been working with social enterprises, charities and small businesses in and around Bristol. I've helped some amazing local organisations start, grow, and change - always trying to deliver benefit for our local communities. I'm always up for meeting new people, hearing your story and trying to help. Don't hesitate to get in touch. James

Helping with the difficult things...

I support social enterprises and purpose-driven small organisations at critical points in their life-cycle, typically:

  • During startup

  • Planning for growth

  • Seeking finance

  • Securing new premises

  • When facing a downturn in business

  • Preparing for exit / succession

Flexible approach...

My approach is tailored to particular client's needs but will often involve the following elements:

  • Business review / diagnosis - I use a combination of diagnostic tools, interviews and research to identify priorities areas to improve performance.

  • Financial analysis / forecasting - Clients are often uncertain about their true profitability. I provide insightful financial analysis on the past as well as generating useful forecasts for the future.

  • Action planning - This is the heart of it all, generating a plan of action to take the business forward that is both ambitious and realistic.

  • Operational improvements - The specific actions might require expertise that clients do not have and if required I can help deliver specific projects or tasks. Where I don't have the skills I recommend trusted partners.

  • Coaching and ongoing support - I meet clients on a regular basis to help them review priorities, action plans, and tackle emerging issues and opportunities. It's all about keeping the momentum.

Initially I can meet you to discuss your business, establish the big questions, provide suggestions to move them forward, and steer you to further help if required. Even in a short amount of time I can help provide clarity, independence and positive ideas on key issues. We can also both understand whether there is any scope for working together further, but this initial meeting is, of course, no obligation.

My services...

Free Business Review and Help - Providing you with positive ideas at no obligation

I meet you to discuss your business, establish the big questions, provide suggestions to move them forward, and steer you to further help if required. Even in a short amount of time I can help provide clarity, independence and positive ideas on key issues. We can also both understand whether there is any scope for working together further, but this initial meeting is, of course, no obligation.

Profitable Growth - Doing more of what you do now, more profitably

If your business is not fulfilling its potential then I can help. The aim of this service is to identify and implement your key business improvements that will improve profitability and drive growth. Initially I will analyse key profit and turnover drivers of your business. Key areas are likely to include sales, marketing, pricing, customer service, and financial management. Working alongside you I will then develop performance improvement plans for each area to deliver profitable growth. To help you make the changes (often the hardest part) I have a several options to support you in the implementation. I am confident I will make a positive difference to your bottom line and I am prepared to make a significant element of my fee dependent on the results.

Agile Strategic Planning - Facing the future with confidence

In a changing world a business sometimes needs to take a longer term perspective. Your time is precious so I help you focus on a longer term plan for your business with minimum fuss and maximum impact. Working with your management team I use the most appropriate tried and tested strategy planning tools for your business. Agile Strategic Planning results in a clear strategic focus, strong agreement by the management team, and a well-defined path for implementing the strategy.


Decision Accelerator - Solving a thorny issue, or seizing an exciting opportunity

Where you have a big strategic question, thorny issue or exciting opportunity, I will work with you to understand the situation, define the options, assess the options, and make recommendations on the next steps. Studies such as this are sometimes known as a Feasibility Study, a Scoping Study or perhaps even a Business Case. I can help bring a fresh approach, new energy and an independent perspective to difficult decisions. I use simple tools and frameworks to help bring structure to difficult or messy problems, allowing transparent decisions to be made with confidence.

Balanced Scorecard - Succeed by measuring and managing the important things

Effective performance management is central to the success of organisations. A well-designed Balanced Scorecard with focused and relevant performance measures is a vital tool. My unique approach enables you to understand what the really important drivers of your business are, and only then are the performance measures developed. It is essential that only a small number of vital measures are chosen to allow you to focus on what is important, and help align staff objectives. A business that uses a well-designed Balanced Scorecard maximises its chances of delivering its goals and executing its strategy or business plan.

Contact...

james@jamesperrott.com

+44 (0) 7787 422617