Funding expert celebrates brace of contract wins

Funding expert Ask the Chameleon has secured two major contracts to deliver business and community funding expertise across the Midlands.

One of the contracts will see Rachel Hayward, founder and owner of Ask the Chameleon, deliver a series of procurement workshops on behalf of Bassetlaw District Council until March 2026.

Made possible through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, via East Midlands Combined County Authority, the workshops form part of a wider support programme aimed at businesses at all stages, from pre-start to ‘growth ready’.

The programme will equip local entrepreneurs and SMEs with the tools and expertise to navigate public sector procurement processes confidently and effectively.

Rachel’s workshops will focus on ensuring businesses are ‘procurement ready’ – demystifying tendering, building confidence and strengthening their commercial capabilities.

Rachel said: “It’s an honour to be working with Bassetlaw District Council to support the development of its vibrant business community.

“Procurement can be a daunting word, but these workshops will make it accessible, practical, and empowering.”

Ask the Chameleon has also secured a place on Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s new Approved Supplier List of freelance advisers.

This framework will provide expert support to organisations across the city seeking funding from major bodies including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the National Lottery Community Fund, Arts Council England, and other philanthropic or grant-making institutions.

Rachel will be providing end-to-end support – from research and eligibility checks through to drafting and submitting full funding applications.

The role also includes capacity-building with local voluntary and community groups to help them access funding opportunities they may never have previously considered.

Rachel said: “This work sits at the heart of Ask the Chameleon’s mission: to help organisations grow, flourish and access the finance they need to make an impact.”