How funding experts Swanson Buck are powering local success
FEATURE
Charity champions – Swanson Buck CEO Kay Coleman, left, and operations lead Mhairi Olivia Hides, right, with new recruit Vicki Pennick.
PICTURE: CHRIS BOOTH
Bucking the trend
How funding experts Swanson Buck are powering local success
Ask the team at consultancy firm Swanson Buck what they’ re proud of, and it’ s simple- it’ s the hundreds of charities, businesses and social enterprises they’ ve supported over the past six years.
From securing vital funding and winning contracts to turning bold ideas into reality, this is the work that really matters to them.
They don’ t chase headlines or make big promises. Instead, they focus on what counts- practical support that helps clients build strong foundations for growth. That’ s why so many come back time and again.
Whether you run a charity or a business, they’ re here to help you take the next step.
Charities changing futures For charities across the UK, Swanson Buck has been a real lifeline, bridging the gap between great ideas and the funding needed to make them happen.
Specialising in funding applications, the team has helped secure an impressive £ 3.2m for charities tackling issues from food poverty, youth outreach, homelessness and social justice.
However, the impact goes far beyond the numbers. This funding has enabled charities to expand services, strengthen operations and reach more people in communities that need them most.
What sets them apart is their tailored approach. They take time to understand each charity’ s goals and challenges, identify the right funding opportunities, and write clear, confident applications that tell a powerful story.
Their support doesn’ t stop there. From strategic planning and governance to writing essential policies, Swanson Buck helps charities stay resilient for whatever comes next. In today’ s competitive funding environment, this can make all the difference.
Winning tenders, winning business Swanson Buck supports businesses with one of the trickiest parts of growth- winning contracts. Whether bidding for public sector work or joining a supply chain, the process can feel overwhelming.
That’ s where Swanson Buck steps in to take the pressure off. They start with thorough research to understand contract requirements, then produce professional, strategic tender documents that showcase each client’ s strengths and ensure they’ re contract-ready.
The results speak for themselves – more contracts won, new markets opened and businesses growing with confidence.
Proudly Teesside While they work nationally, Swanson Buck’ s roots are firmly in Teesside. That local connection shapes how they work- grounded, straightforward and focused on making a difference.
They know the region’ s challenges, opportunities and how to help organisations respond. It’ s why they’ ve become a trusted name across Teesside and beyond, supporting clients to access funding, secure contracts and strengthen how they work.
Growing stronger With more organisations turning to Swanson Buck for support, the team is growing and they’ re excited to welcome two specialists who will expand what they offer clients.
First is Vicki Pennick, with more than 20 years’ experience in local government, housing and charity communications. She offers practical support clients value, covering media relations, social media, content creation and more, all focused on what really works.
Also coming on board is Joe Clarkson, who will lead on marketing. From graphic design and web development to broader marketing needs, he’ ll help clients grow their presence and build stronger brands. They join the existing team headed by founder and CEO Kay Coleman. With decades of experience in both public and private sectors, Kay’ s worked on both sides of the bidding process, writing and assessing tenders. She knows exactly what makes a submission stand out.
Operations are led by Mhairi Olivia Hides, whose technical expertise and passion for purpose-led work delivers real results. With an MSc in Advanced Mechanical Engineering, she combines strategic thinking with a commitment to social impact, bringing excellence and heart to every project.
Ideas into results Swanson Buck has already helped many organisations turn great ideas into results. Now, with an expanding team and more services to offer, they’ re ready to do even more. If you think they can help, get in touch. They’ re always happy to chat about your project and what’ s next.
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