Who we are
ZENEN can provide hands-on business development and sales skills or interim scalable management skills applicable to startup, early stage and established businesses and specialises in creating Business/Education partnerships.
ZENEN is run by David Solomides, an experienced non-executive Director and a strategic Business Mentor and Coach, Expert in Residence at the University of Exeter, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and a Professional of the Institute of Operational Risk.
David specialises in Innovating Business Growth and has a proven track record of success, winning corporate and education commitment, improving revenue/margin, implementing change and thinking "outside the box".
ZENEN was created as part of David Solomides’ strong interest in bringing the business environment into education, to: coach the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders and also to advise schools on how to implement business strategies to minimise risk and maximise income from school assets.
ZENEN also brings business education to schools, by delivering programmes such as the Social Enterprise Qualification and the ZENEN Business Challenge, where students are trained on the mechanics of setting up and running a business and the creativity and soft skills required to succeed.
David’s extensive education contacts also allows ZENEN to advise and assist companies on their business growth and sales strategies, to enter or expand their operations in the South West Education Market.
Non Executive and Advisory Board Roles
Exeter Consortium
Non-Executive Director
The Exeter Consortium represents approximately 50 member schools located in and around the Exeter area and its vision is ”“Enabling member schools to raise standards and secure better outcomes for children & young people through collaboration.”
Conferences South West
Director
Co-funding education conferences and arranging the management of Events, Exhibitions, Venues and Catering.
Argue to Think Limited
Non-Executive Director
Argue to Think is a spin out company derived from PhD research conducted within the Graduate School of Education, University of Exeter.
The company's main aim is to help people improve both their verbal and written argumentation.
Young Enterprise UK
Board Member Devon
Young Enterprise is the UK's leading enterprise and financial education charity, offering training for primary and secondary schools as well as universities. I'm working with a passionate board to introduce enterprise to schools across Devon.
Kompas
Non-Executive Director
KOMPAS is your pocket guide, to the world’s urban jungles. KOMPAS uses the latest innovation in technology to help you uncover the astonishing places hidden in your city, and tailor trips to suit your interests, budget and free time.
University of Exeter
Expert in Residence
The role of Expert in Residence is to support Founders, Directors and Entrepreneurs in the fulfilment of their business goals. The Innovation Centre takes a proactive approach to understand each business, to maintain regular contact and then provide access to opportunities, information and people that can help move the business forward
“David is not merely a consultant – the last 6 months have been more like working with my own active business partner”
Dave Read Founder, The-Lightworks
Our Professional Qualifications
Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers
Professional of the Institute of Operational Risk
Social Enterprise Qualification (SEQ) Mentor
Expert in Residence - University of Exeter
Business Mentor of the year - University of Exeter
Honours & Awards
Business Mentor of the Year award 2013
University of Exeter June 2013
SETsquared Partnership Universities of Bath, Bristol, Exeter, Southampton & Surrey
Student Enterprise Awards 2013 MShed, Bristol