ABOUT US
Committed to Excellence
Centa was formed as Camden Enterprise in November 1983, and shortly after branded itself as Centa. We are a not-for-profit social enterprise, driven by our mission rather than a profit motive with a strong emphasis on supporting those groups most identified as needing the greatest support.
Centa offers big budget support to SME and micro businesses. We believe that the 'Little Guy' should have the same quality of support and access to expertise as the corporate giants. As an Enterprise Agency, supporting our small business community has always been at the heart of what we do, and who we want to work with.
We have designed, developed and managed support projects for local authorities, charities and the private sector. and supported hundreds of businesses at varying stages of their journey.
Want to experience the expertise of Centa for yourself? Give us a call today and let’s discuss what we can do for you.
OUR CORE TEAM
Behind the Scenes
Centa is made up of a core team of individuals with a wealth of experience across all aspects of business and entrepreneurship. With a combined experience of over 85 years in the advice sector, we are well-positioned to help you deal with anything that comes your way.
Scroll down to meet the core team
MATT GARNER
Managing Director
Matt became the Managing Director of Centa in April 2007 with over 25 years of experience within the enterprise sector. Prior to taking up his post he worked as Deputy Managing Director gaining experience of managing public funded contracts, ensuring outcomes and targets for various funding bodies were met and was responsible for winning new work through tenders, securing over £2 million worth of contracts.
Working as a business manager for a commercial bank before becoming a business adviser he has been an active and integral part of the success of Centa for the past 23 years, in which time he has supported and mentored over 1000 clients giving him an in depth understanding of the SME sector.
JAMES WALSH
Consultant: Business and Property
James is an accredited business adviser with more than 18 years of experience working with both start up and existing businesses. Since starting with Centa in 1997, James has mentored a diverse range of clients from different business sectors with an emphasis on business growth and market development. He has since taken on the role of Business Development Manager, playing an important role in driving the property and commercial arm of the business. He also acts as the company secretary and sits at board meetings providing both a strategic input and supportive review.
Key skills include Sales, marketing and new business development coaching and property management and relocation.
ONY IKEJI
Senior Business Consultant, Finance, Marketing, and Tech Specialist
Ony is a highly experienced senior business consultant with over 20 years of expertise. She has successfully assisted startups and established businesses in various industries, with a particular focus on technology. Ony excels in raising finance, crafting marketing strategies, and providing tech-driven solutions to help businesses thrive. Her extensive knowledge and hands-on approach make her a valuable asset for businesses seeking financial growth, marketing excellence, and tech innovation.
SALLY LEONARD
Business Consultant, Creative Industries
With over 17 years of experience as a business consultant and more than 21 years as a creative business owner, Sally possesses a unique blend of insights from both advisory and operational perspectives.
Sally's distinctive expertise allows her to collaborate effectively with product-based and creative businesses. She assists them in refining their offerings, honing their market positioning, and accurately identifying their target clients. Her guidance extends to developing sales strategies and pricing structures that drive growth and enhance market awareness.
Key skills in Sally's repertoire include market positioning, range planning, costing analysis, and brand development.