Selected reference projects

The following contains current reference projects, presented courtesy of the companies involved.

Reference 1

Client: Plymouth Manufacturers' Group and Plymouth Employment & Skills Board

Task: Analysing Skills & Recruitment Issues and their Impact on the Growth of the Advanced Manufacturing sector in the Plymouth TTWA

Timeframe: 09 - 12/2011

Key data:

Environmental analysis of key factors impacting on the sector
Specific analysis of 'hard to fill vacancies'; upskilling; Apprenticeships and STEM skills
Understanding the sector's skills and recruitment needs
Conclusions; recommendations and a detailed Action Plan

"Steve Gerry has a sound understanding of the world of economic and business development and the challenges facing employers and employees in the current economic climate. His report entitled ‘Plymouth Manufacturing Sector Growth Plan, Skills and Recruitment Issues’ was an excellent summary of the available research and the state of Engineering in Plymouth. Steve has the ability to articulate his analysis effectively".

Paul Hartley STEM Manager Devon Education Business Partnership.

Reference 2

Client: David Somerville, Business Improvement Director at AIS/Goodrich Plymouth

Task: Review of Funding Support for Innovation and Research & Development

Timeframe: 03/2010 - 07/2010

Key data:

Understanding the client's business
Analysis of grants and funding
Specific in depth analysis of one particular source
Identifying strategic bodies; support organisations and networks
Conclusions and recommendations

Reference 3

Client: David Butcher, Engineering Director, Devonport High School for Boys, Plymouth.

Task: An independent review of enterprise learning at Devonport High School for Boys

Timeframe: 09/2006 - 11/2006

Key data:

Analysis of the current situation
Gaining a common understanding and vision/goals
Management and organisational structures
External relations

'When I first read the SG Consulting promotional material I immediately recognised the rich vein of experience and guidance available.

Having established a number of enterprise initiatives, our school was at the stage of needing to review the progress made, and working with SG Consulting provided an excellent source of external evaluation and guidance.

I have benefited from several in-depth face to face development sessions and have received a quality piece of research, containing thorough analysis and detailed comment on how, as a school, we can move our enterprise initiatives forward'.

Dave Butcher

Reference 4

Client: Great Torrington School

Task: Setting up and facilitating an employer forum with a network of twenty plus employers.

Timeframe 2008-13

'Thank you for all your hard work, expertise and commitment with regard to initiating and servicing the Employers Forum over the past six years. The group we have now is envied by local and county wide schools alike. We really appreciate all your support in setting up the group and ensuring its continued success'.

Jaqui Whiteman

Deputy Headteacher

Great Torrington School

Reference 5

Client: The ViSTA Project

Task: A feasibility study for The Somerset Social Enterprise Hub

How does a relatively small social enterprise register on the ‘radar screens’ of large government agencies such as the LSC? This study assessed the feasibility of three such enterprises collaborating as a consortium in order to get noticed and to yield economies of scale.

The study assessed the political environment for such a move; identified the risks and opportunities; recommended a marketing strategy to promote the concept and identified a number of organisations that may be able to assist the fulfilment of the strategic aims of the group.

'Steve had an exceptional approach to his work and really took the time and trouble to understand our culture and core values. This was then reflected in the business support he gave through the business planning process. Steve was very good at managing us and steering us towards the outcomes we sought without crushing the creative processes underpinning the business planning project'.

Angela Kerr, Vista Project.

Contact and appointments

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News

SG Consulting was recently commissioned by Plymouth University to assess the supply and demand of engineering graduates within the manufacturing sector in Plymouth – Aside from the University, several of the recommendations will benefit members of the PMG and future students.

SG Consulting Commissioned to look at employee engagement practices across the PMG membership.

Employee engagement is consistently raised by PMG MD’s as their #1 ‘hot-topic’. This short study will initially review contemporary thinking on the subject but will concentrate on researching and documenting individual members’ attempts to further employee engagement within their respective organisations. Whilst anticipating that the larger firms – particularly the Foreign Direct Investors – will be most active in this regard, the aim will be to produce a report that is of benefit to all members including small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

SG Consulting Commissioned to analyse PMG Network members’ product and services – The PMG have asked Steve Gerry Consulting to undertake a high level analysis of PMG network members’ products and services; the markets they serve and the geographic markets they supply. The PMG currently consists of 21 larger members (each employing 100 people plus) and 30+ ‘network’ members (each employing between 10 and 99 people). The report and directory is intended to raise awareness and stimulate
the development of local sourcing opportunities within the group.

SG Consulting Commissioned to investigate a range of location options for a local
manufacturer.

SG Consulting is currently assessing the comparative advantages and disadvantages
of locating a new multi-million pound business in either: South Wales; the
North East of England; Cornwall; Plymouth or in Poland.

Plymouth Manufacturing Sector Growth Plan - Reviewed & updated

Skills & Recruitment Issues

SG Consulting has just completed a major review of the Plymouth Manufacturing Sector Growth Plan - 'Skills and recruitment issues'. This report was originally jointly commissioned by the PMG and Plymouth Employment & Skills Board. For more details click here

SG Consulting study for PMG influences City Council Decision

Following evidence and opinions expressed by members of the PMG in a
recent survey conducted by Steve Gerry Consulting, Plymouth City Council have agreed to provide 2,787 square metres of industrial workspace at Langage at an estimated cost of £2.5m.

PMG e-newsletter proves to be a hit

The PMG e-newsletter is proving to be quite a hit with its readership. Compiled and
published monthly by Steve Gerry, a number of people have posted favourable
comments about it. Click here to see what they have to say and email me if you want to receive a copy.