How does the consulting and ventures model
work in practice?
|
We invest profits from our services businesses into
ventures and ‘practice what we preach’ by performing turnarounds that
will ultimately raise the capital value of Corven. The model works through the
sharing of one set of resources which work across all Corven activities;
consultants often get involved in corporate finance or ventures work. |
Is there a Corven way of doing things?
|
Corven’s approach is to engage its clients and work
with them at every stage of the change journey. We are not regimented, but we
do have a certain number of frameworks, tools and techniques that we draw upon
to scope and structure our work. |
What are your growth targets and how will
they be achieved?
|
Our growth targets are set in August at our annual
Offsite. The whole company participates in this process and as a result is
engaged in achieving the results. |
How does Corven differentiate itself?
|
Through its people, structure and approach. We have small
teams of experienced individuals working alongside Board level clients to
deliver tangible results through well structured change programmes. We focus on
transferring skills to the client such that the results are sustainable in the
long term. |
| What would be a typical project?
|
We work with clients from a broad spectrum of industries
and the public sector. The issues they face range from performance improvement
to post merger integration but generally involve large scale change. Our
projects typically last anything from one month to two years. |
How is the organisation structured and what
is the role of the affiliates?
|
Corven is a non-hierarchical company with a flat
structure. We are not the traditional “pyramid” consulting model.
Consultants are expected to be able to run their own work streams and work
closely with their clients. We use our affiliate network to enhance our
services and provide specific skills. |
What training do you provide?
|
Our training focuses on the needs identified in our
personal development plans and ranges from core consulting skills to in-depth
modules in strategy, leadership and business development. |
Would I get involved in corporate
finance/turnaround work?
|
The nature of the corporate finance/turnaround work means
that opportunities do exist but they have long lead times. We are currently
seeking individuals who are primarily interested in delivering consulting work.
|
How do you resource projects?
|
Resources are allocated based on the needs of the project
and the personal aspirations of our consultants. |
How do you sell work?
|
The majority of consulting work is sold through
developing strong relationships with clients and everyone is responsible for
this. A good deal of our work is repeat business from happy clients. A number
of our clients have taken us with them when they have moved organisations. |
What’s Corven like to work for?
|
Corven’s culture is one of “work hard, play
hard”. We take our work seriously, but not ourselves. Corven will give you
the opportunity to stretch yourself in a supportive environment. |
What are the opportunities for working in the
US?
|
Our immediate recruitment needs are for the London
office. Opportunities for working in the US in the future will be looked at on
a case-by-case basis. |
