NIKKI BROWN

Nikki has a passion for rural business development in Scotland, and has lived and worked in Argyll for 11 years. Nikki possesses a wide range of experience in community woodlands & projects, working in various development roles in house and on a consultancy basis over the years. Nikki has a practical skillset and specialises in producing detailed business & development plans, feasibility studies, funding applications and community consultation exercises; she also has experience of leading a community woodland buyout. Nikki has secured high value funding from agencies such as Argyll & The Isles LEADER, HIE, Scottish Land Fund, Big Lottery, CARES & The Robertson Trust, and has had dealings with various public and private sector stakeholders. Nikki co-managed a hill farm for 10 years, successfully diversifying into 'farm to fork' ready meals and catering, which has given her first hand experience of the highs and lows of developing a food production business from initial funding to end product development, marketing, and establishing a repeat customer base.

Nikki is available to work on one-off projects on a self employed basis, or on longer term development work, in line with the needs of the organisation. Where relevant she can bring in other local consultants who have expertise in specialised subject areas, such as ecology, technical forestry and farming, depending on the requirements of the project.