Business Strategy & Operations

Empowering Growth, Design, Efficiency, and Resilience

Many design firms struggle because they spend the majority of their time working in the business and are unable to dedicate time to working on the business (strategy, systems, governance, training, etc.). With extensive leadership experience in scaling businesses, optimising operations, and mitigating risks, I can offer advisory services tailored to help your firm navigate growth, enhance operational efficiency, improve quality (design & process), change management, and strengthen governance.

Key Service Offerings:

Business Growth & Expansion Strategy

  • Assessing the strengths and weaknesses of the current business (talent mix, costs, processes).
  • Developing a business strategy (short, medium and long term) based on geographic market and typologies.
  • Develop operational frameworks to support business and team growth and expansion.

Operations & Risk Management

  • Reviewing and optimising operational processes, contracts, and procurement strategies.
  • Enhancing business resilience through Business Continuity Planning and risk mitigation frameworks.
  • Managing external legal and insurance matters, including contract negotiations and claims.

Governance, Compliance & Sustainability

  • Establishing and maintaining certified management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001).
  • Developing company policies for AI, sustainability, anti-corruption, and modern slavery compliance.
  • Developing design approaches for sustainability, carbon reduction, and biodiversity.
  • Supporting organisations in achieving and maintaining carbon neutrality.
  • Advise on Board governance, including framework (compliance, risk management), practices, executive (& non-executive) directors, code of conduct, delegation of authorities, meetings and compliance.
  • Advise on future and succession planning for the company structure.

Change Management

  • Developing your (human) approach to change (process, timing, people), whether it is a change in structure, process, software, or system.
  • Creating a consultation, communication, training, implementation, stakeholder management, follow-up training, and assessment strategy.

Developing Skills and Training

  • Work with the team to understand the current skills and create a training program (external and internal) to improve design, quality, and project management.
  • Create the framework for future training programs (development, training, feedback, updates).
  • Train leaders and teams on contract and project management.
  • Advising on how to develop standard agreements for clients and subcontractors.
  • Providing business advice on confidentiality agreements, NDAs, probity, and conflict of interest management.
  • Advising on the processes in engaging and managing legal counsel to support business operations and risk assessments.

Why Work With Me?

  • Proven Experience: Over a decade of executive leadership experience in scaling businesses and optimising strategy and operations, with over twenty-five years in the design industry.
  • Holistic and Collaborative Approach: A blend of strategy, governance, and technical acumen to drive business success. I work from a position of collaboration, working with your team, terminology, and culture to provide advice that suits your company.
  • Risk-Focused Mindset: deep understanding of legal, compliance, and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Sustainability Champion: experience guiding organisations to carbon neutrality and responsible business practices.

Let’s collaborate to elevate your business strategy and operations. Get in touch to explore how I can support your growth journey.