Lean Consultancy

Finding Funding – Completing Tenders – Writing Rationales

Lean Consultancy

Finding Funding – Completing Tenders – Writing Rationales

Funding for Small Business Recovery – ways I can help:

Grant supports

funding for sustainability projects

I find funding and contracts to kick start a growth phase for small companies.

 

Green procurement modelling

funding for sustainability projectsI see the major opportunities of the EU Green Deal as the largest financial stimulus so far for green transition work. With an understanding of the Programme For Government, EU Objectives and the Local Authority Charter, I keep an eye on tenders and contracts, for goods and services, arising from them.

 

Innovative Greening Guidance

funding for sustainability projectsAll sectors from community action groups, to farmers in transition, right through to larger companies, for whom I can quickly assimilate corporate social responsibility and other business challenges, change management and training needs.

 

Supporting the journey

funding for sustainability projectsSynthesizing business recovery from the impact of restrictions during the lockdown and the proactive journey to adopt new regulations, standards and diversify. My role is to connect skilled people and businesses to funding, by identifying social & environmental added value.

Previous Tender Applications:

  • Operator for the National Biodiversity Data Centre
  • Biodiversity Training for Communities
  • Small Business Innovation Research – Seaweed Mapping
  • Music Advisory Services
  • Design and delivery of Climate Action Training Programmes
  • Coaching Service for School Leaders and Leadership teams 
  • Operation of Local Authority Dog Shelter & provision of dog wardens
  • Provide a Local Authority Horse Project
  • Bio-Architecture design for the new wing of Trinity.
  • Dog Foods for Prison Service Dogs (Vegetarian for non-aggression & Environment)
  • Magnet Technology – Prototypes of free energy: Mobile, Household & Commercial
  • Water Exchange – Logistics & International Partnerships 
  • Self Sufficiency Centre – Water turbine/off grid power
  • Independent Community Radio, Website and Newspaper  
  • Farm Animal Sanctuary – Charity land purchase & shelters
  • Community Garden – edible, ornamental and hydroponic
  • Culinary Support for People with Intolerances or on lockdown: 
    Meals on Wheels – 7 Day Supply 
Enterprise Ireland has two open funding schemes: 
 
1) Business Continuity Voucher€2,500 To help with tender applications, right through the process to submission.
 
2) Build A Green & Sustainable Business: Up to €6,000 Consultancy & up to €100,000 Grant for your improvements.
 
I am on the Enterprise Ireland mentor register and can help you apply for these schemes, which will then allow you to hire me without any expense to your company

Case study: Accountancy Company

 

The Challenge

The company’s clients were not paying for their financial services, including tax returns and preparation and support for audits. When they followed up payment, clients claimed they were dissatisfied and both management and staff were demoralized by the negative feedback cycle and non-payment.

The Solution

I helped them recognize that good-will is a powerful asset and identify their existing good practices. Training them how to build relationships through content meant they could both share the human side of their business and show clients that their security was  their top priority. I formalized their sustainability business model, into their organizational image. They already provided regular pro bono financial advice clinics. They were willing to sort out unexpected demands for clients and helped start-ups and individuals get ‘their ducks in a row’ for quality management and book keeping basics. It was a priority for them, as was the employment of several young accountants who received supervision, experience and independence from the firm and support, to start their own practice when they wanted.

Nonetheless, as accountants they were negatively associated with debt and interest management, taxes due and inevitable expenditure. Giving them social metrics to work with, I was able to articulate how making themselves available for client enquiries provided additional value.

My sustainability plan for their office included several LEAN processes for their office but also benefit clauses in regard to what they were already delivering. I taught the staff how to notice, take a pride in and communicate their added value, to clients.  As I raised their understanding of how financial stress was being passed on to staff from clients, it stopped being an unconsciously destructive pattern. By my differentiating their position as a customer-centred service, they started to enjoy a competitive advantage from their sustainability initiatives.

Manager’s feedback:

“It is difficult to describe the many effects that working with Frances had on our office and accountancy business. The most immediate was that the training energized all the staff, raising confidence in our roles in the company. Productivity noticeably increased as did commitment and interest in the work. Management problems that had seemed permanent were resolved and clients started to pay up, without us having to chase payment”