A little bit 

About Us

We are an experienced team with a wide range of skills, including fundraising, business planning and funding strategy, marketing communications, project development and evaluation.

Michael Beaven, Director

Michael has over 25 years’ experience of financial management and fundraising within the voluntary and public sectors. He has expertise in: business planning and finance management within the not for profit sector, is a licensed Community Shares Practitioner, and has secured seed corn investment and funding for social enterprises. He has an excellent track record of helping voluntary sector organisations secure contract and grant funding as well as developing innovative fundraising strategies and appeals. Michael is a volunteer director of MaidEnergy and Reading Hydro and can be seen travelling to work on a electric bike (weather dependent).

Michael Beaven, Director

Michael has over 25 years’ experience of financial management and fundraising within the voluntary and public sectors. He has expertise in: business planning and finance management within the not for profit sector, is a registered Community Shares Practitioner, and has secured seed corn investment and funding for social enterprises. He has an excellent track record of helping voluntary sector organisations secure contract and grant funding as well as developing innovative fundraising strategies and appeals. Michael is a volunteer director of MaidEnergy and Reading Hydro and can be seen travelling to work on a electric bike (weather dependent).

Maria Evans, Consultant

Maria is a successful fundraiser with over 20 years’ experience in the public and charitable sectors, with a particular interest in supporting young people, the arts and environment. With a background in business to business and consumer marketing Maria brings a strategic approach and creative bid writing skills to a wide range of projects.
Maria is a volunteer and co-founder of the local Climate Emergency Coalition, bringing local people together to address climate change. She loves chickens.

Salvo La Cognata, Consultant

Salvo moved to the UK from Italy over 10 years ago, bringing to the team a different perspective and over 20 years of experience in finance and fundraising within a range of industries including retail, hospitality and the not for profit sector. He holds a CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) certificate in Business Accounting and has a passion for financial analysis.
Salvo also works as a Personal Development Coach to support and empower young people to have a happy and fulfilling life. When he is not working, he will be cooking a healthy recipe, swimming or walking in the woods.

Salvo La Cognata, Consultant

Salvo moved to the UK from Italy over 10 years ago, bringing to the team a different perspective and over 20 years of experience in finance and fundraising within a range of industries including retail, hospitality and the not for profit sector. He holds a CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) certificate in Business Accounting and has a passion for financial analysis.
Salvo also works as a Personal Development Coach to support and empower young people to have a happy and fulfilling life. When he is not working, he will be cooking a healthy recipe, swimming or walking in the woods.