August: our monthly updates are back!
It's been a minute since we sent out the last of our monthly newsletters to the Sussex Innovation community - and it's safe to say that a LOT has happened since it hit inboxes back at the start of 2020.
Back then, we took the decision to pause our regular communications to focus inward on our members, during a challenging period for small businesses. In between all of those major global events, we've also found time for a total rebrand and restructure, as well as a whole new programme or two. More on that below.
If this is the first time you're hearing from us in a while, we hope you'll enjoy reconnecting via our new and improved newsletter - and if you've joined our mailing list more recently, welcome! We'd love to hear from you - have you missed our updates? What do you think of the new look? What would you like to see more or less of, as we get this show back on the road?
Thinking Innovation
Our consultancy team share their insights around the latest trends in innovation. This month: balancing the creative and practical, the cost of living crisis, and managing workplace stress.
- The cycle of innovation - Joseph examines the example of the MIT Media Lab and their pioneering approach to partnering artists, designers, engineers and scientists in pursuit of radical innovation.
- Innovation, people and processes - What is it that makes some businesses more innovative than others? Maria outlines a few tactics that can help to encourage a more curious workplace culture.
- The cost of living crisis - as the inflation rate hits 9.1% for the first time since 1982, Arjun looks at the causes of the cost of living crisis, and what it may mean for business over the next 12 months.
A coaching approach to dealing with stress at work - with nearly 80% of businesses reporting a stress-related absence in their organisation last year, Ore explains how coaching tools can help.
What's Happening?
A selection of the latest headlines from the Sussex Innovation community. This month, exciting developments for our tenants CDO2 and National Numeracy, and your chance to watch our new TV show packed with innovation tools and tips!
- Sussex Pioneers - with support from the UK Community Renewal Fund, we've produced a series of films for anyone who wants to innovate. Get inspired, hear stories from successful innovators, and discover practical insights and advice to apply in your own business.
- Last chance to join the Bamboo Club - we've spoken to the founders and directors of the fastest growing businesses in East Sussex, and learned about the biggest challenges they face in 2022. Our peer network programme is purpose-built to help.
- CDO2 sets up operations in Germany - the electric vehicle battery specialists have been awarded €336,000 and invited to join a prestigious quantum technology accelerator programme.
National Numeracy shortlisted for responsible business award - the charity is being recognised in the Lord Mayor's Dragon Awards for its work alongside KPMG to boost numeracy skills
Coming Up...
The most important dates for your diary next month. In September we'll be launching our next peer group for high-growth business leaders, and hitting the road to offer free training days for SMEs in Hastings and Crawley.
- Investment Bootcamp (Hastings) 20th Sept - prepare your business to raise finance with a day of sessions designed to help you prepare your business plan and pitch for grants, loans and seed investment. Free of charge for individuals and businesses based in East Sussex, courtesy of the UK Community Renewal Fund.
- Innovation Masterclass (Hastings) 21st Sept - a crash course in managing innovation for start-up founders, from creative ideation and team leadership, to protecting your IP and funding research and development. Free of charge for individuals and businesses based in East Sussex, courtesy of the UK Community Renewal Fund.
- The Great Accelerator (Crawley) 27th-28th Sept - a 2-day programme for ambitious entrepreneurs ready to kickstart their growth. Work collaboratively with other founders on a series of personalised action plans to review your business model, sales and marketing plan, sustainability strategy and more! Fully-funded for small businesses with support from the Business Hot House.
The Bamboo Club (Autumn 2022 Launch) 28th Sept - our next facilitated peer-to-peer group for scale-up business leaders is launching soon. The Bamboo Club brings together founders and business owners from different backgrounds to share ideas and experiences and work through the challenges of growth. Fully-funded for East Sussex-based businesses turning over more than £200,000, with support from East Sussex County Council
