Have you heard about Growth Lab yet? We’ve brought the concept to Sunderland after it proved hugely popular in Darlington and the signs are that it’s going to be just as successful here.
So, what is Growth Lab?
It’s all about bringing the Sunderland business community together to share knowledge and experiences to help each other grow.
A city buzzing with regeneration and steeped in pride and community spirit; we have lots to learn from each other and this is the place to do it.
Join a lively discussion with a panel of Sunderland business leaders who are overcoming common challenges in business and finding lucrative opportunities.
Hosted by the charismatic Pete Wilkinson, Founder and CEO of Reclaro, the conversation gets to the heart of issues you really want to know about with refreshingly honest answers from businesses of various sizes and sectors.
Audience members share insights and ask their own questions too, along with BIC business advisers Debbie Simpson and John Forth, creating a collaborative and supportive environment.
Our second Sunderland event was another sell-out, taking place on 17th June at Washington Business Centre. Here’s a flavour of what took place.
The focus
Though the common theme of all of the events is the importance of innovation, conversation and learning from one another, there’s a specific focus for each event.
This time, attention turned to the big challenges facing the engineering and manufacturing sector.
The panel
A trio of experienced professionals joined host Pete on the panel:
- Andrew Howe, Director, Turnmill Engineering
- Laurence Provost, Director, Dyer Engineering
- Rachel Skeoch, Director, Truenorth Marketing
Audience members included experts from a wide range of other sectors who offered tried and tested solutions from their own industries to help tackle issues discussed.
The issues
The conversation centred around ways to overcome two of the biggest challenges facing this and other sectors: recruitment and marketing.
Topics discussed included:
- How to select the right people to fit your business
- Score cards vs job descriptions – who uses which approach and why
- Opportunities to change opinions about the sector to attract the next generation
- Simple ways to make your vacancy appeal to younger and more diverse talent
- Winning approaches to filling the skills gap
- A partnership approach to working with recruitment agencies that gets results
- Staff induction ideas to maximise retention rates and reputation points
- Ways to identify your ideal customer then communicate with them successfully
- Proven approaches to build sales leads
Top takeaways
- Recruit based on values… skills can be taught
- Know your customer inside out
- A confused mind never buys – be super specific
- Make sure you get around likeminded people – network, network, network
- Everyone in your organisation is a brand ambassador. Make sure everyone understands and buys into your company values
- Fully understand and communicate your ‘Why?’
- Shy bairns get nowt!
“Such a fascinating event. I came away with TEN pages of notes and learning from the panel and the wonderfully-engaged audience!”
Phil Young, Solicitor and Founder, Tiger Energy Consultants
“Really was a great morning, I think the discussions could have gone on for hours it was so topical and relevant.”
Hayley Ramm, Founder, The Efficient Elephant
“It’s always good to hear fellow business owners’ thoughts and ideas and find out what’s working for other people. Lots of takeaways that can now be put into practice!”
Nicola Halse, Owner, Riverside Marketing Solutions
“It’s really inspiring to be in a roomful of people, bubbling with enthusiasm, ideas and solutions.”
Steve Nicholas, Managing Director, iqms Learning
Come along to the next event!
We’re currently finalising details of our next event. Be the first to find out details when they’re released by joining our mailing list.
Growth Lab events are fully-funded by the BIC’s Enterprising Sunderland programme and open to Sunderland-based businesses.
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