Client Testimonials

Karen worked for Blue Orchid Enterprise Solutions for many years across multiple projects in Merseyside, Greater Manchester and Cheshire. Most recently Karen was a key member of the teams delivering our ERDF and UKSPF business growth and grant programmes across Cheshire & Warrington. Karen led the crucial business engagement, recruitment and account management elements which enabled these programmes to successfully deliver more than £4m in grant funding, supporting over 600 SMEs. Without Karens tireless enthusiasm and professionalism in supporting small and medium sized business owners through the complex diagnostic, procurement and grant funding processes, successfully delivering such complex and impactful programmes would have been exceptionally challenging. The significant positive economic impact generated as a result of these programmes is in no small part a testimony to Karens dedication. Frazer Kearney, Director, Blue Orchid Enterprise Solutions Ltd 

Karen McKean has worked with Groundwork for over four years, consistently delivering exemplary support to our business engagement projects across the North West. Her diligent, persuasive, attentive, and persistent approach enables her to achieve excellent results and maintain high levels of client satisfaction. She has provided invaluable diagnostic support and assistance with grant applications for businesses, while also contributing significantly to wider business engagement initiatives across the region. Greville Kelly, Director - Business

We had the opportunity to apply for a consultancy grant through the Access to Finance child project which supported post covid grant funding. We had not previously used the tender process to procure marketing and branding and found the process to be immensely helpful in the identification of potential companies with the relevant skills and experience we were looking for. The project was a success and as a result we relaunched the new brand with our name change in July 2021. Following on from this we have continued to grow and completed a business diagnostic with Karen to identify our growth plans with new services, new staff, our office expansion, and overall investment into our future growth. From this diagnostic, we were able to apply for a pilot investment rebate through UKSPF funding for an important but expensive piece of equipment. The application process for this funding was time efficient, supported by Karen with clear guidance to complete the claim process in a timely manner. This caused minimum impact on the company’s cash flow and allowed investment in this piece of equipment earlier than we had initially planned. Lucy Powers Director – PowersUK Ltd Frodsham

We were contacted by Karen following our enquiry in relation to potential business support. Following the completion of a business diagnostic we were able to identify that with our current investment plans and growth predictions an investment rebate was available through the pilot UKSPF Programme. The application process and diagnostic were completed with Karen’s support, and we further received other additional information regarding a funded energy efficiency survey, information in relation to current apprenticeship qualifications and other links to additional business support programmes available. The claim process and paperwork were completed timely to enable the immediate benefit to the business from the rebate. Ian Jones Head of Finance – B&S Group Chester

Having worked with Karen in the past through the College Apprenticeship programmes, we were delighted to complete a diagnostic of our business to discover a variety of business support available to us. Alongside signposting to further skills support and innovation programmes, we quickly identified several funding opportunities including ERDF Access to Finance which allowed us to purchase software to develop a bespoke planning tool. The process of procurement allowed us to find a supplier we were not previously aware of. We had struggled to find a supplier with our own research. Additionally, Karen made us aware and introduced us to the Leader programme which enabled us to purchase a business changing CNC machine to accelerate our planned growth, quality of product and efficiencies. Alongside this application further funding identified from the ARG Business Support Programme Investor Fund enabled the purchase of a Tiger Saw to support with our manufacturing growth and efficiencies. Karen’s attention to detail, knowledge and tenacity actively moved our business in the right direction.  She is supportive and motivational in how she can see through the complexities of business challenges and draw upon connections to lead and facilitate improvements. It cannot be underestimated how Karen has influenced our SME Cabinet Making company.  The impact of this support has allowed the business to improve efficiencies, grow our team and significantly increase our profitability.  Andrew Barton Director – Brownlow Furniture Ltd

Training Feedback

Very relevant, I feel that it targeted our goals and helped us feel a bit clearer on how we might achieve them. It also provided a well rounded approach and included other angles of selling/market research such as personality considerations and communication techniques. 

Overall, a very well structured and engaging course.  One of the best I’ve attended for demonstrating how to research a business, positivity and being action focused when working on business development/sales.  Also, it was tailored to the different needs of each delegate, whilst sharing common themes.

Amazing session, learnt a lot and looking forward to sharing with my team! Thank you for delivering an engaging and informative session 😊

Overall a well delivered programme and content was relevant to job requirement and will make a difference in my ability to secure new jobs and most importantly to secure and expand with existing clients.

I thought the training was really helpful and insightful and really enjoyed the two days. I liked the mixture of approaches and activities and feel more confident approaching cold calls now. I really appreciated Karen doing live calls in front of us and found this invaluable for learning and future approach.

I gained a Broader understanding of the business landscape in UK, opensource information present about organisations, crafting and communicating value propositions (afters), confidence in calling, handling objections, watching it work. 

Key takeaway is analysing financial data, making it less about what I am selling and what the client needs (all about them), value proposition