Bird Island

Now no one goes to the lake without taking in some of the sights so the whole strategy planning team took to the waters and went to Bird Island on the Lake.

 If all interventions ended like this what a wonderful world of consulting this would be.

The S team

Strategising

July was strategic planning month for the CBE team. One of larger financial institutions in Malawi was looking for a five year strategic plan and as part of the planning process a series of workshops were organised at the beautiful Lake Malawi

 

But the team didn't go to frolic in the water or soak up the sun.

The work got so intense that as part of the unwind and relax strategy CBE started hugging rocks!!!!!

Priceless!!!!

June This and That!!!!

We said farewell to one of the team, Ian Bysouth at Mandala house a local gallery in Blantyre

 

We also had a visit from Daliah last month here is the team in the picture

 And here was the lost soul on the other side of the camera.....

GTPA

Ian, Oganive, Rejoice and Mike

The Grain Traders and Processors Association engaged us to conduct a business planning training for the association members. We looked at the basics of business planning and some of the essential aspects that need to be well thought through to have an effective business plan. The training was done in both Blantyre and Lilongwe. The CBE facilitators included Oganive, Rejoice, Ian, Mwabi and Mike.

Training in Blantyre

Mwabi presenting in Lilongwe

During an exercise

We received rave reviews from a majority of the participants. The participants felt that they had really learned a lot and wanted us to do more. Looks like CBE is paving a way for the future.

Socialite

All work no play makes jack a very dull boy. So in May as a way to bond as a team we decided to have a barbeque at the project house dubbed Socialite.

We have our own Malawian James Bond by the way!!! He'll take the mango juice shaken not stirred.

It was great fun and we will be doing it again in the near future.

Jhango Schools Presentation

The participants and their trainers

The Jhango schools training was a follow up to the schools workshop that was done earlier in the year. The aim of the workshop was enabling them to have an improved business approach in dealing with students, parents and other school stakeholders. This was thought to provide answers to the poor approach that teachers had when dealing with students, parents and school management.

Jim in action

 Jim and Frank delivered the training with aplomb! Nice going guys.

Frank clarifying an exercise

The participants

CMCE at last!!!!

The awardees Mwabi and Tione pictured with George and some UK lead consultants

The first graduands of the certificate for management consulting essentials have come through the CBE program the next three will be expected to get there results early August. George Finlayson,  trustee of Scotland Malawi Business Group (SMBG) and ex British High Commissioner to Malawi emphasized that the Scottish Government and the Scottish Malawi Business Group (SMBG) in collaboration with Malawi Government is committed to developing the private sector in the country through provision of consultancy services and capacity building in management consulting. 

The best part!!! the 10 seconds of fame...The article appeared in one of the national newspapers and caused a right stir. People were calling all day, and Mwabi and Tione are now the CBE resident celebrities!! Capital stuff..

Hospitality

CBE organized a hospitality workshop on 3rd September 2011. Julie Balch, a hospitality consultant was the lead facilitator of the workshop. The workshop drew players in the hospitality event across country.  The theme of the workshop was how to increase profitability. More than 45 participants attended the workshop and created business for the CBE.

 

Esther's last day in the office

Esther Adjei  a UK  management consultant bidding farewell to the CBE team. Esther's contribution was great for the project. She helped in training new apprentice consultants, developing leads and was the lead consultant for MALSWITCH Brand Audit assignment. She will be missed for her inspiring words, commitment to deadlines and creating credibile clients  and welfare of her team members.

Private schools workshop

CBE hosted a  private schools workshop on 4 March 2011 for owners and managers of schools. The workshop was aimed at training private schools on basic business management, how to maximizing profitability, increase student enrollment and retaining them and risk management. The workshop drew 18 participants. The workshop feedback was impressive and has generated potential business leads.

Neil and Ian (two whites seated on the far right in front) were the lead consultants for the workshop and were assisted by Mwabi, a junior consultant and Frank an apprentice business consultant.