"Black Kite were very effective at project management across several large projects and we would certainly consider using them again when we return to Research & Development."
Emma Perry
Head of BAFTA Technology
"I was happy with the work Black
Kite did for me, and I would hire them again. Commercial-level
communication skills and market awareness combined with their
high-quality background in physical science and engineering made
for a productive partnership. Black Kite’s position, sitting square
between the technical and commercial worlds, is uniquely strong
within the knowledge transfer industry."
Dr Karen L Aplin
Physics Department, University of Oxford
"Black Kite undertook a small consultancy project on a novel antenna design developed at Queen Mary University. It was unclear how this technology could fit market needs. At short notice, Black Kite prepared a professional proposal, clearly outlining the work to be done and how the project was to be conducted. They started with primary research, interviewing key potential clients and collaborators, and presented a well-argued report within our schedule, which was important in securing further internal funding for continued development. The study results informed the product development and market areas to pursue.
"More importantly, they introduced us to Satellite Services (now SBBV) who have since funded further development of the antenna for space flight."
Adam Daykin
Senior Technology Transfer Manager, Queen Mary University of London
"We would
have no hesitation in working with Black Kite again either on an
innovative and technically challenging project as a project
manager or as someone to help us exploit our developments and
grow our business."
Dr. Abel Ureta-Vidal
CEO, Eagle Genomics
"Deepak's involvement
was highly beneficial; it was the first such project within our
organisation that was delivered close to the original plan,
including time and budget. We would be happy to use Deepak and
Black Kite again, not just as a valued consultant but as a member
of our project team, for future technically challenging projects
and especially those that are important or crucial for our business
growth."
Sitkow Yeung
Chief Financial Officer, VACGEN
"Your insight into the mindset of Innovate UK and bid writing generally was v useful – this helped me better understand what the assessors were looking for"
Ian Everall
Director, Mirrorworld Technologies Ltd
"Clear and concise feedback delivered very flexibly to accommodate our needs. Would definitely use Black Kite again and have no hesitation in recommending them to others."
Dr Gareth Jones, CEO
Digital Farming Limited
"Organised approach, got
feedback times in the diary early. Really took your time to
talk me through the edits, suggestions and made time
when needed."
Hannah Burrow
Co-founder and CEO of Kiroku
In collaboration with leading archive institutions, companies
and universities, BAFTA was heading up two complex, Innovate UK
funded projects, Video Clarity and Revqual, at a combined value of
circa £1.5m. Each project involved developing a suite of novel
algorithms for the Film, TV and media industries. Both projects
were under-performing due to repeated fluctuations across the
project management team in more than one of the partner
organisations. The projects were suffering from loss of business
and organisational focus which resulted in risks to achieving the
original objectives and of developing serious financial
difficulties.
Black Kite was asked to take on project management for both
projects. BAFTA's directors recognised that we have extensive
knowledge of grant funding processes and are experts in managing
technology projects.
Working directly with senior managers and the individual project
teams, Black Kite successfully oversaw the completion of both
projects. Our initial focus was to repair stakeholder and partner
relationships and reset positive goals. We assessed and revised the
finances, providing trusted spending forecasts. Liaising closely
with Innovate UK, we achieved beneficial project changes. We
updated and amended work plans, schedules and objectives thus
enabling the project teams to deliver, and we assisted with the
creation of credible Business Plans.
"Black Kite were hired
after a competitive tender process. On meeting representatives from
the company, I was impressed with their technical ability and grasp
of the scientific and engineering goals of the project. During the
project they kept in regular touch, keeping me fully aware of
progress.
"The final report and
presentation contained a detailed technical overview of similar,
worldwide devices and a thorough comparison with my own instrument.
The technical background of Black Kite staff allowed them to make
quite specific (and consequently very helpful) recommendations to
be competitive in price and performance, and which markets to focus
on."
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