Scottish Enterprise inspires companies to act now for the future

The final in a series of events held by Scottish Enterprise to help North East businesses tackle the economic downturn takes place this week.

‘Inspiring Action for the Future’ will be held at the Thistle Aberdeen Altens Hotel, Aberdeen on the 21st May from 0800-1100. The business breakfast is designed to provide real life examples of how a variety of businesses have successfully implemented the practical tools, techniques, management and leadership skills identified during the event series.

The event will demonstrate how individuals and organisations have successfully fought the challenges of previous economic downturns. It provides the unique opportunity for delegates to hear from industry experts, share advice and tips and benefit from one another’s experiences.

Sara Budge, Director of Company Growth, Innovation and Commercialisation, Scottish Enterprise, said:
“Scottish Enterprise has organised the series of events to support North East businesses through the current recession. This final event will capture the essence of lateral thinking and how it can maximise the potential for growth, creating vision and strength for the future.”

“By embracing the ability to innovate and see change as an opportunity, businesses can make practical use of new ideas to improve productivity, drive cost competitiveness and ultimately achieve profitable growth.

Speakers at the event include:

Colin Burns, Ex Head of Studio, IDEO
Ideo have won more awards for innovation than any company in the world. They have designed some of the world’s leading products such as the Laptop computer, Palm V, the Apple Mouse and Nike sunglasses. Their proven process can be applied to product design, service and business models and Colin will discuss the necessity of innovation in challenging economic times.

Roy Lauder, Coach for Shirlaws
With an extensive engineering background, Roy has gained strong business development and project management skills by working with both large corporates and small businesses. Roy has set up and built two companies of his own – the first business in engineering services to the oil sector and the second in international project development in the utility sector.

Caspian Woods, Chairman, Editions
Editions is a financial marketing agency, working with the UK’s leading banks. Caspian is author of the UK’s best-selling business growth guide ‘From Acorns’ published by FT Prentice Hall and published in 14 countries. He is a highly knowledgeable and passionate speaker with an entrepreneurial spark. His lessons draw from his own experiences.

Up to four delegates per company are welcome and the event is free to attend for all businesses across the region. Details of all events and online booking facilities are available at www.nowsthetimetoask.com or by calling 0800 141 2128.

The event is part of a programme of activity that Scottish Enterprise is running to help companies understand the support available to meet their business challenges and capitalise on new opportunities for growth that still exist. The campaign, Now’s The Time To Ask, invites businesses to challenge Scottish Enterprise with their business issues while providing them with practical advice and insight on a range of topics, from leadership skills and sales and marketing techniques to business innovation and finance.