About WOSO-SME
After many years as a Management Consultant, I retired
Although I retired to the Essex coast, I wanted to provide free guidance to SME business owners and managers, who often face constraints in terms of finances, time, and resources to access information, advice, or solutions. As a result, I founded WOSO-SME to offer guidance as a free service.
Steven Crocker FInstIB
Formally (before retirement) - WOSO Management Consultants
Why A free service?
After retiring as a fee-paid consultant, I no longer sought the constant meetings, frequent traveling, and numerous hotel stays that characterise a consultant's daily routine. However, I wished to assist SME businesses that might not typically engage consultants for initial advice.
I decided to offer initial assistance without charging a consultancy fee because, with advancements in technology, I can now work from home at a single desk and offer initial guidance without the need for travel or hotel stays.
If you encounter a need or problem, you are welcome to seek my assistance. I will provide initial advice or direct you to appropriate resources. I may recommend a service, product, or supplier, my recommendations will always be tailored to your needs.
Why SME businesses?
Limited engagement
I aimed to assist SME businesses that might not typically engage consultants for initial advice by offering a free virtual guidance service. Initial contact is made via email, and contact details will be provided after the initial enquiry.
Dedicated Managers
Many SME businesses do not have dedicated managers for IT, Telecom, Facilities, Environment, HR, or Finance. Each would be with finding information or business options, while owners focus on running the business. I wanted to offer a simple service that allows SME managers and owners to ask any question, and I would try to provide answers based on experience and business network.
Time and staff resources
Many SME businesses do not have the time or staff resources to source potential options and evaluate suppliers or quotes when fulfilling a business need. Consequently, they often rely on salespersons to provide a solution. This is not ideal and frequently results in poor after service once payment has been made.
Wasted time and money
I have witnessed first-hand the wasted time and money that companies can incur during the sourcing and evaluation of suppliers and products, and the additional costs that arise over time when decisions are not ideal and the aftercare is non existent once the purchase has been made.
Customer comments
About us - Steve has provided our various sites with invaluable free advice and support. From contract management and negotiation to infrastructure changes and upgrades, Steve has always been on hand to advise (along with regular troubleshooting for good measure!). Managing various public sector sites it is without doubt the free consultancy we have received has enabled our centres to run efficiently and effectively even with the continued budgetary constraints.
Syreeta Kalyan
Bedford-ilab, Bedford-ikan, Bedford Council
About us - We have asked Steve to advise us many times simply because he has helped us in the past by parting with his extensive business knowledge. We know he will give us honest answers to our questions, and if we ask, will propose the best service or supplier he feels will provide what we require (managed introduction). Obviously, knowing that Steve is always in the background ensuring our needs are met, and that we can speak to him at any time, is a great business benefit.
John Klein - Facility Manager
Tad (Europe) Ltd
Disclaimer
You are not committed or obligated to act upon any guidance, advice, or recommendations that I may suggest or provide. Likewise, you are under no obligation to follow advice or suggestions from any business that I may introduce or recommend.
WOSO-SME A free service for SME businesses