Services to Economies in Transition


In the last decade of the twentieth century, Eastern Europe, the states of the Former Soviet Union, and indeed other parts of the world, began a process of massive economic change. The move from centrally planned to free market systems is not just about economics, but is about fundamental perceptions and entirely new management concepts which affect every sector. Inevitably this process of change will be complex, difficult and long term.

ULG has a heritage drawn from two distinct traditions - on the one hand a water utility which was privatised as part of the worldwide trend mentioned above and on the other, a private sector business management company whose origins lay in providing advice to all sectors of the UK agricultural industry, including farmers. The combination of this experience provides us with clear insights into a wide variety of sectors in which the management of natural resources is central.

Services to Economies in Transition

ULG has worked during the last 30 years in more than 90 countries, with governments, international funding agencies, NGOs, communities and the private sector, in the technical, social, economic, financial and organisational aspects of development. We are unique in combining practical knowledge of European practice with the broadest experience of the development process. From this base we are able to provide a comprehensive management consultancy to economies in transition. Our expertise covers natural resource management, water supply and sanitation, education and training - within government, parastatals, and the private sector including small and medium enterprises.


Strengthening Public Sector Institutions


In the transition process there is a fundamental requirement to enhance the capacity of Government to foster, support and regulate the emerging private sector. ULG has been at the forefront in advising central and regional governments on the formulation and implementation of policy with the objectives of raising efficiency of resource use, protection of vulnerable social strata and the alleviation of poverty. We understand the long-term nature of policy interventions and the necessity for the final beneficiaries to be actively involved in policy formulation. We are also sensitive to the realities of the rate at which changes can be assimilated. We can provide assistance in:

  • Master plan studies
  • Policy guidelines
  • Economic models
  • Organisational structure plans
  • Human resource development programmes
  • Social Development
  • Transformation in rural communities


Divestiture and Restructuring of Enterprises


From its outset, ULG has been involved in the process of transfer of assets to private ownership. We understand the need to restructure enterprises so that they can operate in the private sector, and follow the current thinking on methods of effecting such transfers and the overall impact on the population. ULG has hands-on practical experience of business management both within and outside Europe. We can assist with:

  • Formulation of business plans
  • Optimisation of enterprises
  • Financial management systems
  • Privatisation
  • Valuation of assets
  • Formulation of independent co-operatives
  • Social issues
  • Employment programmes

Market Development


 

ULG recognises the importance of a process, which starts with the primary product and ends at a retail outlet. Having worked at every stage of this chain we are ideally placed to advise on an integrated approach to market development covering:
  • Product handling
  • Value adding
  • Storage
  • Transportation
  • Market surveys
  • Production contracts
  • Packaging and presentation
  • Provision of market information
  • Export promotion
  • Managing market infrastructure

Environmental Issues


Development in every sector of the economy must take account of environmental issues. Both in our own right and through our linkage with our sister company Entec UK Limited, a multi-disciplinary environmental and engineering consultancy which is also part of the Northumbrian Water Group, we have experience in all aspects of natural resource management including:

  • Sustainable livelihoods analysis
  • Land conservation
  • Resource evaluation and planning
  • Sustainable farming systems
  • Management of nature parks and protected areas
  • Environmental impact of agriculture and agro-industries
  • Industrial pollution control and clean up
  • Improving air quality
  • Water and waste water management

 


Investing in Human Resources


Recognising that the success of economic reforms depends primarily on people - both current and future generations - ULG regards training as one of the most effective agents of change. We have applied our practical knowledge to developing training activities in the form of bespoke courses, in-country and overseas, and study visits. We can plan and manage the content and logistics of training, coaching and study tours incorporating:

  • Attachments to private and public sector enterprises
  • In-service coaching and mentoring
  • Curriculum planning particularly for vocational and management training
  • Specialist short courses, seminars and workshops
  • International accreditation of courses
  • Training of trainers

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ULG Ltd.