Innovate or die

Innovation for Business Growth

It’s a harsh reality of business. If you want to keep up with the competition, never mind get ahead of it, creativity is crucial.

This is particularly relevant to family-owned small and medium sized business. John Batchelor, Programme Development Principal with South Lanarkshire Economic Development, explains, “It is not unusual for such businesses to be very dynamic and innovative under the first generation of ownership, but to stabilise and even decline during the second and third generations.”

Having recognised this, SLED developed Innovation for Business Growth - a programme to support the development of innovative projects. “The objective of this project is to enable family businesses to identify opportunities for the invigoration and re-invention of the business,” says John.

It is aimed at family enterprises in Lanarkshire with potential for growth. Those taking part in the programme should have time to commit to the project and a central influence on the business long term. For example, younger family members with drive and ability. Participants will learn how to think creatively, how to implement new ideas and how to overcome resistance to applying new ways of doing things.

Delivering training and support will be consultants with innovation skills, innovative businesses, successful family businesses and business advisers from North and South Lanarkshire Councils, the Small Business Gateways, Lanarkshire Technology Innovation Centre and Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire.

The programme is designed to create 12 new business projects either in company or as new-start businesses whether these are new products, technologies, services or management practices.

Innovation for Business Growth is part fund through the Scottish Objective Three Operational Programme 2000-06 via the European Social Fund.

For more information on Innovation for Business Growth, the Regional Innovation Strategy, or other innovation issues contact John Batchelor on 01698 455129.

Project Part-Financed by the European Union. Europe and Scotland Making It Work Together.

Business South Lanarkshire - Spring 2002

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