CDI Alliance Ltd celebrates 10 years of trading in 2021

Since 2011, when CDI Alliance Ltd was founded, the team and business has achieved significant success and growth. To celebrate this momentous milestone, we are looking back over the past 10 years and toasting previous, current and future team members and partners.

There have been many highlights, including the delivery of over 20 projects and programmes, more than 1000 workshops, masterclasses and webinars and supporting over 5000 businesses across Cumbria, Lancashire, Merseyside, West Yorkshire, South Yorkshire North Yorkshire, East Riding, Humber, Lincolnshire, and Rutland. All with the invaluable assistance of a great core team of about 14 Associates.

2021 is a time of change at CDI. Earlier this month we were delighted to announce that Deborah Goodall, from Aer8 Marketing will be joining the board on 1^st October. Director Stuart McFarlane Bedford said, “Deborah’s skillset brings a range of additional expertise to the team which we welcome”.

As Deborah joins the board Richard will step down as director on 30^th September, following the same journey of transition Malcolm took in 2015 and continue to work as an associate. A strong team in their own right, Stuart, Guy and Deborah will still be able to call on the considerable experience of Malcolm and Richard in the future.

Follow our 10-year journey below to find out more about the milestones of the business over the years…

2011

In 2011 Stuart McFarlane-Bedford, Richard Lukey and Malcolm Warrington founded CDI Alliance after spotting a niche opportunity in the market – using their extensive knowledge and experience of business both in the private and public sector.

In October 2011 CDI signed their first contract with Lincolnshire County Council to deliver a programme over 2 years to support the Lincolnshire Digital and Tech businesses and raise Lincolnshire’s Digital credentials across the UK.

2012

In March of 2012, the team won a 3-year Contract with Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council to deliver business coaching.

As well as a second contract with Lincolnshire County Council – 12-month programme to promote superfast broadband in Rural communities which involved attending lots of parish meetings and community events.

2013

In January 2013, the team won a contract with Sheffield City Council to deliver intensive business support for Creative & Digital businesses culminating in a visit to Media City in Salford to pitch for work.

Later that year in March CDI organised and hosted the first Digital Conference in Lincolnshire.

2014

CDI partnered with the Lincolnshire Chamber of Commerce and won 3 x 2-year contracts with Lincolnshire County Council building upon previous work:

• the rural broadband,
• digital adoption support for businesses
• setting up four Technology Hubs – two in Lincoln, Horncastle & Mablethorpe

2015

In March CDI hosted the Second Digital Conference in Lincoln

In the same month Malcolm stepped down as a CDI Alliance Director but continues working as an Associate

2016

June 2016 – the team won a 3-year contract with Liverpool City Region for ICT & Superfast broadband adoption integrated business support

December 2016 – CDI were contracted by EMB to run the 30-month Business Growth Programme for Greater Lincolnshire LEP, building on the work on digital support, superfast broadband adoption, technology Hubs and delivering masterclasses

2017

April 2017 – Guy Lewis became an Associate Director

July 2017 – CDI collaborated with Winning Pitch for 2 years to deliver the Strategic Business Growth Programme in West Yorkshire

September 2017 – CDI hosted the third Digital Conference with key technologist – Jason Bradbury from Channel 4’s Gadget Show

2018

April 2018 – Guy Lewis became a CDI Alliance Director

2019

April 2019- CDI collaborated again with Winning Pitch for 2 years to deliver the Investment Readiness Programme in West Yorkshire

July 2019 – CDI were contracted again by EMB to run a 3-year Business Support Programme for Greater Lincolnshire LEP, building on our previous work. To note – from March 2020 all activity was delivered remotely via zoom

October 2019 – CDI start delivery of the Humber Business Scale Up Development Programme for Humber LEP on behalf of Winning Pitch

November 2019 – CDI team at the fourth Digital Conference

September -2019 – Deborah Goodall becomes an Associate Director

2020

 December 2020 – CDI were contracted by North East Lincolnshire Council to deliver a 3-year specialist support programme for the creative industries called Spark Grimsby

2021

January 2021 – CDI were commissioned through the Coastal Community Fund to deliver a specialist series of masterclasses, aimed at supporting tourism businesses on the East Coast of Lincolnshire. Based on its success they have been commissioned to run a second series during November & December 2021

August 2011 – CDI were commissioned by the Tourism team at Lincolnshire County Council to develop a business support programme and online support material including animations and videos for the Visit Lincolnshire website.

September 2021 – On 1st September, the CDI Alliance office will relocate to Carrwood Park, Building 5, Selby Road, Leeds, LS15 4LG. Our new telephone number is 0113 337 2206. Our new office is situated out of the city centre, offering us better meeting facilities including parking.

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CDI Alliance, whilst celebrating their 10th trading year have taken the opportunity to have a brand refresh and a new website, both of which will be revealed and launched in September

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In addition to these key programme highlights over the years, they have delivered shorter projects working in collaboration with partners such as Screen Yorkshire, Winning Moves, The Arts Council, the Fifth Sector, FACT Liverpool and the White Room in various locations across the north.