OnCourse leadership sessions to continue
A pioneering leadership series aimed at small businesses has secured the backing of Greater Nottingham Partnership (GNP) to give it financial security until 2011.
The next event on March 26, with guest speakers Peter Robertson of OneClick Technologies and Andy Davies of Gripple, was expected to be the last event run by Nottingham Development Enterprise (NDE). Already reprieved by GNP with short-term funding, this latest news means that sessions can continue for a further two years.
GNP chief executive Martin Gawith said: "The OnCourse series is such a powerful master-class for emerging entrepreneurs who learn practical lessons from successful innovators that we wanted to continue our funding until 2011."
NDE chief executive Neil Horsley commented: "There are lots of management theories about innovation but in practice the only way to achieve it is to learn lessons from business people who have actually done it.
"This additional funding by GNP means that we can continue to inspire budding entrepreneurs by putting them before dynamic leaders like Peter Robertson and Andy Davies who have a reputation for innovation in their businesses."
Peter Robertson discovered the IntelliPlug, a unique energy saving device, and went on to found OneClick Technologies which last year won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise. Fellow speaker Andy Davies, Gripple business development director, continually identifies new uses for its wire joiner that is available in 85 countries within the construction, viticulture and fencing markets.
To mark the success of OnCourse’s motivational events and workshops NDE will launch on March 26 an Innovation Leadership Insights guide that captures the quotes of the entrepreneurs who have spoken on the programme and who have made their mark in Nottinghamshire and beyond.
Neil Horsley added: "Over the past three years the speakers have produced a rich vein of insights and wonderful quotes which we have brought together in one guide to help small businesses reflect on what they all have in common.
"Pioneers in design, manufacturing, e-commerce, science and sustainability have shared new approaches to innovation. Serial entrepreneurs, energisers of teams, lifestyle innovators and knowledge economy leaders have all left strong impressions with the audience.
"Regular monitoring helps NDE keep track of audience feedback and ensures that the events remain cutting edge. People have been especially impressed with the frankness shown by our speakers who are inspirational figures because of what they have achieved."
Offered free across the city and county by NDE since its inception OnCourse has welcomed over 34 business leaders as speakers and attracted more than 525 emerging entrepreneurs from Nottinghamshire and across the East Midlands.