Worcestershire Arts Partnership Blog

Sunday 10 February 2013

Innovation 1st - two days fully funded consultancy for leisure/arts businesses





The scheme provides:

·         Two days (12 hours) of fully funded business assistance for SMEs in the leisure and attractions sector, focused around the introduction of 'higher' technology including the use of social media and online reputation management.
·         Support depending on need (Workshop/ events/ meetings/ consultation/ assessment/ Innovation or Project planning/ trials/ introductions to technology) details to be agreed with the Project Team.
·         An interface with the University’s new Knowledge base, the Visualisation Centre, and its capabilities to support and develop opportunities for companies to improve and grow their businesses.
·         A bespoke Implementation Plan for the development/introduction of the technology discussed.
·         Linkage to other relevant support appropriate to the beneficiary.

The Innovation 1st Project is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund under Priority 1 - Promoting Innovation and Research & Development.

So it’s two days assessment with an action plan at the end – this could result in for example a project using undergraduates from Wolverhampton University or a project potentially part funded through the university.

The range of projects/case studies I been involved as part of Innovation 1st include:

·         Marketing and social media plan for an Arts/cultural organisation in Worcester
·         New IT implementation plan plus some mentoring for a craft college in Shropshire
·         Social media plan presentation/workshop for a wildlife park in Worcestershire
·         Various marketing plans for accommodation providers
·         Development plan and on going support for a travel agency setting up a new business
·         Innovative audience development plan for a firm of conservation architects/National Trust project

No comments: