About Us

Our Code of Conduct

Clear Thinking – Straight Talking

The Institute of Business Consulting is the professional body for business consulting. As a recognised practice and also holding individual memberships we follow their standards of professional conduct and competence which states "we will behave with honesty and integrity in our own actions and in our interactions with colleagues, the organisations with which we come into contact, clients, the wider community and the Institute."

Our Values

Working with style - Working with trust - Working with knowledge - Working with information - Working collectively

Directors

Beverly Payne

Renowned as an established hotelier managing iconic hotels such as One Devonshire before being part of the founding team that created the Malmaison hotel chain, Beverly has since used her experience to facilitate strategic thinking in growing independent hotels across the UK. She regular undertakes financial assessments that can be presented to banks and other funding organisations as well as advising on recruitment and restructuring. A keen runner, Beverly can be seen participating in races across the UK including the Edinburgh Relay Marathon.

Victoria Russell

Providing a track record of consulting with senior level executives enabling change, developing strategy and delivering training, Victoria was part of the founding team establishing a unique University centre tasked with commercial development. An established executive facilitator, she works with senior teams ranging from Spirit of Speyside Whisky Festival and Cameron House Resort. She has been known for developing innovative training programmes aimed at developing leadership and customer skills including The Reflective Manager. Victoria attempts some jogging, but better at practising and teaching Iyengar Yoga.

Marco Truffelli

Marco combines almost twenty years of accomplishments in hospitality with leadership and direction for the wider tourism industry as well as executive management in the IT and healthcare sectors. Using his experience in strategy creation, service delivery, operational set up and logistics know-how, Marco's consulting ability assures a professional delivery of outcomes. As a mentor to both generations X and Y within the wider hospitality and leisure industry, Marco provides a passionate and fresh approach to one-with-one business coaching and director's elicitation. You can find him running most mornings or, in the Winter, on a ski slope either skiing or attempting to match his boys' snowboarding abilities; he plays squash badly.

Non-Executive Director

Frances McGeoch

Frances brings more than 20 years experience in leadership roles gained in both the public and private sectors. At least half of this experience has been at Board level. She has coached a number of individuals at CEO and Senior Management level across several sectors from healthcare, electronic to the BBC. We are fortunate to have her on our Board of Directors. As well as being a regular jogger, Frances also spends part of the year at her summer retreat near the French Alps..

Associates

Caroline Pile

As a member of The Luxury Marketing Council, Caroline’s expertise in sales, brand positioning and marketing is assured. Her specialism includes utilising word of mouth, recommendations, referral and lead generation methods to deliver targeted and cost effective results. Caroline has also been asked to launch sponsorship and fundraising initiatives securing both income and VIPs on behalf of clients. When she isn’t helping the world sell better she can be seen enjoying the outdoors with her dogs.

George Drever

Having run hospitality businesses himself and with his banking experience, George can offer a useful insight to any tourism organisation. His focus is in capturing customer contacts using simple effective methods and advising and implementing communication techniques. This includes outsourcing models for both independent companies and small chains to enable them to focus on operational priorities. He has a vast knowledge of online marketing tools and database management that can help deliver a successful marketing campaign. When he is not e-marketing, George can be found entertaining with his tribute band 2U.

Sharon McNeish

Sharon has spent most of her early working life on the front line serving students and academic staff in universities before latterly working with clients all over the UK and Ireland. Her specialism is communication: how it is managed in organisation; and how it enables (to varying degrees) relationships between staff, across team and with customers. She is perhaps happiest when working with people who devote their time positively to planning, delivering and reviewing what is good for the organisation and the customer. She uses emotional intelligence theory as a framework for much of this. She lives in Stirling, enjoys lively conversation and analysing how we communicate with one another and, in an attempt to remain positive, she says “I could like negative people a lot more”.

Hugh Smith

After a successful career in banking, Hugh has combined his flair for figures with lecturing, research and development. Currently finishing his PhD, Hugh also finds the time to manage and deliver market research including project evaluations. His skills include stakeholder interviews, focus groups, detailed desk research, data analysis and summarising key findings. His analytical thinking is used by organisations to implement policy decisions and activity. When he is not sifting through data Hugh can be found enjoying the sun and culture in Sitges near Barcelona where he spends part of the year.

Jacqueline Ross

Combining her knowledge of health and beauty with her business acumen skills, Jacqueline is sought out to develop, improve and reposition spa products and services across UK resorts. Her approach results in positive sales campaigns, driving up income significantly whilst controlling costs and maintaining quality through staff and products. She is also secured to input into new spa developments in terms of design and layout as well as delivering staff training from management to front end staff. Away from the world of pampering Jacqueline keeps busy with her young son who is on hand to keep her active.

Joanne Kerr

An established Public Relations practitioner, Joanne has represented a diverse range of individuals, groups and organisations ranging from artists to luxury golf resorts. Her ability to provide practical, personal and professional PR and marketing support particularly for young and growing businesses is matched with her ability to communicate at all levels of the media. She has considerable experience of copywriting and has developed and delivered PR training. When she is not helping her clients gain coverage in the press, Joanne is a consultant for Arbonne International, promoting their range of safe and beneficial botanical based products.

Wider Associates

Jim Tassell

Jim is a health and safety specialist with over 35 years experience. As well as a consultant he has been an HSE Inspector and Safety Manager for a major DIY retailer and specialises in matters such as risk assessment and safety management systems.

Ian McDougall

Ian has over 18 years experience advising growing companies with a particular emphasis on the Hospitality and Leisure Industry . He advises clients extensively on financial strategy, business planning and restructuring, also raising funding from the private and public sectors in addition to exit and acquisition strategies.