The Consortium has been designing and delivering award-winning business support programmes across the East of England since 2017.
The Consortium members are hand-picked
Most of us have collaborated on several projects since 2006. Our team is based on an associate model, which is led by our two Founder Members Graham Broughton and Sarah Brockwell.
The Consortium – experienced partners in economic growth, skills and enterprise support.
Since 2017, The Consortium has helped local authorities, economic development teams and funding partners design and deliver business, skills and enterprise programmes that create measurable impact. All powered by EssexWorks®.
We bring together strategic thinking, practical delivery and a deep understanding of place.
Our team has experience across business ownership, local government, corporate leadership, public-sector programmes, communications, digital delivery and stakeholder engagement.
Our programmes are designed to meet commissioner priorities, exceed agreed KPIs where possible and create measurable value for businesses, residents and local economies.
Leadership.
Founded by Sarah Brockwell and Graham Broughton, The Consortium brings together decades of commercial, strategic and public-sector experience. They lead a hand-picked team of specialist associates who combine practical business insight and ownership with programme design, digital development, communications, mentoring and delivery expertise. We founded The Consortium because we believe business support should be practical, measurable and built around the needs of local communities rather than one-size-fits-all programmes.
Why commissioners choose us:
- EssexWorks® platform
- Essex-based insight
- Proven public-sector delivery
- Practical business ownership experience
- Strong programme branding
- Digital tools and live reporting
- Measurable outcomes
We work as an extension of our commissioner’s team, bringing the structure, creativity and delivery capacity needed to turn ideas into practical programmes.
Founder Members / Directors
Associate Members
Associate Consultants
Sarah Brockwell
Expertise
With over 25 years of experience in marketing and PR, Sarah owns a multi-award winning PR and marketing agency. She has so far supported over 1,000 entrepreneurs to develop and grow their businesses. Sarah is a member of the American Marketing Association and Marketing Leadership Council and was media trained by the BBC and the Press Association. Sarah founded sarahBee marketing ltd. in 2010 on a budget of just £250.
Experience
- Strategic and tactical marcomms
- Public relations (media training, crisis management, public speaking, corporate social responsibility and PR stunts)
- Market-led business strategies (market research and training)
- Publicity management (press releases, case studies, advertising)
- Design support (branding, copywriting, blogs/vlogs, E-shots, surveys and printed materials)
- Introductions to business intermediaries and national media/journalists)
- Sales promotions (lead generation activity, product launches and consumer research)
- Digital marketing (including social media, SEO and website development)
Sarah’s top tip about marketing “Marketing does not have to be expensive or complicated, sometimes the simplest ideas are the most effective”.
Graham Broughton
Expertise
Over 30 years of experience in working with diverse businesses in all aspects of marketing from product concept to launch and recommending / introducing distribution partners. Experience in preparing companies for investment. Experience in the problems faced by small businesses and start-up companies.
Experience
- Strategic marketing from fast moving consumer goods to technological and scientific products
- New product concepts and briefing design consultants
- Access to finance
- International trade and export driven companies wanting to diversify their products/distribution
- IP issues (process and registration)
Graham’s top tip about business strategy “If you are an Owner-Manager, make sure you are working ON the business, not just IN the business”.
Carol French
Expertise
A creative, hands-on designer and consultant with over 30 years’ experience of design practice across a broad range of disciplines. Carol has designed for many well-known consumer brands including P&G, Unilever, Heinz, Boots, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, alongside boutique brands and niche products. She has worked within prestigious London design groups at management level, and successfully transitioned to develop her own design business. Carol was design advisor to SMEs and start-ups with Essex Innovation Programme with particular emphasis on brand identity and new product development.
Experience
- All areas of brand identity design across a wide variety of business models
- Packaging design
- New product development
- Strategy, design planning and future proofing
- Identifying added value opportunities
- First-hand experience of developing a business start-up
Carol’s top tip about branding “Think of your brand as what people say about your company or product to other people. A strong brand will influence what they say in a positive way”.
James Garrett
Expertise
James is the founder and Director of HNE Media, a video production and training agency based in Takeley, Essex. As well as being an expert videographer, he has been training organisations of all sizes throughout the UK since 2013. James has carried out a number of successful projects for local authorities including Uttlesford District Council, East Herts Council, Hertfordshire County Council, Essex County Council and Brentwood Borough Council.
Experience
James provides video training courses and production for companies including:
- Badminton England
- Delonghi/Kenwood
- Arsenal Football Club
- North Yorkshire Police
- Card Factory
- Citizens Advice Bureau
James' hands-on and friendly and enthusiastic approach coupled with his patience, ensures all learners get the most from their training and come away with practical skills that will help with their video making.
Carole Burman, FCIPD MIOD
Expertise
Carole is an experienced HR leader, presenter and business adviser with over 30 years’ experience in the world of HR. She has built her career helping organisations grow, attract, retain and engage talent, and create positive employer brands that support long-term business success.
Having founded and led MAD-HR, Carole brings deep expertise in helping companies of all sizes move beyond regulatory compliance to develop HR practices that add real value to the bottom line.
Carole is also an experienced networker and facilitator, supporting managers to develop their leadership confidence and capability naturally, while equipping them with simple, effective tools they can use in day-to-day management.
Callum Ridgers
Expertise
Callum is a 20-year-old entrepreneur from Billericay and an Associate Consultant with The Consortium, specialising in Gen Z engagement, social media and NEET prevention.
Founder of Zultancy and Learnofai, Callum has first-hand experience of what motivates and engages young people. Through Zultancy, he helps businesses modernise their marketing and reach Gen Z audiences through social media, while also delivering workshops to students and business owners at schools and colleges.
His second venture, Learnofai, is developing AI-powered personalised learning, initially focused on supporting SEND students while reducing pressure on teachers.
Callum’s insight comes from being part of the generation organisations are trying to reach. He understands the importance of meeting young people where they are, using relevant language, technology and platforms to build engagement, confidence and pathways into education, employment and entrepreneurship.
Callum’s Top Tip:
“Don’t ask young people to come to you. Go where they already are, speak their language and give them a reason to engage.”
Georgia Martincu
Expertise
Georgia is a Digital Marketing Consultant, supporting the delivery and promotion of business support programmes through digital marketing, content creation, social media, website development and audience engagement.
Her work includes creating and managing digital content, supporting campaigns and events, analysing performance and helping to improve the digital experience for businesses accessing support. She also supports the promotion and ongoing development of the NEEB Link App, with a focus on increasing awareness, downloads and engagement.
Alongside her work with The Consortium, she is completing a degree in Marketing at Anglia Ruskin University, where she is currently achieving First Class results.
With practical business experience and an evidence based approach to marketing, she uses data and audience insights to understand what works and where communications can be improved.
Georgia’s top tip:
“Before asking what you should post, ask what you want people to remember about your business.”
David Bell
Expertise
David is a highly accomplished, multi-award-winning company director, entrepreneur, executive business advisor, technology expert, keynote speaker and chat show host. He is passionate about helping others succeed and driving businesses to achieve their full potential.
David is a key figure in the regional business community. As both the CEO of SIMBOC and the FSB East of England Chair, he has extensive experience championing small business interests and fostering sustainable growth. He has achieved much success with his role as associate to Anglia Ruskin University as their ‘Entrepreneur in Residence’ and as a Visiting Fellow to the Faculty of Business and Law.
Experience
- Communications
- IT Solutions and Technology
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)
- Business Management
- Leadership
- CMgr FCMI / FCIM / FIOEE / FR
David’s top tip for business:
Build Strong Relationships for Success - In business, relationships are everything. Success isn't just about building connections; it's about actively developing and maintaining them over time. Start by establishing trust and understanding with those you meet. Take time to listen to people's goals, challenges, and values. As you develop these relationships, aim to provide value, whether that's through sharing resources, offering introductions, or simply being a reliable sounding board.
Keep these relationships alive with consistent communication, genuine interest, and support. A simple check-in or thoughtful message can keep connections warm. Building, developing, and maintaining relationships is a cycle that, when nurtured, can drive lasting business success and open doors you may not even see today.
James Bennett
Expertise
James is a qualified accountant and founder of J-Benn Finance Ltd, established after a successful career with major institutions including Aviva, Carillion, Lehman Brothers, Nomura and JP Morgan. A Fellow of CIMA and Associate of the ICB, James combines deep technical expertise with commercial experience to deliver practical, strategic support to limited companies.
He is passionate about helping business owners not just stay compliant, but truly understand their numbers, make informed decisions, and grow with confidence. James holds a BSc (Hons) in Business and Management from Brunel University.
James’s top tip about business finance: “Don’t just crunch the numbers — understand them. When you truly know what your figures are telling you, you can make smarter decisions and grow your business with confidence.”
David Adlington
Expertise
Over 30 years’ experience including technology, R&D, design, engineering, strategic transformation, facilities management, in management and leadership roles in the UK and Canada. In the public sector, David has delivered business, enterprise, economic growth and culture, heritage and tourism programmes. David’s expertise spans major service innovation, cost-effectiveness and successful commercialisation of products and services.
Experience
- Start-up and early stage business incubation
- Technology R&D, engineering, digital, cultural and creative sectors
- IP, knowledge transfer, product development and commercialisation
- Strategy development for innovation and growth, business process development, cost-effectiveness
- Project management, conventional and agile, risk management, business continuity planning
- Coaching, organisation development and change management
- Public sector management experience as an employee
David's top tip about seeking business advice: "When you need advice, don't just ask people who will tell you what you want to hear. A good coach will ask the difficult questions, and work with you to find the solutions".
Peter Manning
Expertise
Peter Manning OBE is a seasoned leader in international economic development, especially in helping SMEs find new export opportunities. He lived in China for four years working as part of a team delivering workshops for western multinationals based in Beijing on topics including strategy, leadership and team culture. On his return to the UK Peter helped Essex County Council forge strategic trade and investment partnerships for Essex in Europe, China and India. He established Essex International, the county council's commercial consultancy service to help UK businesses find export opportunities and led 14 East of England trade missions to China and India. Peter's China work included establishing an Essex export office in Nanjing, helping universities recruit Chinese students, creating many education and cultural exchanges, and delivering leadership training for Chinese business leaders and civil servants. Peter has an MBA from Henley Management College and in 2018 was appointed OBE for services to UK-China relations.
Peter’s top tip about international trade: “Successful exporting starts with deep cultural understanding. Strong cultural insight is not just a 'nice to have' — it is a competitive advantage in global trade.”
George Athanasiou
Expertise
George is a renowned educator and motivational speaker, celebrated for inspiring leaders and educators worldwide. With experience as a Head Teacher and Local Authority Adviser, he advocates for wellbeing and employee care, enabling organisations to prioritise success. Through engaging keynotes and practical workshops, George fosters a culture of care in educational and corporate settings, leading to outstanding results. His expertise spans leadership development, mentoring, inclusive education and impactful teaching and learning. As an international speaker, he promotes best practices in education while building strong relationships with clients and colleagues, earning widespread recognition and respect in the industry.
