John Pepin
Member Profile: John Pepin
september 2003
Name: JOHN PEPIN
Position: Director
Company: JOHN PEPIN AND ASSOCIATES
e-mail: john(at)pepin-associates.com
Web: http://www.pepin-associates.com/
FACT FILE | |
Main business areas: revenue diversification, commercial ventures, venture philanthropy, strategic alliances, financing, organisational readiness | Date business started: 1996 in Canada and a year later in the UK. |
Number of consultancy staff: 1, plus alliances with associate companies. | Countries of operation: GB, Northern Ireland, Switzerland, Canada, USA. |
THE BUSINESS
What range of clients do you serve?
Charities of different sizes, non-profit organisations, trade associations (eg Oxfam, Royal Marsden Hospital, Scope, Shaw Trust, Shoreditch Town Hall Trust, Teachers' Benevolent Fund, Guide Dogs for the Blind Association) and I also work for commercial companies.
How has your business evolved since it was started?
I started the business in Canada and my work has spread to the UK and the USA, so the main change has been the growth in my activities, which I support through selected alliances with a number of associates.
Where will your consultancy be in a few years time?
I expect to see further growth in my business, especially in the UK and the USA. I aim to continue and further develop the innovation and experimentation that has helped me to introduce my clients to new ways of raising funds.
Which opportunities and threats do you see for your work in the sector and for the development of NPOs?
The fact that my work is comparatively unusual puts me in an excellent position to make the most of opportunities that arise. With increased competition, it is becoming more difficult for charities to raise money, which means that they are more receptive to new ideas. I can therefore be really innovative and experimental, which is how I like to work.
NPOs are under a lot of pressure to share services, therefore management service organisations are being created, leading to opportunities in the sector. A major issue is the ability of organisations to maintain their independence and have a strong voice in the community, while at the same time receiving major support from one or a few main sources, eg government funding. I have been successful in helping my clients avoid dependency by diversifying their revenue base.
There is a strong need for leadership in looking after people in society. Senior staff and volunteers need to lead the way in bringing about a shift of power. Appropriate governance is also an important issue.
EUCONSULT MEMBERSHIP
Why did you join EUConsult?
I view my membership as an excellent opportunity for networking, mutual support and the exchange of ideas.
With which other EUConsult members have you found the opportunity to cooperate on projects?
I have worked together with Action Planning on a regeneration project.
BACKGROUND INFO
Where and what did you study?
I studied at Carlton University in Ottawa and did a Masters in Sociology with an emphasis on social and organisational change.
How did you first get involved in NPO consultancy?
I was running a charity and set up a commercial activity to raise money for that charity. Several years later I was able to apply my learnings establishing my own business helping charities and nonprofits diversify their revenues.
What interests you most about staying in the field?
I really value my independence, I get to meet lots of great people, I have the opportunity for experimentation - especially in the UK - and I can be entrepreneurial.
What do you do to relax and forget your consultancy work?
I like to walk, read, cycle, travel, go to concerts and do the gardening (time permitting!). While travelling, I also enjoy writing how to articles and think pieces.
