Business growth and implementation that moves things forward
I work with organisations and business owners to turn complex ideas, unclear priorities and stalled projects into clear plans, practical systems and work that gets delivered.
Plain-English support, hands-on implementation and honest challenge from someone who has spent more than 25 years building businesses, projects and partnerships.
Based near Lockerbie, I work with organisations, business owners and leaders across Scotland and Cumbria.
Experience built in the real world
Business building, project delivery and practical problem-solving
I have spent more than 25 years building businesses, projects and partnerships across recruitment, property, events, consultancy, training and construction.
Since establishing Katie Nairn Consulting in 2014, I have worked with enterprise agencies, councils, third-sector organisations, development trusts and business owners to turn ideas into workable plans — and plans into delivery.
Alongside my husband, Craig, I co-built Nairn Construction from the kitchen table into a multi-million-pound company. That experience shapes how I work: practical, direct and focused on what will actually make a difference.
I know what it is like to be responsible for the result, not just the plan.
Two ways to work with me
Different kind of challenge, different kind of support - here's how each works.
FOR ORGANISATIONS
Growth, projects and delivery
Bring me in when an important project, programme, partnership or event needs clear thinking, practical structure and someone experienced to move it from idea to delivery.
THIS CAN INCLUDE
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Project and programme development
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Business strategy and planning
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Partnership and stakeholder work
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Event development and delivery
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Systems and process improvement
FOR OWNERS AND LEADERS
In Your Corner
Practical, one-to-one support for capable business owners and leaders who need an experienced outside perspective, clearer priorities and help putting the right changes into practice.
THIS CAN INCLUDE
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Decisions and priorities
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Business systems and procedures
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Offers, positioning and growth planning
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Practical implementation
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Accountability and follow-through
How the work actually happens
Whether I am working with one business owner or delivering a project across several organisations, the process is straightforward. We work out what is really happening, decide what matters, put the right things in place and keep it moving.
1. See it clearly
Understand what is working, what is not and where the real friction sits.
2. Decide what matters
Cut through the noise and focus on the priorities most likely to create progress.
3. Put it in place
Build the systems, plans, processes or messaging needed to make the change work.
4. Keep it moving
Review what is happening, adjust where needed and make sure the work does not stall.
Some of the people we have worked with
Trusted to deliver important work
Since establishing Katie Nairn Consulting in 2014, I have worked through substantial contracts with public, private and third-sector organisations to develop programmes, deliver projects, build partnerships and support businesses across Scotland and beyond.
“Katie brought a professional approach with a creative twist, making the whole experience more interesting. We came away better informed and very glad we had brought Katie on board.”
Dumfries and Galloway Council / LEADER
“Katie quickly went above and beyond expectations. She embraced every challenge with enthusiasm — whether it was one-to-one coaching, collaborating with partners, or facilitating events with professionalism and a friendly smile.”
Enterprise Lead, South of Scotland Enterprise
What it feels like to have someone in your corner
Practical support should leave you clearer, more confident and better equipped to move forward. These are the experiences of people I have supported directly.
Starting my own business has been incredibly daunting, however Katie has made those first few months so much easier and clearer for me to navigate. Katie is incredibly friendly, offered me brilliant advice and provided me with useful tools and networking advice; such as free marketing events that were happening, business gateway and a number of tips for managing my time and my imposter syndrome! I would highly recommend working with Katie if you get the opportunity - I myself am very grateful to have received the opportunity to meet and work with her.
— Kerry,
Small Business Owner
"When starting a new role having the right mentor and support is vital, Katie was my support. A wealth of knowledge that is only accumulated from experience and a true passion for everything she is part of. I had not worked in the third sector before, and my knowledge was limited. Katie’s advice, knowledge and abilities got me not only in the right mindset but also inspired my passion for the role.
I went from needing a job to loving my position within community work. This was made easier and less challenging due to the input and support I had from my mentor, Katie.
— Helen, JCCDT
Development Trust
Katie's business coaching sessions have provided me with a warm and friendly platform to reflect on my business priorities. She helped guide me into clarifying what my vision is for my business and a gentle reminder to focus on the aspects that bring me the most joy. She demonstrated a really good understating of my business, which not everyone does, our sessions were always completely bespoke. I felt equipped with more knowledge of what resources to explore and a clearer action plan for the next year or so ahead of me.
— Fiona,
Small Business Owner
Practical thinking for building a better business
Straight-talking ideas on business growth, better systems, visibility and making a business work more effectively for the people running it.
