Adrian Ashton

I work with organisations in all sectors on themes relating to: governance and legal structures; understanding and managing finances; (social) enterprise development and growth; enterprise education; impact and values; and such like. Clients include universities, government bodies, charities, social enterprises, co-operatives, business support providers, sector membership bodies, and private businesses. My approach has been found to be unconventional by some at times, but always memorable and appreciated in it helping people be able to explore new ideas / start new conversations that they weren't able to before. (Previous clients I've worked with have referred to me as "a pole dancing lion tamer", and "a tiger-stiped chaise-lounge with pink flamingo cushions" - and a global services firm says that I'm the only business consultant they know who can turn the act of flushing a toilet into a force for positive good). I've been accidentally freelancing since 2005, I've been feted with various recognitions and awards for the impact of my work on clients' organisations and ambitions; and also for the influence I've had on the wider ecosystems that enterprises of all types operate within (including being made a life Fellow of theRSA, and being the first freelancer in the UK to be certificated in the government's new Fair Payment Code). I hold the world record for the most number of consecutive annual impact reports published on the same organisation, using a framework endorsed by the Institute of Social Value; accidentally wrote a global best-selling book that challenges 'accepted wisdom' about imposter syndrome; and advocate for other freelancers and small business owners who are also unpaid carers. Support is offered via consulting, mentoring, advice, training, facilitation, and research activities (some of which occasionally involves playing with Lego bricks).