Colin is a highly experienced management consultant who utilises his financial and commercial expertise to advise clients and work with them to identify creative solutions to problems and achieve successful outcomes.

He specialises in supporting and advising public sector clients in establishing services at “arms-length” from Government, including the setting-up of Academies and Free Schools. He was responsible for the overall project management of a number of early Academy projects which included new build schemes, the recruitment of senior leaders and the development of the their education vision and approach. He subsequently assumed a similar role on Free School projects before advising on the set-up of more than 30 Converter Academies including Multi Academy Trusts (MATs).

Colin also advises Academies and MATs on their governance structure and the organisation of back office functions. He assists in the development of MAT business plans, preparing budgets and running procurement processes for services such as HR, financial systems and payroll. He has also undertakes risk assessments prior to MATs taking on new schools.

He is a qualified accountant (CIPFA) with an MBA and over 30 years post qualification experience, including three years as a Finance Director. In addition he is a PRINCE 2 practitioner and an experienced trainer and facilitator.