Douglas Knowledge Partners opens in London this April – click to read more
At Douglas Knowledge Partners, we are moved by ideas that have the potential to change the world. We partner with businesses, consultancies, governments, non-profits, and other leading organisations to deliver end-to-end content solutions that achieve meaningful impact.
Our team of talented writers, creatives, strategic thinkers, and coaches work across a wide range of topics including economic development, digital transformation, sustainability, the future of work, and more. From proactive ideation and problem solving to final content delivery and amplification, our goal is to build long-lasting strategic knowledge partnerships that turn insights into action.
The Douglas Knowledge Path is our end-to-end services solution. Beginning at strategy and ideation, followed by content creation, and ending with
amplification, we support clients across the entire services spectrum, or at any point of their knowledge journey. Hover over buttons to find out more.
Our leaders offer counsel on knowledge strategy, competitor analysis, and effective knowledge initiatives. We reflect on which findings and ideas will have the greatest impact, and how these ideas can be communicated most effectively, including optimal narrative techniques and blend of media.
The Douglas team manages the end-to-end publication process in any chosen media, handling audience analysis, structuring and storylining, targeted research, interviewing, drafting and ghostwriting, editing, and design, layout and development. Our media include articles, reports, books, microsites, web content, video, animation, podcasts, and more.
To drive enduring impact, we work with our clients to co-develop multichannel amplification campaigns. We apply bold thinking to develop ideas and mobilise audiences, extracting op-eds, social media, stump speeches, and other communications tools – guided by the philosophy “create once; share everywhere”. To bring data and ideas to life,we develop a variety of data visualisation devices and bring stakeholders together through real world or virtual convening events.
Our leaders offer counsel on knowledge strategy, competitor analysis and effective knowledge initiatives. We reflect on which findings and ideas will have the greatest impact, and how these ideas can be communicated most effectively, including optimal narrative techniques and blend of media.
The Douglas Knowledge team manages the end-to-end publication process in any chosen media, handling audience analysis, structuring and storylining, targeted research, interviewing, drafting and ghostwriting, editing, and design, layout and development. Our media include articles, reports, books, microsites, web content, video, animation, podcasts, and more.
To drive enduring impact, we work with our clients to co-develop multichannel amplification campaigns. We apply bold thinking to develop ideas and mobilise audiences, extracting op-eds, social media, stump speeches and other communications tools – guided by the philosophy “create once; share everywhere”. To bring data and ideas to life,we develop a variety of data visualisation devices and bring stakeholders together through real world or virtual convening events.
We work with leading knowledge organisations, consultancies, private companies, non-profits, and public-sector organisations on every continent.
Client confidentiality means we can’t speak about all of them, but here are a few we can tell you about …
The following impact stories showcase the range of work and clients we partner with – from seminal books on doing business in Africa, to perception-shifting reports on the role of SMEs in the UK’s journey to net zero.
These case studies speak to the issues that matter to us as a knowledge partnership – and the ideas that can help our clients shape a better world. Hover to learn more.
We are an ever-expanding team of writers, strategic thinkers and researchers, expert consultants, young creatives, and meticulous copy editors – based primarily in London and Cape Town and serving clients all over the world.
We also work with a global network of partners who are leaders in their respective fields. Among them are New York-based Darby Films for
animations, websites, and interactive content; Vivi in London for market research; and Compass Crew in South Africa for digital convening.
Our extended talent network allows us to tap into the full range of skills and expertise across the end-to-end ideation and publishing process, meeting client needs with the highest quality, flexibility, and value. Hover over the partners to learn more.
We are an ever-expanding team of writers, strategic thinkers and researchers, expert consultants, young creatives, and meticulous copy editors – based primarily in London and Cape Town and serving clients all over the world.
We also work with a global network of partners who are leaders in their respective fields. Among them are New York-based Darby Films for animations, websites, and interactive content; Vivi in London for market research; Compass Crew in South Africa for digital convening.
Our extended talent network allows us to tap into the full range of skills and expertise across the end-to-end ideation and publishing process, meeting client needs with the highest quality, flexibility and value. Click on the partners to learn more.
Colin Douglas, founder of Douglas Knowledge Partners, has spent over two decades as the knowledge partner of choice to some of the world’s leading organisations, working with them to conceive and create books, reports, and articles on topics that shape the world’s future for the better. Previously, Colin served as a contributing editor to the McKinsey Quarterly and worked with the firm’s senior leadership to develop and publish articles, reports, and books on key knowledge topics.
Chief Knowledge Partner
Courtney Cox is a creative strategist and thinker. As Creative Knowledge Partner, she leads, manages, and recruits for multiple complex projects both internally and externally. As a digital artist, she has worked with leading design thinkers and multimedia experts, harnessing her design capabilities to create end-to-end publications. Her training as a molecular engineer gives her the unique advantage of combining her analytical brain with her creative side. Courtney leads Douglas' Sustainability Hub, a network of writers and researchers with special interests in sustainability.
Senior Knowledge Partner, Creative
Melanie Blythe, over the last 15 years, has carved out a career as a strategic communicator, working with organisations to hone their tone of voice, messaging, and audience engagement strategies. She spent 10 years in London at a communications agency and a top multinational healthcare company, where she led global communications campaigns. A writer and editor with a passion for translating complex ideas into ‘plain English’, she has developed knowledge across topics as diverse as sustainability, finance, law, consumer packed goods, insurance, health, and more.
Managing Knowledge Partner
Jackie Fermo has seven years of experience as a writer and editor and has worked on a wide range of articles, reports, and books covering topics such as healthcare, education, diversity, productivity, and public-sector reform. She works closely with clients to develop their ideas, refine the content, and produce and publish a final product that brings their research and expertise to life. Jackie brings a mix of creativity, business acumen, and academic skill to her work: She has an MBA, a fine art degree, and an entrepreneurial background.
Senior Knowledge Partner
Henrietta Rose-Innes is a world-renowned novelist and experienced commercial writer, using her sense of narrative to produce professional prose with the pace and drama of great fiction. She holds a PhD in creative writing. Henrietta has worked with our clients on topics ranging from financial services to technology, and from healthcare to education. She is also an outstanding editor, whose skills have sharpened major novels, non-fiction works, and articles and reports for Douglas clients.
Senior Knowledge Partner
Mvuselelo Dyabaza is a Knowledge Resources Partner. In this role, he is responsible for Douglas’s people, wellness and finance matters, as well as overall project pipeline management and client liaison. Mvuselelo has worked in start-ups to medium enterprises across all organisational levels. He has worked in the creative industry across Africa, with experience in live television, broadcasting, directing, producing, filmmaking, theatre, scriptwriting, TV content distribution, and management. He’s also experienced in processes and project management systems, with years in managerial roles.
Knowledge Resources Partner
We’ve loved working with you all at Douglas – thanks for everything… your ideas, suggestions, patience and ability to keep calm with the ongoing and last-minute changes from us. The final report looks amazing and that’s down to you all. Thank you again for everything.
Head of communications, UK bank
I’ve worked with Douglas for several years, including multiple major reports and more than five global articles. They are the best I’ve worked with, having worked with over 10 editors on major publications.
Partner, global management consultancy
Our compliments to the Douglas team for tackling a complex topic and making it so appealing. The final article is a terrific exploration of the issues and challenges of sharing data. It held my attention while covering a lot of ground, and I believe it will appeal to a large audience.
Executive, Asian telecoms company
We want to thank the Douglas team for all your work – it has been a great pleasure to work with you, and we absolutely could not have delivered this publication without your tireless efforts. We have been very impressed with the great support you have provided and the quality of work – you have lifted our work to beyond the client’s expectations.
Project leader, Australian government agency
A big, big THANK YOU for the wonderful work you have helped me with! I would not be here today without that great support and I’m looking forward to continue our wonderful cooperation in the times to come!
Global leader, professional services firm
A heartfelt thank you for the superhuman work of all in the team. I am confident that the effort and expertise you put in and the final push to refine it that bit extra over this weekend will bear fruit - it will make a real difference to how this is received and processed by stakeholders across the spectrum - people who would take it with them to champion the project's success impact.
Special communications leader
London calling: Douglas Knowledge Partners goes global!
Three years after “setting up shop” in Cape Town, South Africa, Douglas Knowledge Partners is opening new offices in London – making us “global” not just in client engagements, but in physical footprint too.
Our London office – the company’s first outside of South Africa – opened its doors in April 2023 at Second Home in Clerkenwell, a design-driven hub in one of the city’s most creative neighbourhoods.
Chief Knowledge Partner and founder Colin Douglas says London offers the perfect base for deepening relationships with a growing number of UK and Europe-based clients.
“As a company we embrace technology and the way it has enabled us to partner with clients on every continent. But we also believe in the power of human connection – especially when it comes to exchanging ideas and being meaningful thought partners to our clients.
“Building a presence in the Northern Hemisphere also offers an opportunity for our talented team to broaden their horizons and seek inspiration in the wider world – bringing that back into our business.”
Douglas Knowledge Partners is teaming up with London-based Vivi Research Ltd to grow the UK subsidiary. Vivi Research founder Julian Misell says: “I am excited to be collaborating with the team at Douglas Knowledge Partners, whose growth is testament to their creativity, innovation, and strong client relationships. By integrating cutting-edge research capabilities, we are well-positioned to build on this success.”
The Cape Town team is saying farewell to Senior Knowledge Partner and Head of Design Courtney Cox and Knowledge Partner Kayla Beare, who together are setting up our new “home away from home”.
“To celebrate our expansion, we will be hosting an opening event for clients and friends – and in typical Douglas style it will be an evening of thought-provoking talks from people in our network,” said Courtney. “Invites coming soon!”
If you’d like to know more about our London office, how we work with clients, or are interested in joining our team, we’d love to hear from you. Send us a message below.
Youth Innovation Prize: Surfacing and nurturing Cape Town’s best young talent
Douglas Knowledge Partners runs the annual Youth Innovation Prize in partnership with the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the University of Cape Town. Each year, shortlisted entrants receive hands-on coaching from our network of experts.
Our winners in 2022 presented innovative, practical ideas for supporting mental wellbeing in South Africa.
Candice Richards placed first with a piece titled “No one needs to be a consumer”, advocating for funding public libraries to create spaces for young people to coexist and connect.
Dr Mumta Hargoven placed second with “Hidden in plain sight”, which proposes that primary healthcare professionals are trained as the first intervenors for gender-based violence.
Shadia Beepat and Delicia Govender placed joint third, with essays on education and empowerment for youth, and comic books as a medium for continuing the ancient storytelling traditions of South Africa’s Khoi and San people.
The Youth Innovation Prize speaks to Douglas’ deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of local talent by surfacing and developing the best young writers and thinkers.
Youth Innovation Prize: Surfacing and nurturing Cape Town’s best young talent
Douglas Knowledge Partners runs the annual Youth Innovation Prize in partnership with the Bertha Centre for Social Innovation & Entrepreneurship at the University of Cape Town. Each year, shortlisted entrants receive hands-on coaching from our network of experts.
Our winners in 2022 presented innovative, practical ideas for supporting mental wellbeing in South Africa.
Candice Richards placed first with a piece titled “No one needs to be a consumer”, advocating for funding public libraries to create spaces for young people to coexist and connect.
Dr Mumta Hargoven placed second with “Hidden in plain sight”, which proposes that primary healthcare professionals are trained as the first intervenors for gender-based violence.
Shadia Beepat and Delicia Govender placed joint third, with essays on education and empowerment for youth, and comic books as a medium for continuing the ancient storytelling traditions of South Africa’s Khoi and San people.
The Youth Innovation Prize speaks to Douglas’ deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of local talent by surfacing and developing the best young writers and thinkers.