Yorkshire Forward

A4B programme managed the £2m Strategic Sector Champion contract for Yorkshire Forward the Regional RDA for 4 years. A4B successfully tendered for the contract and won through an OJEU procurement process against much larger LE’s and blue chip organisations. The contract was extended by YF at their request, demonstrating that they were obviously happy with the service we provided. Under the business support simplification programme, (BSSP) dictated that the provider should be moved to BLY and during this process we provided active consultancy throughout to ensure a seamless service migration. The contract initially involved the selection and recruitment of senior consultants in specific sectors such as Bioscience, Digital, AMM, Chemicals and Food and Drink. Following the recruitment we provided project management for the project and a support service for the consultants which included R&D bid authoring, strategic information gathering, support with setting up CenFRA and event organisation.

Both John and Nigel have been assessors for the Large Company IRD innovation R&D grant programme delivered though Yorkshire Forward.

Peach Orator

Peach Orator has a wide range of experience of providing management and personal skills development training to a range of private and public organisations.

Working in partnership with Peach we identified a new opportunity for developing a range of training support for lean production and business improvement techniques for both management and staff.

While Peach attained approved centre status from C&G we carried out some personal development to become A1 assessor, RITA and PAC accredited through Semta, the sector skills council body.

Since completing our development we have provided the delivery arm for Peach’s business improvement techniques products and have delivered into several companies, small and large across a broad range of sectors. Delivery has been to both staff, junior and senior management and has been to some 160 individuals.

"Nigel and John have helped us develop both as a business and as a substantial business focused training provider. They have provided an excellent service for our customers and enhanced our reputation for providing training that has a real benefit to business. I would thoroughly recommend them to any business that’s wants results focused support"
Steve Bates, MD, Peach Orator