Who we are

Maurice Cohen MBA has wide experience in the UK and international education and training fields and has been particularly successful in managing programmes and attracting substantial funds through the European Commission, UK government departments and the private sector. Maurice recently directed a £4 million skills development programme on behalf of the Learning and Skills Council, East of England Development Agency and Jobcentre Plus, wrote a major report on management and leadership development and advised on a number of successful ESF and Train to Gain bids. Maurice has particular skills in project and organisational management, preparing funding bids and research and evaluation.

Maurice works with a number of highly experienced associates who bring their expertise to every project.

Neil Fletcher MBA currently specialises in skills development, modern apprenticeships and foundation degrees with colleges, universities and employers. He has headed the education team at the Local Government Association, was head of education at the trade union NALGO and was the national education leader for the local authorities and leader of the Inner London Education authority (ILEA). He has written extensively on education, is a columnist for "Times Higher", and is a frequent radio and TV broadcaster. Current clients include DfEs, Royal Institute for Public Administration and Capita plc.

Peter Davies OBE is Vice Chair (Wales) of the UK Sustainable Development Commission and also coordinates in Wales the Prince of Wales’ charities and is chair of the West Wales branch of the Institute of Welsh Affairs. Peter’s background is in the field of corporate social responsibility working for the Confederation of British Industry, Department of Trade and Industry and Business in the Community. Peter was Managing Director at Business in the Community UK from 1995 to 2005 and retains a role as Associate Director. Peter received an OBE for services to education and business in 1996.

David Halley MA worked extensively in IBM and the Digital Corporation before becoming a business in the community consultant specialising in corporate community investment. He established the Cecile network of European partners and is author of The Complete Guide to Employee Community Involvement". David speaks French, Italian and Spanish.

Jill Simpson BA is principal consultant with the Scottish consultancy DEVA, and specialises in staff development and training. DEVA's associates have an excellent knowledge of Scottish institutions and systems, and have a wide network of contacts in the private, public, voluntary and education sectors. Recent clients include Scottish Enterprise, the Scotch Whisky Association and VisitScotland. Jill is a fellow of the Institute of Training and Occupational Learning.

Richard Barron MA was senior lecturer in the department of Management & Systems at London City University, with a special interest in organisation theory and human resources management. He has carried out research at the University of Essex on labour markets and the problems of low pay. He most recently worked for DHL/Danzas in New Zealand.

John Holme BA specialises in helping SMEs, particularly in the voluntary and charity sector. Much of his current work is in assisting organisations to develop business plans, and improve their financial reporting and HR systems. The greater part of his career has been at a senior level in industry, local government and the NHS. He has over twelve years experience as a CEO of mutual companies including working with a health insurer, a financial services provider and an environmental charity. John is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors and the Chartered Management Institute.