Budget cuts have hit England’s cultural services hard, however a radical reduction in staffing and activity is not the only – or the best – response.  “Local government, trusts and third sector organisations possess some extraordinary assets,” says Jon Finch, newly installed Managing Director of Black Radley Culture.  “The challenge now is for services to become more effective in earning their keep.  This means generating more income through a sharper focus on customers.  It may also mean improving governance and management processes, to remove any unhelpful distractions from the business of providing a compelling service.”

Finch (41), who headed up the MLA’s work in the South West and West Midlands as Director of Engagement, and was previously Chief Executive of MLA West Midlands, chose his new role with Black Radley rather than move to a senior position in the public sector.  “I have thoroughly enjoyed my last 8 years working for MLA.  However I wanted a fresh challenge, whilst also continuing to make a difference at the front line in these difficult times.  Black Radley’s robust and business-like approach has brought considerable benefits to the cultural, and wider public, sector over recent years.  They are working at the cutting edge of the sector’s response to these challenging times, bringing enterprise and new governance approaches to bear.  To put it plainly, this is where the action is!”

Black Radley Culture will offer a range of innovative services, tools and products to customers, enabling them to deliver sustainable and enterprising services.