TestimonialsThe following testimonials are from current and former clients of PLA Consulting, all of whom may be contacted for first-hand comment.
“Lutheran Education South Australian, Northern Territory and Western Australia (LESNW) recently engaged the services of PLA Consulting to assist with the sale of an educational facility. The project was complex, as there were several stakeholders to consider, the economic environment was challenging, and the real value of the property would only be realised as a continuing educational facility. PLA Consulting through their extensive network of educational contacts, both nationally and internationally, were able to source a pool of interested parties, and subsequently deliver a successful outcome. PLA Consulting offered a well refined and highly professional sales process that was managed with precision and provided transparency, fairness and addressed the necessary privacy and confidentiality requirements. PLA Consulting, through their experience and knowledge, were able to offer high level advice and articulate solutions to challenges that were encountered. PLA Consulting delivered; exceeding our expectations. I would highly recommend PLA Consulting to any organisation that is seeking their services."
John Proeve Executive Director LESNW
“To date, I have had a seven year association with Peter Laurence in his capacity as Director of PLA Consulting through my role as Diocesan Business Manager and Chief Executive Officer of the Newcastle Anglican Schools Corporation with the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle. In this time, Peter has provided consultancy advice to the Anglican Diocese of Newcastle for three of our Diocesan Schools. Peter is an expert in independent schooling in Australia and is highly regarding by his peers, principals, peak educational bodies, government and the education sector generally.
Peter has provided valuable advice to us regarding operational matters for three of our Diocesan schools in this time. He has also assisted us with feasibility studies for future school proposals. PLA Consulting’s key strengths are:
I commend PLA Consulting to you”
John Cleary Chief Executive Officer, Newcastle Anglican Schools Corporation, NSW Diocesan Business Manager, Anglican Diocese of Newcastle, NSW
“I have known Peter Laurence of PLA Consulting for over five years now, having initially worked with him in Perth on an in depth and widespread strategic planning exercise for the Anglican Diocese there. I subsequently worked with him when he came to New Zealand, to my Diocese in the central north island where he offered a very significant piece of consultation as we looked at the possibility of beginning a new Diocesan integrated school. More recently I have shared with Peter as a participant in the Anglican Centre in Rome field study group.
At the level of strategic planning and direction seeking as well as many years of practice, Peter proved himself to be a very well informed and professional consultant, analyst, planner and practitioner. His theory, background and educational scoping is very considerable. It is rare to find such a combination of experience in the field, together with a finely tuned intelligence and creative analysis. When Peter came to New Zealand his own expertise and advice made a very significant difference to the choices we made, and saved us a great deal of difficulty. Peter related very well to the five schools we interacted with and easily impressed principals and school board chairs alike with his approach. I commend PLA Consulting to prospective school communities with my full support. Peter brings a unique combination of seasoned problem solving skills, as well as the people skills of his own methodology. He is a pleasure to work with.”
Archbishop David Moxon The Archbishop of Canterbury's Representative to the Holy See, and (Former Archbishop of New Zealand)
“One of the greatest challenges we face in effectively leading any organisation is objectivity. Before moving to St Andrew’s Anglican College in 2007, I was Principal of Clarence Valley Anglican School, situated in northern NSW. As a young Principal of a small regional school, I really valued the input and support of Peter Laurence when he was contracted by the School Council to undertake a financial and strategic review of the school. Peter’s open and engaging style enabled him to connect with the school community, which is a crucial part of any consultative process.
Peter’s experience in Independent Schools across the country and his ability to apply this to a variety of different contexts enabled the school to carefully analyse its financial and market position. Peter undertook a systematic approach in his review, analysing both current and long term issues and with his experience at both an Independent and System school level enabled him to highlight our school’s
position against nationally recognised benchmarks. It was from this analysis that Peter was able to wisely move the Council through the process of thinking strategically about its future and present a number of different options for their consideration. During his work with the school, Peter was thorough in his investigations of the context and ascertaining the strengths and needs of the school. He spent a good deal of time meeting with and listening to key stakeholders, reviewing the relevant data and then providing a comprehensive and workable report for Council to consider.
Peter’s knowledge and expertise ensured that at every step of the way there was a respect for the context in which we were operating, balanced with the need to provide some clear financial and strategic benchmarks under which the school could effectively operate. Our Council appreciated Peter’s honesty and his ability to not only affirm the strengths but to highlight very clearly areas of concern or caution.
I am happy to speak with anyone interested in using PLA Consulting.”
The Reverend Chris Ivey Principal, St Andrew’s Anglican College, Peregian Springs, Queensland
“Our School Board engaged PLA Consulting to undertake a viability study for the proposed expansion of our Secondary school. Peter Laurence undertook the role in a very professional manner. His experience in this area was invaluable in helping our Board make the decision. Peter asked me good questions to clarify and ensure he had the information he needed. His communication with me was faultless.”
Michael Hannah Principal, Lakes Grammar – An Anglican School, NSW
“When Murdoch College was experiencing declining enrolments, it contacted the senior partner of PLA Consulting to seek an external view and involvement that would assist the College to ensure that this situation did not continue. As the Chief Executive Officer of the Anglican Schools Commission in Western Australia, we knew that Peter had had wide experience of the types of problem encountered during the start-up and on-going development of their schools. This experience qualified him to analyse and provide advice on the business and operating models, the brand image and the governance of Murdoch College; and to assist it during its current phase of re-structuring, re-positioning and growth.
With regard to these matters, we confirm our appreciation of, and confidence in, the input of PLA Consulting in helping to turn around schools that may be experiencing difficulties, or those who simply want to improve their operations, through the implementation of practical suggestions made by members of PLA Consulting.”
Diana McGivern Principal, Murdoch College, WA
|
