From April 2005, Strategic Direction Performance Management Ltd began trading; incorporating the highly successful teams from the Strategic Direction Partnership and Acorn Communications. Both companies have been in business since the early 1990’s and specialise in helping organisations to improve their effectiveness through their people and processes. The new company, based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire, UK, will operate across Europe, delivering services in English, French and German.

Gordon Parker, Director for Consultancy in the new business commented “We have been looking to make a step up in our overall capabilities for some time. The addition of Acorn’s expertise in the areas of ‘Relationship building skills for Consultants’, ‘Interpersonal Skills’ and ‘Selling in the Pharmaceutical environment’ will enhance our existing Business, Finance and People Skills training capabilities”.

“In working with large clients across Europe there is a need to have strength in depth where our Clients need it” Martin Marris, Director of Training commented. “We will be focusing on both consolidation and growth of our enhanced capability over the coming years. Strategic Direction and Acorn have significant overlapping areas of strength to ensure increased resilience and some key product differentiators that will enable us to add value to both old and new Customers. Our well developed relationships with Celemi and Wilson Learning remain central to our strategy for business growth.”

“Repeat business continues to be over a major feature of the business with 70% of sales with long term (over 2 years) Customers” Peter Woodward, Director of Product Development advised. “As we grow and take on business with new clients this will reduce slightly, although our future will continue to be based on repeat business with clients that love what we do for their people and their business”.

Strategic Direction Performance Management Limited will continue to be referred to as Strategic Direction, a name well known to
Training and HR Managers in medium to large manufacturing companies. The business is investing in Performance
Measurement and Management Research during 2005 and 2006 to make its knowledge and understanding of best practices
market leading.

For further information, please contact Gordon Parker on +44 (0)1494-450200 Or email at gordon.parker