AI Magazine Issue 9 2018

Acquisition International - Issue 9 2018 69 Adrian Ashton is a freelance enterprise consultant based out of West Yorkshire. In July, Adrian was recognised in Acquisition International Magazine’s ongoing Leading Adviser Awards with the title of Leading Corporate Consultancy of the Year, for the United Kingdom. On the back of his success, we spoke with Adrian to find out how he has built an award-winning firm from the ground up. drian Ashton has made his name on the back of a refined talent for ‘traditional consultancy’; mentoring, training, researching and co-producing new approaches for his clientele, who are comprised of communities, universities and public-sector bodies. However, Adrian will be the first to admit that the life of a freelance consultant can be far from a guaranteed success. It requires long hours, undeniable passion and a dedication to helping clientele. Adrian contributes his personal success, primarily, to his resilience, adaptability and networking abilities – ultimately, a crucial aspect of building ‘something from nothing’: “To be a successful consultant you have to be resilient to professional challenges (as well as emotional ‘dips’: ‘black dog days’ are more common that people would like to admit). You’ve got to be open to learning from mistakes, open-minded and creative in how clients can be challenged and supported in recognising their own values, motivations and cultures. Lastly, a consultant has to remain abreast of research and trends in different marketplaces.” The conversation quickly moved to how Adrian approaches new clients, “At the outset of any new piece of work, there’s an open discussion about motivations and needs – this means approaches can be most aligned to cultures and any sensitivities. Crucially this approach is maintained throughout subsequent delivery: at the end of each milestone, we review what’s been achieved, what’s needed next, and what may have changed since we started to ensure planned activities remain relevant. It can also involve reducing my role with a client to broker another support provider in, whose particular expertise may be felt to be more relevant in light of changing circumstances.” Naturally, he is also the first to admit that, as a self- employed consultant, he has an unusual strategy to working with clients, “I’m aware that my business model is rather unusual for a freelancer– I seek to work primarily through other funded support programmes, where possible, to ensure transparency and accountability on my part; freely share knowledge and learning through social media platforms and channels to encourage more critical thinking and conversation within the sectors I work in; and offer Contact: Adrian Ashton Telephone: 07786 492313 Website: www.adrianashton.co.uk The Expert in Enterprise Consultancy A 1808AI12 a sliding scale of charges depending on a client’s available resources (including a degree of pro bono).” Adrian continues, moving on to the state of the enterprise consultancy industry as a whole, and how it affects his business, “Various published researches consistently highlight that firms engaging with professional consultancy support, such as I offer, subsequently have far more likelihood of future success and growth – yet there remains a general cynicism about such support amongst many firms; possibly because many are unsure how to engage with and best manage this type of support.” “There are also increasingly less government resources to support start-up and micro-enterprise growth (which make up the majority of all businesses in the economy) – but larger corporate firms seem to be showing interest in what role they might play in meeting this need.” Adrian went on to discuss the challenges and opportunities of being a freelance enterprise consultant, “Since ‘accidentally’ becoming an independent consultant, I have been faced with numerous challenges, such as starting, and raising, a young family whilst trying to establish my enterprise. And yet, I also recognise that in being a sole trader, I have a lot more freedom and independence to act in ways that I could not had I been subject to a duty of care to an employer. As such, I’ve created and enjoyed opportunities that include: • Influencing and changing legislation and policy • Working across a wider range of sectors and industries • Having more flexibility to support my parents and children • Indulging in a 48-hour networking ‘binge’” To finish, Adrian spoke of the future aspirations for his firm, “In light of current family circumstances and being in a new relationship, I’m seeking to maintain my business at a stable level to ensure I can best balance professional commitments with supporting my girlfriend, parents, and children. However, I’m always open to having conversations with anyone who thinks that I may know something that would be useful for them to be able to share, or to reflect on ideas and insights.”