Year of Innovation
Introduction:
"Change is risky and expensive, but the cost of not changing is even greater," so says Dr. Jeremy Silver, one of the Lead Specialists at the Technology Strategy Board. Like many others, I concur wholeheartedly with that view - innovation is the lifeblood of successful business regardless of size, culture or sector. For me, no topic can be more stimulating and inspiring (hence my personal career jump ten years ago from cardiac scientist to a partner in a technology company).
During my term as President I will be dedicating much of my time and energy to encouraging all businesses in Greater Manchester to focus on innovation - how to reap the benefits, how to implement and learn from others and how to develop a culture of change and business transformation no matter what your budget or size of operation. Whether you're a one man band that is interested in working faster, smarter and ‘on the hoof' or a multi-national headquartered in Manchester looking to grow global communication and sales channels - I believe this year of innovation will bring something of tangible value to you all.
There'll be the opportunity to learn from some of the most outstanding innovation trailblazers from the region and beyond, take inspiration for your own business through dedicated events, participate in specialist training and awards programmes plus catch up online where you'll find the latest innovation news and case studies. In addition, you'll also have a dedicated platform to share your own business innovations with other members and engage in healthy debate and knowledge-sharing.
In 2010, we will be partnering with PR agency Weber Shandwick to launch an Innovation Award for Greater Manchester businesses - acknowledging the importance of innovation as an economic driver in the region. Businesses from all of the Chamber's sectors will be invited to enter, and entries will be judged according to innovation, integration and impact on business performance. Each month we will be featuring the best of the entries in our magazine and on our website - providing valuable publicity and getting your name out there amongst the business community.
Join me and make 2010 the year you challenge, change and champion innovation. Our individual businesses will benefit and by working together we'll form a dynamic powerhouse that will underpin the resurgence of the NW economy.
Dr Moneeb Awan
President of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
Innovation Award: 2010
Entries will be judged according to:
innovation, integration and impact on business performance.
The entries will be assessed by a panel consisting of:
• Moneeb Awan (President of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce)~
• Dr Cathy Garner (CEO of Manchester: Knowledge Capital)
• Joanne Birtwistle (Deputy Editor of BusinessDesk.com)
• Andy Poole (Digital Strategist at Weber Shandwick)
Prize:
The Innovation Awards winner will receive a glass trophy.
In addition, Weber Shandwick will offer the winner a communications consultancy package to the value fo £5,000.
This could include:
- broadcast filming.
- production and video seeding training.
- campaign support to drive online outreach, and social media engagement.
Magazine Feature:
In addition to being entered in the Innovation Award, applicants will be considered to feature in the Chamber's magazine 53 Degrees as an 'innovation case-study'.
Application Form:
Click here to download the application form & guidance for entry. The deadline for entries is May 28th.
Please return completed application forms to: innovation@gmchamber.co.uk
Or send by post to:
Simon Cronin, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, Churchggate House, Oxford Street, Manchester, M60 1HJ
Act quickly to innovate with confidence Chamber members know a good deal when they see one. All places on the first Innovate with Confidence course were snapped up in only 10 days. Through the support of the Manchester Innovation Investment Fund a second, and final, course is now available with 25 places for Greater Manchester based SMEs who seek to create the right future for their companies. Described by Chamber President Dr Moneeb Awan as "a groundbreaking opportunity", Innovate with Confidence consists of a series of four practical one-day workshops preparing businesses to innovate, to grow customer value in a changing world and make technology work for them. This final Innovate with Confidence course will be booked-up soon - so don't delay. Secure your place now at www.innovatewithconfidence.com