DKS Straightforward Ltd eyes further growth after strong 2019

A business management consultancy is planning further success after enjoying six-figure turnover in 2019.

Sunderland-based DKS Straightforward Ltd says it stands ready to achieve further growth following a strong 12 months where it bolstered its financial position and tripled its headcount to nine people.

Set up in 2015 by Dianne Sharp, the firm works with SMEs across the North East to unlock their potential.

A qualified accountant by trade and with more than 30 years’ experience of running SMEs across a variety of sectors, Dianne originally set up the business after recognising there was a lack of people development and that companies weren’t prioritising ‘human capital’ in their training.

She said: “I’m passionate about improving the quality of businesses here in the North East and through DKS Straightforward we work with leaders of SMEs to recognise where the areas of improvement are for continued success and growth.

“I wanted to share the experience I’ve gained with the future leaders of tomorrow.

“It would be fantastic to see more businesses thrive here in the region and to show the rest of the UK that the North East is a great place to do business.”

Alongside its team of associates that deliver consultancy, training and development programmes, DKS Straightforward launched The Leadership Academy, a purpose-built learning environment, last year.

Based in Sunderland city centre, the space is designed to provide teams, leaders and course delegates with an area fully equipped for strategy planning and internal training.

Featuring wall-to-wall, ceiling-to-floor whiteboards, projection equipment and breakout areas, the space is designed to host team away days, as well as provide an environment for DKS Straightforward to host its proprietary workshops.

Dianne added: “It was important for us to invest in a space that businesses can use to get out of their usual working environment.

“We want to see more businesses succeed and a space like The Leadership Academy is there to encourage a growth mindset for business owners and their teams to step out of the day-to-day and look at their strategy from a different point of view.”