• Business Evaluations
• Economic Appraisals
• Business Plans

Business Evaluations

FPM provide a range of evaluation services including the execution of external evaluations. We have developed a particular expertise and depth of knowledge that is underpinned by rigorous methodological practice. Utilising the individual skills and expertise of its consultancy staff FPM deliver the following innovative menu of evaluation processes:  

• Guidance and information in the development of evaluation frameworks;
• Training on a variety of evaluation and monitoring techniques to enable self-evaluation;
• Ex-post and formative concurrent external evaluation at a number of levels, namely: 
  - Project evaluation;
  - Programme evaluation;
  - Evaluation of key areas & initiatives in large organisations;
  - Organisational Evaluation.
  
  

• Development of tailored methodological frameworks specific to each individual evaluation in collaboration with clients incorporating the following techniques: - Baselining and benchmarking;
  - Scoping studies;
  - Production of analysis and recording documentation;
  - Identification of performance indicators;
  - Input / output analysis;
  - SWOT analysis;
  - Cost effectiveness analysis;
  - Questionnaire & survey design, administration & analysis;
  - Structured and semi-structured interviews;
  - Stakeholder consultation and case-studies;
  - Seminars, workshops and focus groups.
  

FPM strive to provide a tailored evaluation service focused on quality and efficiency of delivery through:

• Evaluation processes that are supportive and enabling for client groups and organisations;
• Evaluation processes which provide accountability for Funders;
• Exemplifying good practice through rigorous evaluation and innovative methods which involve the client group throughout the evaluation process;
• Assisting client groups and organisations to understand, develop and utilise evaluation methods to measure and shape activities as they are forming ;
• Assisting client groups and organisations to determine the extent and impact of their achievements.

Economic Appraisals

FPM are one leading firms in carrying out Economic Appraisals and would have carried out over fifty Economic Appraisals within the last six months for a variety of organisations, including SEUPB, DETI, IFI, DEL, CFNI, Co-operation Ireland and DARD. In addition to this, we have also carried out over thirty Value for Money Appraisals in the same timeframe.

We have an experienced team of consultants and are able to deliver assignments within a tight timescale, clearly identifying any potential issues and recommending a number of conditions which will help to address these issues. All Economic Appraisals are carried out in accordance with the Northern Ireland Preface to the Green Book, last updated in 2003.

With each assignment, a number of key stakeholders will be contacted to ensure that there is a need for the project, that the project meets that need, and that it will not displace other facilities in the region. Each viable option identified is then costed and assessed against non monetary factors. Key issues such as additionality, ability to deliver and sustainability of the project are also examined.

Business Plans

FPM have a wealth of experience in preparing Business Plan, both for the start up business and the established company looking to expand into new markets and new products. We have development diagnostic tools for helping companies identify the areas of the business which need assistance and this data is the starting point of our Business Plan. 

A typical format of the Business Plan would be as follows:

• Executive Summary
• Introduction & Background
• Project Overview
• Market Overview
• Production & Technical
• Management & Control
• Human Resources
• Financial Performance – Past (if relevant) and Projected
• Key Performance Indicators
• Conclusion
• Appendices  

Our Business Plans can be taken to a variety of potential funders to secure finance, but primarily should be used by the company as a management tool to achieve future growth and ensure targets are being monitored and successfully delivered.

Consultancy Team