"David worked as a consultant on a business development programme run by Merseyside ACME,
aimed specifically at Businesses within the Creative Industries. David's support on
this programme went beyond imparting knowledge and defining solutions, he empathises
with client businesses, empowering them to take ownership of issues rather than
imposing his own view. It is this empathy and ability to engender business
development that differentiates David. His services have resulted in
sustaining and creating a number of jobs on Merseyside as well as greatly increasing
turnover and profitability for our clients. I can confidently recommend David's
services and look forward to working with him in the future."
Anthony Byrne. Merseyside ACME (Arts Culture Media Enterprise).
"Communicates on our level."
Darryn Kennerley. go cre8.
"David helped us take stock of our situation and re-apply our core principles
to changing circumstances. This led to Prescap reorganising for the future
and clarifying its strategy. David worked in a skilful and sensitive
way making possible the bold changes Prescap needed."
Di Cuming. Chief Executive. Prescap.
"Working with David seems to me quite different experience than I would
have expected. You imagine working with a business consultant to be an arduous
affair. In actual fact it has been quite refreshing. David tends to work with
us in a very organic and informal way. You get the feeling he's working for
you and not the other way around."
Lee Taylor. Editor. Flux Magazine.
"Clear, concise and kind guidance through difficult thought processes."
Arabella McIntyre-Brown. Capsica.
"Dave facilitated in a relaxed manner and wasn't afraid to let a bunch of
talkative and opinionated people be talkative and opinionated."
Dinesh Allirajah. The Windows Project.
"I can thoroughly recommend the consultancy services of David Parrish.
David worked with my (then) company Proper Job Theatre, where I was MD,
on a change management programmne for 18 months. He put our company on
a firm footing, moving us to becoming a productive, positive organisation from something
which was anything but.
"David acheived this by careful, patient and highly skilled support,
enabling us to make our own decisions, but clear that we were in full
command of all available options. His range of knowledge is tremendous,
surprising and varied, and his people awareness, first class. I have every
respect for his professionalism, and capability to work with any organisation,
no matter its size or needs."
Jim Lister. C:Change Partnership Company Ltd (formerly of Proper Job Theatre Company).
Dave Parrish provided an excellent workshop on imparting skills to improve
business training. His presentation was very clear, personable and
accessible to all levels of business.
Elinor Randle. Momentum Theatre.
"Through a process of detailed preparation, which included meeting all members of the company,
David placed himself in the optimum position to help us to achieve our aims. He made no
assumptions about what we might or might not know and managed to very skilfully shape
our ideas with us at the centre of the process. We had challenging and difficult
decisions to make and he was able to define a process which encouraged us to face
these things without being intimidating or patronising.
"David has a range of structures and approaches with which to examine issues, but, crucially,
takes great pains to ensure that knowledge of how to use them is passed to the
company - meaning that you haven't just paid for someone to leap in and out
and leave nothing behind. It's a learning experience based on mutual respect."
Dave Jones. Director. GW Theatre Company Ltd.
"Out of all the business seminars, start-up meetings and networking opportunities,
I feel Creative Advantage has been the most effective."
Phil Nixon. Think PR.
"Jargon free, straightforward presentation."
Saphena Aziz. Sense of Sound.
"David is very businesslike but also understands the creative element involved in each business."
Danny O'Connor. Salvation Fashion.
"Dave has the ability to hold your hand and lead you through the
minefield of business development and evaluation without losing your legs!"
Dawneey Warren. Latent Productions Ltd.
"A genuine thank you, David, for your help and advice. I felt like I'd had
my eyes opened after the meeting, and it inspired me to rethink my approach
and redouble my effort. It was probably the most useful hour I've
spent in the 3 years I've been in business."
Robin Brown. Black & White Magazine
"I found David's relaxed and reassuring style of
delivery extremely illuminating. He made the boring ideas of business development interesting."
Bisakha Sarker. Chaturangan.
"Relaxed and methodical. Good to not hear the same jargon bantered about stereotypical fantasies."
James Pagella. The Kif.
"The workshop and documentation was well structured and easy to follow,
and it provided a good chance to clarify my thoughts and aims. I enjoyed
the relaxed atmosphere and the chance to exchange views and ideas."
Simon Rhodes. Smiling Wolf.
"The time spent with David was really useful in identifying what we were good
at and where we needed to improve in order to develop and succeed. In our
second year in business we quadrupled our turnover, this is largely due to
the support, advice and guidance of David Parrish."
Brian Dawe. Director. Safe Productions Ltd.
"Great workshop! Very creative brain. Friendly!"
Rob Brady. Robert Brady Photography.
"David Parrish worked as a consultant to the Active Drama Company at a crucial
stage of its development. He brought his skills and experience to bear on
the transition from a small and informal arts partnership to a fully
constituted business. His consummate skill was not in imparting facts,
but in enabling the two very different directors to express a way forward
for the company and to feel encouraged to commit the time and energy to
creating an effective plan. His groundwork saw not only the formal
development of the company's status, but also the increased confidence
to achieve the company's biggest and most successful project to date. I
would recommend him wholeheartedly as a consultant. More than that, he always
goes the extra mile, and from his work with us we feel we have also gained a friend."
Cathy Warren. Director. The Active Drama Company
"The workshop helped me to "start the ball rolling" and make me fix on things I need to do.
The meeting with David was a "one stop shop" for any questions on an
informal basis regarding your business idea, large or small - recommended."
Mark Winward - Product and Industrial Designer.
"David listened and gave good practical advice. Thank you."
Irene Ryan. Liverpool Lunchtime Theatre.
"David was able to offer clear and helpful guidance as well as practical and simple solutions."
Tim Brunsden. Liverpool Everyman and Playhouse.
"Great facilitation - encouraging businesses to talk and share experiences.
Relaxed style, both anecdotal and informative."
Carole Filson. Hope Street Limited (Trading Arm)
"A very knowledgeable, professional and compassionate person who makes you feel at
ease and seems to understand your business needs. I would personally recommend David anytime."
Peter Burke. Grass Root Network.
"Friendly, polite, enthusiastic. Not overbearing!"
Gillian Miller. Liverpool Comedy Trust.
"Very concise, clear and approachable."
David Gilday. The Cart House.
"Great facilitator!
I am seeing my business a lot more clearly now, as a diagram in my head."
Rebecca Gouldson.
"Easily accessible information presented in a relaxed atmosphere."
Justine Cook. Sculptor.
"Dave is an experienced creative business consultant who
not only listens and advises, but provides focus and clarity."
Natalie Haywood. Soundmob.
"The workshop made me think through everything from outside
the business and sort ideas and plans in my head and on paper."
Kaya Ulrikke Herstad. Aurora Borealis Music.
"David has a broad background and a sympathetic understanding
of the challenges facing arts organisations. The workshop
was very relaxed and supportive, with lots of practical tips."
Maureen Bampton. Bluecoat Display Centre.
"Proper Bo."
Mark Chantler. Base Productions UK.
"I found the workshop very useful, it has cleared my head and
realise where my business should be progressing to. It
covered areas that I had not considered before.
Dave gave us clear useful advice on how to brand our business.
We now have a clear idea of how to progress, using methods we
would never have considered before. Thanks."
Karen Knowles. Know Hart.
"David helps you to take a step back and look at your business with
tools that enable you to see past the 'fog' of everyday running to
get a clear view of your vision and what you need to do to make it happen.
David's ability to listen, understand, and reflect back with meaningful
perspectives on approaches to my problems or concerns is invaluable."
Paul Musgrave.
"David is able to listen, which is half the battle when it comes to communications."
David Burns. Fuse Graphic Design.
"Good, clear presentation; patient and responsive facilitation. Many thanks."
Patrick Henry. Open Eye Gallery.
"The advice David gave throughout the course brought a
human and real aspect to the constant planning, thinking and
writing one does when trying to further your business.
Thank you for your wisdom."
Sri Sarker. Source Arts.
"I arrived feeling my business is too small to merit
help in this way, but I'm grateful for the help and
understanding and impetus to get out there and just do it!"
Mary Christie.
"All businesses have problems but to make sure icecubes don't become
icebergs it is vital that programmes like Creative Advantage continues
because it is so important that small businesses continue to
thrive and have people to turn to at every point."
Marc Jones. Medication Ltd.
"Good points made, that made you focus on the overall
aims and objectives of the organisation."
Alison Riley. Centre for Arts Development.
"An extremely useful day to get re-focused, re-organised and
re-motivated. Thanks."
Gary Burgess. Melt Designs.
"Informative, logical, concise workshop that will enable my
business to achieve success."
Sandra Wilson. Livid Design.
"David was extremely helpful and gave me some really good advice.
I found him approachable, easy to talk to and a good motivator."
Emma Spike. Cybase Ltd.
"Fantastic and clear business direction. Exactly what was
needed without too much information."
Matt Wardle. Black and Ginger Ltd.
"Helpful no-nonsense, clear advice and discussion from a lateral
thinking personable individual."
Laura Naylor. Designer.
"David makes you rethink your business in such a constructive way."
Clare Wilson. Nook and Willow.
"Extremely helpful in focussing the creative individual or company on the
important things of business that creative people usually prefer to ignore!"
Gillian Taylor. Keylink Studios.
"Very informative, delivered in a way that we as creative
practitioners can take on board and develop our businesses with more confidence."
Sharon Mutch.
"Helped focus my mind into the areas of my business that need to be taken forward."
Jeff Moran. Unique Sounds (and Purrfect Symphony).
"I will recommend Dave Parrish to any other creatives in need!"
Jess Bowstead. 5athegallery.
"You should expect to feel empowered and inspired by David Parrish's business
development approaches. But, more than that, you should feel you've been
given the gift of a very practical tool that gives businesses, at an
international level, the ability to create their own prosperous future.
I would conclude by saying Dave is a man of many extraordinary but
simple and easy to comprehend ideas".
Mercy Chaita. Enterprise Development Manager.
Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council.
"Dave's understanding of the needs and problems of small businesses is
underpinned by a strong grasp of organisational management and learning."
Frank Ravey. Frank Ravey Associates Ltd.
"The skills I have learnt have been very valuable to my
business but are also transferable so I can use them again
and again in the future on a number of different projects I will undertake."
Stephanie Harriet Bradley. Dock Recordings Ltd.
"Dave Parrish has allowed me to develop a clearer business strategy and
more defined aims and objectives. Thank you."
Noel Fitzsimmons. Mimashima Records
"The great thing was for me to realise that what we do is good and we should
build on it - not become an aggressive corporate business."
Gosia McKane. Yellow House.
"Inspiring and knowledgeable."
Sean Loftus. Music Production Company.
"Dave allows SMEs to realise where they are and where they want
to go - and more importantly, how to get there!"
Anton Hanley. Managing Director. Askaprice.com
"Attentive and encouraging."
Alicia Rose. Popp Pictures
"The session was run in a very relaxed atmosphere and group discussions were
enjoyed throughout the day."
Suzanne Jones. Jacobsen Mo Ceramics and Sculpture.
"It was good to talk to a business adviser who is also a practicing
writer himself - I felt as though there was common ground."
John Kelly. Artist.
"Dave really helped me to consolidate my creative ideas, realise my strengths
and provide me with the confidence to launch my own business."
Jacqueline Jones. In-Site.
"David gave me an opportunity to reflect on the past year and think creatively
about developing the organisation. David's style was encouraging and respectful."
Kate Harding. Brava Design.
"Thanks Dave for all your pearls of wisdom!"
Moira Kenny. China Pool.
"David's workshop enabled me to sit and stare at the future of my business,
thereby allowing me to make the necessary movements in the right direction."
Jen Heyes. Cut to the Chase Productions.
"David is great at listening to your situation and relating it to his own experiences.
He makes you think differently about your approach to your business."
Phil Birchenall. Creative Industries Development Service (CIDS)
"Your expertise was there for all to see. It was snappy, informative and enjoyable,
most importantly, it was relevant to my needs. Thanks David."
Alan Field. Montana Productions.
"David gives down to earth, useful advice. Refreshing!"
Lesley Cunningham. Elcie Mojo.
"I have learned ways to overcome the frustration of an artist and instead tackle the problems of business."
Adrian White. Bling Productions.
"Very clear and concise, informal and informative."
Tony Barton. Mojo Theatre.
"Thoroughly enjoyed the day. It has made me focus on my business needs at the beginning of the year.
Highly motivational and an excellent way to identify areas for improvement."
Carolyn Hughes. Carolyn Hughes PR.
"You clearly and effectively broke down the bones of business strategy and made it seem achievable - a nice change!
I feel inspired and able to approach my organisation with the clarity and knowledge I've gained.
Most of all, you have allayed my rising panic at negotiating a strategy for my organisation. Thank you."
Georgie Turnbull. Toxteth TV.
"Very interesting. Enjoyed it too! Would recommend it to anybody."
Jo Wright. Creative Bias.
"Well presented and useful."
Iris Hennessey. Sambakids.
"Excellent, gentle mentoring within a group context, without pressurizing for further or extra
feedback as workshop progressed - thanks!"
Patrick Richardson.
"Good combination of a clear structure with good supporting material combined with apparently
informal setting. Useful to have a toolkit that can be applied to a number of scenarios - very flexible. "
Mary Taylor. Liverpool John Moores University.
"Good concrete examples. Good structure. I really enjoyed the workshop all together."
Alicia de Banffy. Amabadilo.
"Thanks for the opportunity to experience the interesting process."
Shelley Partridge. University of the Arts.
"Good levels of interaction and ideas sharing. I found the support material useful as a tool for focusing
ideas and strategy about my organisation."
Toby Coffey. TM3.
"Excellent for considering your ideas, making it clearer about what you actually want."
Miriam Wild. CIDS.
"Not dictatorial, focused on individuals' needs - open to the problem of juggling 'values' and 'economic reality' ".
Eleanor Rees. Windows Project.
"No wasted moments - a full and valuable day - informative and patiently 'steered'. The most worthwhile of this type
of programme I've experienced. David is a good listener and drew out communication from all of us here. Thanks."
Dee (Diana) Cosford. Artist. Also trading as Performing Platforms
"Good listener. Good at keeping conversations going and explaining different parts of the programme.
Being talked through different parts of the programme has been very helpful.
Very good opportunity to meet other people in similar situation to me - good boost
just to hear others' comments on related issues."
Laura Rosenzweig. Laura's Loom
"Very good teaching. Simple and clear. Good to speak to other likeminded people.
Helped me identify clear goals and strategies."
James Hake. James Hake Ceramics
"An effective and in-depth look at the process of business planning - your personal anecdotes and
experience added value. Helpful, facilitative approach."
Zoe Dawes. Chartwell Coaching
"Time out of a typical day to listen, share and gain a number of useful comments that will focus my attention on making positive changes happen in 2005.
David's gentle approach to business development skills makes listening to a coach a lot easier."
Spencer Hannah. The Knack Design Consultants