Our recent assignments have included:

• Leading a cross sector team to develop a new Economic Development Strategy for South Tyneside
• Managing the project to set up a new Social Enterprise Development Trust and developing the business case for its first venture
• Developing a strategic growth plan for a creative design agency
• Developing a business improvement plan for a childcare training company
• Development and project management of Bid Box, a business support project to help SME’s bid for public sector contracts

Recent customer endorsements include:

Doug Scott – Chief Executive of TEDCO

“Derek Metcalfe was a non-executive director at TEDCO for several years. His commitment was evident to the Board and senior executive team and this enabled him to understand our business in depth and make contributions of real strategic importance. However, this commitment was not limited to technical matters and the support he has provided to me and other senior managers has been invaluable both professionally and personally.

I have also worked with Derek as a partner, latterly on the development of the South Tyneside Economic Development Strategy. Derek has brought great vision, insight and energy to this project, leading from the front where possible, necessary and appropriate and supporting and encouraging where not. Although not yet complete, the Strategy would not have the coherence and ambition achieved so far without Derek's drive and skills.”

John Scott, South Tyneside Council

“Horizonworks have worked effectively with the South Tyneside Means Business programme over the last two years. In this time they demonstrated a strong understanding of how to drive forward the implementation of a number of new business support projects, and the ability to work across all levels of the partnership particularly in supporting the service design and implementation of our procurement support project, Bid Box. We have developed strong confidence in Derek and his team and hence have engaged them on number of projects as the needs have arisen, and would recommend them to other organisations wishing to develop their business.”

John Anglin – Chair Social Enterprise Development Trust

Derek Metcalfe has worked with the Board of the Social Development Trust for nearly a year. Quite simply, without his expertise and professionalism the enterprise would not be where it is today.

He is the complete professional and whether he is dealing with people, adding in depth knowledge, or producing concise Reports on subjects that are often multi-layered, he has brought a clarity of vision, a view as to how to encompass the wider issues as well, most importantly, suggested routes to the final objectives of the Trust.

Because of the focus, his wide knowledge and experience, and his ability to harness other people's strengths, his views have been taken on board and translated into action, and results. The fact that all parties, including South Tyneside Council, have agreed to what is now a fairly simple answer to a complex situation is a measure of the work of his company and its philosophy.”