Clients  

Brother UK, part of the Japanese manufacturer of printers
To help launch a new, A3 printer, James prepared a paper for 30 top customers of Brother equipment on 'The UK if everything was nearly half as much bigger'. With 40 sources, the paper, available on this website, covers what a quantum leap would mean if it took place in technology, longevity, jobs among Small and Medium Enterprises, and UK plc generally. James' subsequent presentation to customers was greeted with acclaim by those present.

UK Trade & Investment
UKT&I is the body responsible for promoting Britain as a site for inward investments – as well as for promoting British business abroad. Over nearly a year, James collaborated with the organisation, as well as the Government’s chief economist, to write one of the very few documents available on the future of Britain’s inbound and outbound position

Read about more project snapshots


     
What I do
 

(1) Facilitating and speaking at events for your own clients

Here I work with you to prepare, firstly, the right title, programme and targets for events that can establish your intellectual authority with current and potential clients, media and staff.

To do this, I naturally spend good time reading up on and listening to you, as well as probing your objectives. Then I either chair the event, speak at it, or both.

Facilitation is, if anything, more exacting than speaking – you have to stay alert and listening every second of the proceedings.

My speeches can be anything from 20 minutes to an hour long. They are

• broad but deep
• funny but serious
• very visual but very numerate
• highly topical but with forecasts and historical depth.

They cover the technology, economics, politics and sociology of innovation in energy, IT, retailing and cities. They are polemical, controversial, and – above all – they make people think. They are never ‘death by Powerpoint’. Also, they show courtesy and good sense by relating my remarks to what other speakers have said on the day (a dying art).

(2) Writing articles and major reports for you

Here I again I first research your organization and its business context. Then I write to your specifications, but, as far as possible, in my own critical, independent style. As with my speeches, my articles are highly topical and angular, with unexpected connections made, and a strong sense of the ‘what’s next’.

They can also come with scholarly references on what to read next. This adds tone, and makes them more powerful as an argument and more useful in practice.

(3) Consulting on your overall editorial approach and brand-building

Here I look at your website, ads and other marketing materials, and suggest or personally develop new ways of enlivening them – both in words and in design.

     
    Email me on James@Woudhuysen.com  

Past & Current clients

Akzo, Amadeus, BDR Thermea, British Institute of Facilities Management, BT, Charities Aid Foundation, Eastern Cape Socio Economic Council (South Africa), Gaucho restaurants, Hallmark UK, Heineken, Hewitt Associates, Jersey Telecom, Konecranes, Lego, Microsoft, Mitsubishi, Nokia, Orange, RAC, Roca bathrooms, SAP, Siemens, Standard Life, Unilever, city of Yangzhou (China), YRM architects

See all past and current clients


     
What clients say
 

‘James went down very well indeed. It was spot on in terms of content and delivery. The feedback from our client, RAC, has been really positive too. James provided lots of stimulating material which was drawn upon throughout the rest of the workshop.’

Celia Garforth, Planner, Rapier Advertising, November 2011

‘Your contribution to our companies' reflection on innovation was very well received. We felt that the participants got a lot of added value. I hope we will have other opportunities to meet.’

Teresa Presas, Director General, Confederation of European Paper Industries, November 2011

‘Excellent job, James, truly inspiring! Many thanks! Very good feedback from delegates.’

Jaimie Brown, Head of Communications, Novartis Oncology, February 2011

Read more client testimonials