About Kirkgate Consulting
Overview
David Duncanson – former City of Fremantle Manager Economic Development and Marketing – has built his career on achieving positive outcomes for local economic development projects for all levels of governments both in Australia and the UK.
Working with local, state and federal government departments our innovative approach has led to sustainable solutions at a strategic level. In addition to government projects David's knowledge of small and medium business operations has also meant being able to offer advice and assistance in the private sector.
David's background encompasses the private sector, not for profit organisations, local government and consultancy and because of this diverse background he brings a wide range of skills and knowledge to each project. Of particular relevance is David's ten years working in local government where he headed up a large team encompassing economic development, marketing, events, media and tourism. This intimate knowledge of the approach and workings of local government brings a deep understanding of the context in which local government operates and how the political and administrate roles combine.
For times when local government can't justify the full-time employment of an expert in economic development or tourism, Kirkgate offers high-level advice as and when needed for projects big and small. From the development of economic development and tourism strategies through to providing a person to fill in for staff on leave.
Kirkgate Consulting is also about forming well-balanced teams of skilled people able to provide innovative solutions to specific, local problems. These teams are created from David's reputable, long-term industry contacts who are able to match your needs.
David Duncanson is the Principal Consultant with Kirkgate Consulting and formed the organisation in February 2010. David has a diverse background having owned and operated a freight forwarding company in Aberdeen Scotland in the early 80s he then decided to have a change in direction and became the youngest CEO of an Enterprise Trust in Scotland. The trust was a business and economic development organisation in an area that had recently been devastated by the closure of a number of coal mines. Extremely high unemployment and lack of and entrepreneurial culture provided many challenges but a number of innovative economic development projects led to a decline in the unemployment rate. David then established a successful consultancy company in Scotland, however a holiday to Western Australia was the incentive to put everything in a container and move to Perth. Ten years at the City of Fremantle armed David with the local knowledge to launch his consultancy company in February 2010.
Nobody knows everything and Kirkgate is very much about working with others to brings a wealth of relevant knowledge to each project. The people David has had the privilege of working with since establishing Kirkgate have included:
Eddie Watling
Eddie has worked for more than 39 years in the tourism industry with both government and the private sector. This includes 15 years with the Department of Tourism, WA Tourism Commission in the areas of finance, marketing and development and as the inaugural General Manager of the Tourism Commission.
Eddie later worked for 6 years as consultant to the Minister for Tourism and is now in his 16th year as a founding Director of the firm Tourism Co-ordinates. Eddie is currently Deputy Chairman of the Western Australian Liquor Commission and is a member of the Fremantle Fishing Boat Harbour Marine Facilities Advisory Committee.
Terry Penn
Terry has an extensive management and consulting background in both private and government sectors. This experience includes management roles in the aviation, hospitality, travel, retail and event sectors, including eight years as the founding CEO of Eventscorp WA - a period that saw the establishment and hosting of major events such as the Hopman Cup, Rally Australia, World Swimming Championships and Whitbread round World Race, and eight years as a director of the Perth Convention Bureau.
Terry is in his fifteenth year as a founding Director and partner of Tourism Co-ordinates and The Strategy Centre, consultancies that have to their credit projects including feasibility studies and business plans for major developments and small business, tourism marketing and branding strategies for individual businesses, tourist attractions, regions and local governments. Terry has also contributed to or authored numerous heritage and nature based tourism studies for a wide range of clients including government agencies and private sector clients.