Established in November 2023, Cottage Factory is dedicated to helping startups and SMEs achieve sustainable growth and success.

We understand the unique challenges businesses face in today's dynamic environment.

Our team of experienced consultants provides tailored solutions that enable you to:

  • Enhance your agility: Navigate rapid changes within your sector and adapt quickly to new market conditions.

  • Increase your proactivity: Anticipate future trends and seize opportunities before your competitors.

  • Optimise your operations: Streamline your processes, improve efficiency, and maximise your resources.

  • Strengthen your resilience: Build a robust and adaptable business that can withstand challenges and thrive in the long term.

Clients Case Studies


Pakufi: Connecting Global Tech with Top Talent

  • The Challenge: Pakufi, an ambitious startup, aimed to connect talented individuals in developing regions with global tech opportunities. However, they needed support in refining their business model and value proposition.

  • Our Solution: We collaborated closely with Pakufi, conducting workshops and guiding them through SWOT, VRIO, and TOWS analyses. This process helped them identify their strengths, weaknesses, and define their target audience.

  • The Outcome: Pakufi gained a clearer understanding of its target market and developed a streamlined Minimum Viable Product (MVP).

The Duke Voyager Shipyard: Revitalising Maritime Heritage

  • Project Overview: The Duke Voyager Shipyard (DVS) is an ambitious project focused on the sustainable regeneration of the maritime industry in Sheerness. The project aims to transform a historic boat shed into a dynamic hub for yacht building, innovation, and skills training.

  • Our Solution: We supported DVS in developing a Business Model Canvas (BMC), facilitating stakeholder engagement events, and providing strategic guidance as Chief Operating Officer (COO).

  • The Outcome: Stakeholder engagement events and newsletters successfully unveiled the vision for Sheerness's maritime future and fostered partnerships to drive economic and environmental sustainability.

Culture Croydon: Enhancing Community Engagement

  • Project Overview: We have partnered with Culture Croydon to conduct a comprehensive gap analysis of their community engagement efforts. The project aims to identify areas for improvement and develop strategies for more inclusive engagement.

  • Our Solution: We are utilising a blend of desk-based research and community interaction, including interviews, surveys, and focus group workshops.

  • Outcome: Culture Croydon had a set of key insights and strategic recommendations to foster more inclusive engagement for existing and poential members.

Meet the Team

  • CEO and Founder

    Clement Akran is the driving force behind Cottage Factory. With over 15 years of experience in business change and project management, Clem has a proven track record of driving digital transformation and operational efficiency across diverse sectors.

    His expertise lies in refining business models, developing corporate strategy roadmaps, and facilitating business growth. Clem is passionate about supporting founders, budding entrepreneurs, and SMEs in enhancing their agility and responsiveness.

    LinkedIn Bio

  • Product Owner, Digital Platforms

    Sidharth Siju is currently interning at Cottage Factory as the Product Owner for the website and social media channels, where he's responsible for developing and implementing digital strategies. A recent graduate of the University of Birmingham with a degree in Artificial Intelligence, Sid brings a data-driven approach and a fresh perspective to the team. He's eager to learn and grow under the mentorship of Cottage Factory's experienced professionals.

    LinkedIn Bio