Leeds strategy firm accelerates expansion plans

Leeds-based Whitecap Consulting has won new clients, expanded its office space and taken on six new recruits and associates to service the increased business, accelerating its growth plans.

The new clients include Bibby Financial Services, Shepherd Direct; The Pensions Trust; BuildStore; Ryman Stationery; Documobi and NKD Pizza.

Managing director Richard Coates says: “Our own growth is a mirror image of what we are seeing with our clients.  They are ambitious in their plans and we are helping them create the strategies to achieve growth.  When we started the business four years ago, our focus was to become the leading strategy consultancy in the north.  We expect to continue our strong growth into 2016 and are delighted to be creating jobs, taking on larger office space and working with top quality businesses.

“An area of particular success has been fulfilling the role of part-time marketing and/or strategy director for mid-sized companies.  These are roles that some businesses can’t justify filling on a full time basis, but having a part-time resource with access to our broader strategic thinking can be an attractive combination.”

He adds: “The range of our work across our clients includes international business strategies; global rebrands; operating model designs; strategic marketing reviews and investment business plans to obtain external funding.”

Natalie Sykes, Regional Director of the Institute of Directors in Yorkshire and the North East, says: “As I travel around our region to meet IoD members, the message is clear: there is confidence in the economy. Companies such as Whitecap Consulting are contributing to regional prosperity by investing in and supporting businesses to create growth, new product development and employment. The entrepreneurial reputation of this region is in safe hands.”

The expanded offices are at No 1 Aire Street in the centre of Leeds.  The new team includes consultant Marie-Elise Loesche; and Ruth Irving, David Crawford, Stefan Haase, Natasha Crump, Tessa Birch and Stuart Clarke who have joined as associates with expertise in consumer goods, digital, product, technology, business transformation, research and insights and strategic partnerships.

Earlier this year Gary Lumby was appointed a non-executive director of Whitecap.

Whitecap typically works with companies with a turnover of £10m-£300m to support growth with advice on strategy development, planning and implementation support.  They also provide commercial due diligence services to private equity firms and deal advisers.