We undertake the following services:-
- Independent interviews conducted by our consultants and coaching team who are skilled at questionning techniques and uncovering the deeper answers to questions.
- Facilitated focus groups conducted by our coaching team who are professionally trained facilitators to explore scenarios and a clients feelings and thoughts on matters that are being evaluated.
- Creation of qualitative well designed reports that tell the story of your impact.
We have experience of undertaking evaluation work with a wide range of client groups, from beneficiaries to stakeholders.
Previous clients include:-
Enterprise UK – Evaluatative Research into Best Practice Network Model Replication, to provide knowledge to support their promotion and growth of business networks across the UK for young entrepreneurs. The Study looked into the infrastructure supporting leading networks across the UK from the Girl Guides to the Women’s Institute.
The Prince’s Trust – Evaluation of The Prince’s Trust Inspiring Enterprise Programmes, funded by BERR. We developed an enterprising outcomes framework and provided a qualitative evaluation on the outcome and impact of four of their programmes.
Office of the Third Sector – Panel Member on the three year 2007-2010 evaluation panel for the Review of the National Social Enterprise Strategy, for Office of the Third Sector , and Consultant on the Review of the Social Enterprise Strategy in 2004-5 for the DTi.
Business in the Community . Commissioned to undertake a review and best practice guide into Corporate Engagement with the Black and Minority Ethnic Community, to inform the BITC Publication, ‘Business Action on Neighbourhood Renewal’.
Previous Contract work with associates:-
Gloucestershire Skills First Evaluation, Gloucestershire LSC. Working for EDAW , to undertake the evaluation of the Skills First Project. The project focussed on raising training and skills levels amongst SME’s in the Manufacturing and Engineering Sector.
First Steps for Business in Northamptonshire, Northamptonshire Business Support Network. Working for EDAW , to map and review support for new business start-ups in Northamptonshire, to advise on improving the existing support infrastructure
Tyne and Wear Social Entrepreneurship Study, Business Link Tyne and Wear . Working for EDAW to map and review social enterprise activity and support infrastructure across Tyne and Wear, and to create a set of recommendations for re-shaping support.
Basildon Enterprise/Innovation Park, English Partnerships. Working for EDAW to undertake a feasibility study for the development of an enterprise/ innovation park.
]]>It’s essential to record your hard work and efforts, and monitor your socio-economic change to measure your results.
We can help you set up a customised monitoring system using the world’s leading virtual client management system, Salesforce. The Salesforce system can be tailored to meet the information and monitoring requirements of your organisation – client details, client support records, outputs and outcomes etc. It can be designed to capture all the information you need.
All data entered by team members can be extracted in an excel report format at the touch of the button to give you up to the minute information on the impact of your organisation. This can be very time efficient when you need current statistics for presenting to the board, funders, the team or other stakeholders.
The client management system is based on cloud computing with a very low carbon impact and can be accessed virtually by staff or stakeholders. As your customised system is built on an existing framework it can be set up quickly and cost effectively. Salesforce offers non-profits free or highly discounted user licenses. It is currently being used by many of the leading charities and social enterprises in the UK.
This is our approach for setting up a customised monitoring system for your organisation:-
1. Initial Discussion – We will give you a tour of the salesforce monitoring system and we can explore how the system can be adapted to meet the needs of your organisation to determine if it suits your requirments.
2. Mapping of Data Collection – We will work with you to map the information you want to capture on the system so we can start the design process for customisation. Once all data fields are confirmed the customisation work will be completed.
3. Customisation – We will customise the client management system to meet your specification, present you with the results and make any final amendments inline with the specification.
4. Training – We will create a user handbook and provide a training session on how to use the system to 1 or more members of the team.
5. Ongoing Support – We can provide you with one off support or a retainer to be on-hand during working hours to undertake any further customisation, updates or support on how to use the system.
If you would like a free consultation then please contact [email protected]
We offer the following services to help you create and implement your socio-economic project or social enterprise.
- Consultancy in Market Research and Feasibility
- Consultancy in developing your Business Strategy
- Consultancy in designing your Implementation Action Plan
- Support in preparing and reviewing Funding Applications
- Coaching to help you prepare your business plan ready for financal or stakeholder investment.
To discuss your project with us in more detail email [email protected]
Previous projects includes:-
The Aspire Foundation – Undertook a market research study into the diversity and success of social enterprises operated by homeless third sector organisations across the UK.
North West Development Agency – Undertook a market research study into the sustainability of social enterprises across the North West and prosperous market sector opportunities for the sector in the North West.
Enterprise UK – Undertook a market research study into the business models of Networks. The study looked into the infrastructure supporting leading networks across the UK, including the Girls Guides and the Women’s Institute, to prosper.
British Library - Strategy Consultant role for the Business Information Resources – Landscape and Feasibility Study, undertaken for JISC.
Bexley Council - Undertook a feasibility study into the development of a Young Entrepreneur Incubator Centre in Bexley, in conjunction with The MacKinnon Partnership .
The Skoll Centre for Social Entrepreneurship and UnLtd - Design and development of a new learning and training programme for Social Entrepreneurs.
Business Link for London - Undertook a Market Intelligence Study for Young Entrepreneurs in London for Business Link 4 London , as an associate for Tribal SDP .
Break Out Media Academy CIC – Providing Business Strategy and Fundraising consultancy to Break Out Media Academy a new social enterprise to train ex-offenders in digital media skills to help them re-enter the workplace. Within the three months we have sourced over £60,000 to help launch the new social enterprise.
Striding Out CIC – Designed and established Striding Out CIC to be a leading national provider of coaching and training services to individuals across the UK. Secured £2.5m worth of revenue over 5 years, attracted a network of 20 franchisee coaches across 4 regional locations, and developed a portfolio of services for a range of different client groups.
We have provided business coaching and consultancy to over 200 other social enterprises and businesses to help them develop their business strategy, product offering and generate finance via sales or investment. Clients include MyBnk, Bobelle, Elixir Foundations, Be Unpackaged.
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North West Women in Business Awards Friday 23rd January
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Innovation vouchers worth £3, 000 available to entrepreneurs
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Sissy Rooney, Finalist for the UK Fashion Entrepreneur for2009
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Heather Wilkinson, Founder of Striding Out, finalist in the Crain's Business Woman of the Year.
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Finance for SME's and Social Enterprises in the North West
North West Women in Business Awards Friday 23rd January
Now in its second year, the Northwest Women in Business Awards brings together women behind some of the
region’s most innovative and successful companies. Building on the success of last year, there are now 6 awards
which will be presented at a glittering ceremony and gala dinner on the evening of Friday 23 January 2009 at The
Park Royal Hotel, Warrington.
Book now for the event at www.nwwomeninbusinessawards.co.uk
Innovation vouchers for entrepreneurs
Innovation Vouchers are designed to help Northwest businesses owners, entrepreneurs, charities and social enterprises to purchase an academic's expertise to develop innovation and enhance business
It provides a voucher up to £3,000 to new and growing businesses, charities and social enterprises. It was set up to encourage and make it easier for more people to engage with the knowledge base and in particular universities and further education colleges.
The next round opens on 12th January. Find out more here !
Sissy Rooney, Finalist for the UK Fashion Entrepreneur 2009
Sissy Rooney, Founder of Street Style Surgery
Sissy uses fashion as a medium to instil confidence and creativity within the youth of today.
I introduce young people from all backgrounds to the fashion design industry, while also teaching them how to be entrepreneurial through their own creative talent and skills. I raise awareness of all aspects of the fashion industry, eg the design process, colour and fabrics, manufacturing, branding, marketing, consumerism, costing, sales and profit margins, whilst also educating them on the ethics of the fashion industry i.e. recycling and fair trade production and manufacture.
I host all the workshops in a fun and energetic manner to children as young as age 6 and all the way up to age 25. I have worked within many organisation including special needs schools, mainstream schools, homeless organisations, even outside in parks with the lottery funded organisation "parktastic" in order to engage young people who wouldn't necessarily go to a youth club or come into contact with any aspect of fashion education. The outcome of my lessons are above and beyond what I could ever expect, all my young people shine with so much self-confidence in seeing what they have made and achieved, they all feel like real fashion designers and wear their garment with so much pride. Some even want to go on to be fashion designers and I offer advice and guidance on courses and avenues they can take to achieve this.
Sissy Rooney is a Finalist for the UK Fashion Entrepreneur 2009. Find out more here http://www.creativeconomy.org.uk/UKYCE/FinalistProfile.asp?ID=34&FinalistID=51
"Striding out has been fundamental in the setting up and successful progression of my business. The Street Style Surgery's initial break came about through the wealth of contact opportunities offered by the striding out network. Without this network I feel that I would certainly still be trying to make these contacts. It offers a solid support network that can always be tapped in to for advice and guidance regarding all aspects of business. It's a great resource for like minded entrepreneurs to meet and share ideas, to learn more about the business world and discover new ways of implementing ideas."
Heather Wilkinson, Founder of Striding Out, shortlisted in the Crain's Business Woman of the Year
Crain's Manchester Business celebrate the 2008 Business Woman of the Year Awards where we will be honouring successful business women from the Greater Manchester area.
Heather Wilkinson is listed in the not-for-profit sector for her achievements in setting up and running Striding Out for 3.5 years.
The winner will be announced on the 2nd December.
Finance for your Business in the North West
Finding and securing the right type of finance for your business is essential. The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) want to make it easier for you to find information on their range of business finance products. As well as offering finanical support for businesses in the form of loans and grants, we also provide access to networks of expert advice and information. Our business finance products include funding for business research and development activities, capital investment projects as well as loans and business angel finance to start-up and grow your business.
Finance for Business provides a simple and effective service for businesses. Visit http://www.nwdabusinessfinance.co.uk/
]]>The next ethical networking event which will be part networking, part festive fun, as befits the season!
There is a small fee this time so that we can offer a tasty buffet, and drinks will be at happy hour prices. Any leftover funds will be donated to charity.
As part of the event a mini raffle will be held with the proceeds going to charity. Please let us know if you have a product or service you would like to donate to the raffle.
To create the most inspiring, useful, informative and active network for you that we possibly can, Our Ethical Network has joined forces with Ethical Junction - who have begun their own ethical networking events around the country - and Striding Out to bring a larger number of likeminded people together.
These events are a chance to meet some new and old faces, share ideas and advice, and generally support each other in developing a more ethical way of doing business.
We hope to see you there!
Weds 3 December, 8pm, Earth & Stars, 26 Windsor Street, Brighton
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Free Intellectual Properties Events in North West!
Own-it North is a free service for creative & digital businesses looking to get help in protecting and find new ways of making money from their IP - through events, one-to-one advice surgeries, and through the website - www.own-it.org/north.
Working with North West Vision and Media (www.visionandmedia.co.uk), we are running a series of FREE seminars across the North West during March, with fantastic guest speakers from within the creative & digital sectors, and Intellectual Property experts from some of the leading NW legal firms.
TO BOOK ONTO ANY OF THESE EVENTS, LOG-ON TO: www.own-it.org/north/events
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Striding Out currently runs network events in Central London and Croydon. 
Striding Out in London is hosted by local business coaches - Morton Patterson, Enid Pinder and Heather Wilkinson
We can offer you a range of support to help you stride out to success.
- One to One Coaching
- Get Charged Up! Group Coaching Circles
- Our Local Network Events in Central London and Croydon
Please do give us a call to discuss your needs on 0845 452 4085 or drop us an email to [email protected], or [email protected] to find out more.
Sign up to our weekly 'Take A Stride' E-Coaching Newsletter, which challenges you to take on a new challenge each week to keep you motivated and on track!
TAKE ACTION - Sign up on the right hand side of the web page >
Local News
Mothers of Invention at the British Library
Discounted Funding Advice Event
Enterprising Young Brits Award open for applications
The Social Media Exchange- 26 January
Are you one of the Future 100?
Discount available to Striding Out members at biggest green consumer event
Contact Details
Telephone: 0845 452 4085
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Join our local facebook group
Local Sponsors and Partners
I'm Soraya Shaw, your local business coach and network leader in Brighton. 
I can offer you a range of support to help you stride out to success.
Find out more about:-
Please do give me a call to discuss your needs on 0845 452 4085 or drop me an email to [email protected] to find out more.
Sign up to my weekly 'Take A Stride' E-Coaching Newsletter, which challenges you to take on a new challenge each week to keep you motivated and on track!
TAKE ACTION - Sign up on the righthand side of the web page >
Local News 
Are you one of the Future 100?
Our Ethical Network event in Brighton, 3rd December
Contact Details
Telephone: 0845 452 4085
Email: [email protected]
Join our local facebook group
Local Sponsors and Partners
I'm Heather Wilkinson, your local business coach for Striding Out in Manchester. 
I can offer you a range of support to help you stride out to success.
Find out more about:-
Please do give me a call to discuss your needs on 0845 452 4085 or drop me an email to [email protected] to find out more.
Sign up to my weekly 'Take A Stride' E-Coaching Newsletter, which challenges you to take on a new challenge each week to keep you motivated and on track!
TAKE ACTION - Sign up on the righthand side of the web page >
Local News
-
InnovationVouchers worth £3, 000 available in North West
-
Sissy Rooney, Finalist for the UK Fashion Entrepreneur for 2009
-
Heather Wilkinson, Founder of Striding Out, finalist in the Crain's Business Woman of the Year.
-
Finance for SME's and Social Enterprises in the North West
Contact Details
Telephone: 0845 452 4085
Email: [email protected]
Join our local facebook group
Local Sponsors and Partners
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