Context and Challenge
The Institute for Innovation and Enterprise (IIE) at the University of Wolverhampton manage a number of projects aimed at increasing the competitiveness of companies based within the Region. The University of Wolverhampton employs 1,300 staff across four campuses to deliver higher education programmes to 24,000 students.
Objectives
In September 2005, as part of its innovative business support programme, IIE commissioned Blueberry Training to deliver a dedicated coaching programme over 7 months to three start-up businesses.
Programme
Coaching sessions took place on a fortnightly basis to meet the needs of individuals seeking to launch new companies, and sole traders seeking to grow their business. Training sessions dealt with the essentials of business planning (including financial planning), and sales planning in order to generate enough income to grow the organisation.
Results
Client satisfaction over the programme averaged 86.7%. Satisfaction was measured against such criteria as the quality of the initial assessment, timescale of the project response and delivery, and an overall rating of the support received.
"I wanted to say a plain, simple and very sincere thank you for your very valuable time over the last few months and particularly for your advice and encouragement and for being such a good sounding board! We are now more focused and feel confident that the time is right to speed up our development and your support has been what I call ‘perfect timing’ in that process."
Rose Padmore, Owner Manager, Opening Doors & Venues Ltd.
Effect and Impact
Opening Doors and Venues saw increased sales and the need to hire an additional staff member as a result of this support.
What Next?
Blueberry Training has subsequently been commissioned by IIE to design and deliver a range of standalone training events.
What do you do first? Developing a business idea, testing your idea, protecting intellectual property and insurance....
How to keep business records? What exactly is cash flow and how do you go about fundraising for business?
How to carry our market research, promotional campaigns and get your product sold!
