Merseyside Business Support Programme

The Merseyside Business Support Programme (MBSP) was a Liverpool Vision project to help businesses in the city region to prosper, grow and create new jobs.

David Parrish worked with Liverpool Vision as a specialist business adviser and marketing consultant. He has extensive experience of developing businesses and organisations in the creative, cultural and digital industries in Liverpool and world-wide.

The Merseyside Business Support Programme provided business support free of charge to creative, cultural and digital businesses in Liverpool.

Limited companies, sole traders and partnerships were all eligible for support.

The programme offered confidential business review and advice meetings with David Parrish.

David also delived a range of workshops in association with ACME at Liverpool Vision. Workshops include Creative Marketing, Designing Your Creative Business, Creative Pricing, How to Make Money While You Sleep (Managing Intellectual Property) and Creative Finance.

David is a specialist creative industries business adviser working in Liverpool and internationally as a management consultant and trainer. He has a background in the creative and cultural sector and experience of leading creative businesses through periods of growth. He has professional qualifications in business, marketing and leadership, including ‘Chartered Marketer’ status. He is also the author of the book ‘T-Shirts and Suits: A Guide to the Business of Creativity’.

Read what creative businesses in Liverpool say about the business advice and support they have received from David – see below.


Video featuring Liverpool businesses supported by David through an earlier similar business support project – the Liverpool Creative Growth Initiative

This video can also be viewed on YouTube and Vimeo.

Film production by a sense of place in Liverpool.


What creative entrepreneurs in Liverpool say about business advice from David Parrish:

“My meeting with David was like a breath of fresh air.  He allows you to take a step back from the business to see it from a new point of view and appreciate the bigger picture.  He has given me a new sense of confidence to move forward with the business knowing we are firmly on the right path.  Highly Recommended.
Christian Hughes
Curly Productions Ltd

“Working with Dave’s been really great, he sees business as an opportunity to be grasped by creatives and not to be feared.”
Ilsa Parry. 3D Designer. UK

“Dave was a great sounding board and independent viewpoint we used to develop the overall strategy for the business. The time we spent with Dave was a great way for us to focus on where the business is going over the next year and his facilitation of these discussions was extremely valuable. He made us take a step back and also look at our creative thinking processes which was also useful and better still…good fun!”
Anna Heyes. Managing Director
Active Profile Ltd

“Since attending David’s workshop and then engaging him as an adviser, Sparkle Media has gone from strength to strength. The company now operates on a global level, going head to head with world wide agencies – and beating them. We’ve never looked back and have a lot to thank David for.”
Glenn Maguire. Director
Sparkle Media Ltd

“Since meeting David he has helped us build relationships with follow creatives within Merseyside which have resulted in key working partnerships on several projects. Through his knowledge of our industry sector, we have also received excellent help and advice in regards to the day to day running of our business.”
Gavin Sherratt
It’s About Websites (now Studio Mashbo)

“David is a marketing expert who understands and emphasises the importance of strategic marketing when growing a business. It’s really helpful to be able to talk things through with him as we grow.”
Rhiannon Eames-Jones
Milky Tea Ltd

“Since working with Dave our business has expanded significantly. We regard Dave as a friend and it’s always useful to be able to talk through business growth options with a professional and experienced adviser who understands the creative sector like he does.”
Matt Houghton
Loaf Creative Ltd

“The support from ACME and the advice from Dave Parrish has already been brilliant. Dave helped us to see things differently and identify new opportunities in a fast-changing and challenging world. He also helped us to develop and implement a new business model for the organisation which will ensure that we go from strength to strength.”
Paul Ainsworth
Ariel Trust

“David’s advice was really insightful. As our team grows, we are improving our management systems and having David to discuss the best way forward was very helpful.”
Michelle Helsby
Evolve Productions Ltd

“Dave’s knowledge, experience and coaching is highly applicable and relevant to any creative business in the twenty-first century. His advice has opened doors to exciting new opportunities and helped to avoid the many pitfalls along the way.  He is a highly insightful and trustworthy mentor.  It is a sheer pleasure to brainstorm with Dave and he has the ability help you stay focused after inspiring a batch of useful ideas. Whatever your vehicle of creativity is, Dave gives you the keys to make that car move while also providing a reality-based road map to help you get to your destination.”
John Scotland
Multi-Platform Video Production

“I was lucky to receive advice from Merseyside ACME and this helped me focus on what is important for me and finding ways of earning a living from what I do, and love. Since then, I have seen my business grow and develop in the right direction, and my sessions with David are like milestones for my growth. It helps me set up new objectives and be ambitious with who I am targeting for my next projects. Taking the next steps can be a daunting experience, and having the support and advice from ACME at this critical time is a precious gift.”
Laurence Payot
Artist


David also works through a number of other business growth projects including Growth Accelerator and Growth Vouchers to provide strategic marketing advice, as well as directly contracting with clients in the creative industries to provide strategic marketing consultancy. He is also registered with Advice Finder.