Social Enterprise Consultancy:
Development: Studio 306 CIC, London UK
Brief: To support the development of a business plan for this craft based social enterprise and member of Social Firms UK.
Delivery: Support with all aspects of a business plan leading to new business planning processes.
Outcome: Development plan for a sustainable social enterprise model over the longer term.
Craft Sector Development:
The British Council, Thailand & Vietnam
Brief 1: Consultancy on a craft sector development project in Thailand, working with consortium partners to develop best practice in digital story telling for the craft sector in the Chiang Mai region.
Delivery: Scoping visits, workshop facilitation and delivery, final reports and recommendations for Phase 1 of the project.
Outcome: Launch of a Chiang Mai Digital Crafts online resource showcasing the region’s craft industry.
Brief 2: Supporting role to BOP Consulting undertaking a Cultural Mapping Training Programme for British Council in Vietnam and the Ho Chi Minh City and Investment & Trade Promotion Centre (ITCP).
Delivery: Sharing of experiences of Cockpit Art as an intermediary organisation supporting creative businesses,focussing on issues facing designer-makers in the UK; workshop facilitation to identify issues faced by Vietnamese designers in the fields of fashion and design.
Outcome: Report and recommendations to feed into the Cultural Mapping exercise.
“We have worked with Cockpit Arts on a number of international conferences and consultancy projects in Russia, Thailand and Vietnam, where they have shared their entrepreneurial approach to supporting the designer-maker community in London. We have always found the team incredibly knowledgeable and professional, and there has been great interest in their work and in further collaboration from our partners overseas.”
- Claire DeBraekeleer, Programme Manager, Creative & Cultural Economy, British Council
Social Enterprise Consultancy:
Start Up: Unity Arts Trust, Chichester UK
Brief: Consultancy on the establishment of a new artists’ studio group and its strategic development
Delivery: One to one consultancy and coaching on business and financial planning; planning and development issues and legal structure
Outcome: Successful start up of operation; Community Interest Company status; securing of premises and fundraising.
“Vanessa was able to bring to the table real and useful experience. She was always able to see the bigger picture and think creatively out of the box, especially when it came to understanding the complex relationship between building a sustainable business and providing public benefit.”
- Tim Sandys-Renton, Director, Unity Arts Trust
Property and Premises Management:
Rodhus Ltd, Brighton UK
Brief: To provide support with the development of a business plan for this new creative hub and workspace for creative businesses
Delivery: One to one consultancy and coaching on concept for the centre; marketing and nuts and bolts operational management
Outcome: Successful launch of creative workspace, Rodus Studios, Brighton in 2011
“The two sessions I had with Cockpit proved really useful and now that people are starting to move into the space I am having to deal with practical issues. I am not sure that I would be so well equipped had I not spoken to you”. – Richard Ainsworth, Rodus Studios