“Jo worked as Business Development Manager for Co-operatives Yorkshire and Humber from September 08 to December 09. She set an exemplory standard during this period and laid a solid foundation for the organisation to build on. Her organisational and administration skills are both of a high standard. We are sorry that we had to lose her from the position as Business Development Manager”

Jean Miller, Chair of Co-operatives Yorkshire & the Humber

“I was really impressed by the quality and speed of the work you did for us, and coming at this vital early stage in our business it feels like it will make a significant difference to the Hungry Snail Co-op’s ability to do business sustainably over the coming months and years - more than I ever hoped for! Thank you.”

Henry Fisher, Hungry Snail Co-operative Limited

“Thanks for sending the business plan and working hard to help us! I have been inspired when you came to visit us and always did lots after your visits. It was helpful for our group as you kept us focused, and put things in perspective, I felt a bit lonely when you left! Now I feel positive because we have all got jobs to do and that is helping keep members focused and involved and help us learn together.”

Kath Baron, Lakamka, a new workers co-operative

“Jo Bird completed an extremely professional piece of work on behalf of Co-operative Business Consultants in preparing and submitting a bid to the Co-operative Fund for a project grant to develop the Code of Governance.  I have no hesitation in recommending her for such future work, which was characterised by clarity of expression, well thought out concepts, good networking and efficient communication in her research, timely delivery, value for money for the work she did and conscientious follow-up after completion, leading to very constructive feedback on the whole process.”

David Dean, Co-operative Business Consultants Limited

“I read your bespoke report ‘Feedback from Fair Trade wholesalers’. I must admit that I am impressed by the volume of your contacts and by the tremendous work you have done for us. I liked the way you presented Sindyanna’s advantages and defended our cause. I think this is the right approach. In addition, your report gives us a good background for our meetings. Thank you for your good work.”

Hadas Lahav, Sindyanna of Galilee

“Thank you very much for the time and effort you have put into our Away Day. I would also like to thank you for the observations you have made and wrote down. I will pass them on to everyone and hopefully from this and our notes and thoughts, we will be able to draw conclusions which will help the business.”

Britta Werner, Unicorn Grocery

“Jo came very quickly to a comprehensive and accurate understanding of our problems.”

Brett Lund, Preston Green Centre

“Wow, what an excellent presentation to Bolton Third Sector Forum. In 20 minutes, Jo covered what has taken me 3 years to learn.”

Grant Wolstoncroft, Bolton Co-operative Party

“Excellent, Jo. As the co-op needs around £6-10k, then your fundraising work and advice gives them a range of options to pursue. If some are not successful this will not stop the show. Thanks.”

Dave Hollings, Co-operative and Mutual Solutions

“Thank you for your contributions to the Employee Co-operative Council. They always make me think about what it is I’m doing.”

John Atherton, Worker Co-operative Development Officer, Co-operatives UK

“Jo - you are the best chair of a meeting!”

Scott Muir, Infinity Wholefoods Co-op

“Thanks for coming to do the talk on co-operative enterprise the other day. The cafe group enjoyed it, every bit of information about co-ops helps them gain confidence and the handouts you brought were useful to us also.”.”

Kath Baron, Lakamka cafe co-op, Bolton

“Jo Bird delivered valuable pieces of work for the new start Together Works CIC, as a freelance consultant in 2007. Together Works is an organisation of social enterprises in Greater Manchester. Jo wrote our business plan and key funding applications. She provided valuable advice on all aspects of our enterprise including on incorporation as a Community Interest Company. She conducted research amongst our social enterprise members and organised a well attended networking event for social enterprises in Manchester. Jo delivered her work to standard, on time and within budget. I would have no hesitation in recommending her for similar work.”

Caroline Downey, Director of Together Works CIC, Bridge 5 Mill, Manchester M4 7HR

“I have known Jo Bird for 10 years and was her line manager as Head of Co-operative Strategy at the Co-operative Group in Manchester up until I moved to Geneva in September 2002. As Co-operative Strategy Manager, Jo was an enthusiastic and capable colleague. Her commitment to the co-operative form of business was unquestioned as was her ability to perform. Her previous work had been with young people and she came with very good recommendations. She had very good communication and presentation skills and a clear understanding of database and financial management. I would say however that her best qualities are self motivation and personal drive.”

Iain Macdonald, Director General of the International Co-operative Alliance.

“Just wanted to say thanks again for all your hard work in making yesterdays conference such a success. I hope we get chance to work together again, as long as I don’t end up having to do a presentation on a very dull subject, especially straight after lunch! Anyhow thanks very much, you did a great job.”

Graham Jones, Bootstrap Enterprises and Chair of Selnet - Social Enterprise Lancashire.

“Our thanks are due to you. You pulled together an excellent event in a very short time and how smoothly it went. Thank you.”

Ann Marie Wrigley, New Era Enterprises and Board member of Selnet.