Meet the Founder and CEO

Clem Akran’s journey began over two decades ago in the world of training and community empowerment. Early in his career, he worked closely with individuals and grassroots organisations, helping people unlock their potential through skills development and capacity building. He saw firsthand how knowledge and confidence could transform lives—and how strong, supportive communities could drive lasting change.

In 2016, He joined a team of volunteers from the UK on a month-long mission to Liberia, working with community leaders in the wake of the devastating Ebola crisis. In his words:

“That experience was a turning point. It reminded me not only of the resilience of communities under pressure, but also of the critical need for innovation, infrastructure, and sustainable support systems.”

As his career evolved, he transitioned into project management and digital transformation—spending the past eight years supporting charities and public sector organisations streamline operations, embrace change, and scale with purpose. From refining business models to shaping corporate strategy, he developed a reputation for bridging vision with execution—and for turning challenges into opportunities.

Cottage Factory was born out of that journey. It brings together everything he has learned about people, process, and purpose. Today, he works with startups, SMEs, and charities to build agile, future-ready organisations. Whether it's shaping a go-to-market plan, improving operational efficiency, or mentoring early-stage founders, he’s here to help good ideas grow.

He is always looking to collaborate with like-minded partners—organisations that align with our mission, values, and vision for meaningful impact.

If that sounds like you, connect!

Ready to turn your dream into a thriving business?

At Cottage Factory, we offer a range of services designed to help businesses like yours thrive.

1. Workshops:

  • Information Technology Workshop (ITW): Focuses on productivity tools like Office 365, Microsoft Co-Pilot, Google Workspace, and more.

  • Business Model Workshop (BMW): Guides businesses through ideation, testing, and scaling their business models.

  • Digital Presence Workshop (DPM): Covers digital strategy, websites, social media, and emerging technologies.

  • Knowledge Transfer Workshop: Planned in partnership with Higher Institutions to provide cutting-edge knowledge in fields like the Green economy, AI, and Quantum Computing.

2. Business Visibility Package: Includes a video interview, blog post, and multi-platform promotion to boost brand awareness.

3. Startup Community: Provides networking events, workshops, conferences, coaching, and resources to foster a supportive ecosystem for entrepreneurs.

4. Consultancy: Strategic and Operational Consultancy desiged to helps businesses become more agile and proactive in responding to industry changes. These are expert led half or full day sessions for founders and teams to address business challenges and priorities.

For Aspiring Entrepreneurs

Ready to turn your passion into a thriving business?

Cottage Factory provides the tools and knowledge you need to launch your startup and achieve your entrepreneurial dreams. Our workshops cover everything from business model innovation to effective digital strategies. Join our community of like-minded individuals and gain the support and guidance you need to succeed.

For Startup Founders

Take your startup to the next level with Cottage Factory.

We offer expert-led masterclasses and workshops designed to help you refine your business model, scale your operations, and navigate the challenges of growth. Connect with experienced entrepreneurs, gain valuable insights, and build lasting relationships that will help your business flourish.

For Business Leaders and Teams

Empower your teams and drive innovation with Cottage Factory.

Our workshops provide practical skills and knowledge in key areas such as digital strategy, technology adoption, and business model optimisation. We help you develop a forward-thinking mindset, foster collaboration, and unlock the full potential of your organisation.

For the wider business community

Cottage Factory: Your partner in business success.

We offer a range of services, including expert-led masterclasses, dynamic workshops, and bespoke consultancy, to help businesses of all sizes thrive. Our events foster collaboration and provide opportunities to connect with industry leaders and like-minded professionals. Join us to learn, grow, and build lasting relationships.

Our vision

To be the leading consultancy empowering small businesses and startups to thrive in a changing world.

We envision a future where every entrepreneur has access to the strategic guidance and support they need to achieve their dreams.

Key Features of Cottage Factory's Products:

  • Focus on startups and SMEs: Tailored to the specific needs and challenges of these businesses.

  • Practical and actionable: Provides tools and knowledge that can be immediately applied.

  • Expert-led: Delivered by experienced professionals and academics.

  • Community-oriented: Fosters collaboration and networking among entrepreneurs.

  • Affordable: Offers competitive pricing and flexible options.

This diverse range of products reflects Cottage Factory's commitment to supporting businesses at every stage of their journey, from refining their initial ideas to achieving sustainable growth.

Testimonials

“We are Pakufi, an ethical web agency dedicated to empowering freelancers from developing countries through mentorship and human-centred design.


As self-learners navigating the complexities of business development, we were moving in the right direction but lacked the clarity and structure to confidently advance our company.

Clem provided exactly what we needed—clarity, structure, priorities, and deadlines. Working with him was an absolute pleasure; he was flexible, attentive to our needs, and seamlessly adapted to our working style.

Clem’s genuine interest in our mission, combined with his expertise, added a unique and invaluable touch to his support.


This was hands down the best investment we could have made for our company at this stage.

We wholeheartedly recommend Clem to anyone seeking a coach who truly cares and delivers real impact” - Gio Sambrotta, Co founder & CEO, Pakufi

“As a startup Company with a bold vision and limited resources we engaged Cottage Factory to keep the team aligned with our vision.

Working with Clem Akran has been a game-changer for our Company. 

Having introduced a weekly sprint was not only productive but also seamlessly executed. Clem has a remarkable ability to foster collaboration across diverse teams, creating an environment where transparency and communication thrive, keeping the team focused on delivering maximum value. 

Clem’s ability to adapt quickly to changing priorities and his leadership has transformed how we approach projects, making our processes more efficient and outcomes more impactful. Clem is a supportive and inspiring leader who genuinely cares about the success of the team. 

I highly recommend Cottage Factory to any organisation looking for exceptional Project Management.” - Tony Duke, Founder & CE0, The Duke Voyagers Shipping Yard

Nurturing Growth, From Seed to Success.

At Cottage Factory, we blend innovative strategies with hands-on expertise to help your business flourish.

Our bespoke consultancy services empower you with the insights and tools you need to achieve your goals, no matter where you are on your journey.

Discover the future of consultancy, tailored uniquely for you.