APRIL 2024 - Catch the Wave

“Success is walking from failure to failure with no loss of enthusiasm.” -Winston Churchill

CATCHING THE WAVE

A HORIZON SCAN – WHERE RISK AND OPPORTUNITIES RESIDE

AUTUMN & WINTER WEBINAR #5

May 2nd 4:00 PM Start 5:30 Finish

Beyond Linear: Circular Economy Tactics for Embryonic Businesses

The Weave’s James Cracknell and guest will deliver a 90-minute webinar that aims to demystify the circular economy concept for small businesses, offer practical tactics, and inspire innovation. Participants will explore how adopting circular economy principles can drive efficiency, sustainability, and profitability. Through expert insights, case studies, and collaborative exercises, attendees will learn to rethink product life cycles, materials, and business models with circularity. The world is changing, and it is not enough to create, use, and dispose of it. We need a new set of tools to help us engage with a sustainable approach to business. This is not the domain of big business – change starts at the bottom.

UNIVERSITY OF ESSEX’S iTEAMS FINISHES WITH A CRESCENDO

The conclusion to this year’s University of Essex iTeams challenge saw all six teams deliver powerful, thought-provoking, well-researched solutions to three challenges. The programme, facilitated by The Weave’s Magdalena Mahdy and James Cracknell, takes the 40+ students on a journey of discovery.

The panel of judges, which consisted of representatives of the businesses, along with Dr Sonia S. Siraz, the MBA Deputy Director and the Essex Business School and Professor of Entrepreneurship and led by Andy Mew Head of Startup Support, had a really tricky job of making the final decision.

Eventually, Team “ThinkUp,” mentored by Mick Holloway, gave the winning pitch for the Babergh and Mid-Suffolk challenge, which focused on a sustainable housing solution for the nearly homeless—well done to Jayim Carrillo Monroy, Omotola Oladini, Bliss??????? Anyalewechi, Mateo Stephen and Riyaz? Mohamed Ansari.

Our unique programme, based on Peter Checkland’s action research Lumas model, brings together the problem owners and practitioners to explore and then deliver areas of improvement. This distinctive approach, combined with the involvement of industry experts, sets our program apart and ensures its effectiveness in driving innovation and progress.

Our thanks, as always, go to our amazing team of mentors. Mick Holloway, Kayla Conley, and Gavin Miklaucich all did stellar work in making the experience a 4.5 out of 5 event for these students.

Sandrine Singleton-Perrin, our resident community champion, guided the students through sophrology, providing them with practice and WikI Strozik, who did an excellent job accentuating our work through social media. Magdalena, our compatriot and facilitator, was a creative force and a joy to work with.

Our thanks to iTeams wouldn’t be iTeams without our businesses, so cheers to Camila Lobos and Sebastian Lobos of Learn to Learn an educational company with a big ambition to bridge the gap between different countries. Odusola Bimbi Philips, founder of Travel Jinni a technical solution to group travel with an inbuilt payment facility that removes the load from central organisers. Finally, but not least to those who represented Babergh and Mid-Suffolk Council, including Tim Teather – Business and Technology Lead,? Amma Antwi-Yeboah BSc Econ (Hons) CIHCM MinstLM and Victoria Bond, Housing Solutions Service Manager, all from Babergh and Mid-Suffolk Council and addressed a national priority around housing, homeless prevention and a sustainable solution.

?If you want to know more about working with The Weave on a similar project for your university, don't hesitate to contact [email protected]. We are also designing SprintLento? - our business innovation and team development programme. So what’s stopping you? Do you have a challenge or want to develop the next generation of talent? Join us at The Weave.

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THE TED LASSO APPRECIATION CORNER

#4 The Wisdom of Ted Lasso – just for you!

“You know life is funny. And sometimes it is not even that. It’s life.”

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I am an ardent Ted Lasso fan – and this particular piece of wisdom appealed to me. We talk about complexity in business and a desire to fight it and try and follow the KISS mantra. But life is funny; when it's not, it’s just how it is. People make it so.

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If you haven’t seen Ted in action, then watch Apple TV and download an inspiring series that underpins servant leadership as a philosophy.

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TRENDS

A monthly horizon scan as we look around at what’s being talked about Nationally and Globally. We identify potential threats and opportunities that should appear on all our radars.

?Headline of the Month

“Gen Z Broke the Marketing Funnel”

Research from Archrival.com – The Youth Culture Agency

?Engaging Gen Z: Beyond the Sales Funnel to Community and Trust

In a rapidly evolving marketing landscape, the traditional sales funnel—a linear path leading from promotion to purchase—is becoming obsolete, especially when it comes to engaging Generation Z. This demographic craves something far beyond the conventional; they seek immersive experiences that resonate deeply with their values and dynamic needs. Archrival.com, a pioneer in understanding youth culture, has shed light on this shift, emphasising the importance of constant engagement, community building, and alignment with customer values for 21st-century brands.

The Shift in Loyalty and the Quest for Immersion

Recent data reveals a complex picture of brand loyalty among Gen Z. While 60% report a decrease in brand loyalty in 2021, this doesn't necessarily indicate disinterest. In fact, according to Archrival.com, 36% of Gen Z consumers identify as loyal to brands that treat them with respect and align with their values, with an additional 41% sitting on the fence, potentially loyal if treated right. This nuanced perspective on loyalty underscores the need for brands to build more meaningful, trust-based relationships with their audiences.

The Role of Social Media and Content

Social media is a crucial battleground for the hearts and minds of Gen Z. With 72% more likely to remember brands with an engaging social presence, the message is clear: traditional advertising won't cut it. This generation seeks content that entertains, connects, and provides value beyond the product. Nearly half of Gen Z consumers prefer humorous or engaging content over straightforward product information. This preference highlights the importance of brands developing a compelling narrative and personality that resonates authentically with their audience. If authenticity is missing, the trust will be absent. This is where communities come in.

Building Communities and Trust

Perhaps the most significant insight from recent studies is the value Gen Z places on community and trust. A staggering 54% say their favourite brands make them feel like part of a community. This generation has lost faith in traditional institutions and seeks brands that can fill that void with authenticity, consistency, and engagement. Brands like Spotify understand this shift under the guidance of thought leaders like Marion Boeri. They recognise the importance of treating Gen Z as customers and partners in a shared journey.

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Strategies for Success

To truly engage Gen Z, brands must adopt a multifaceted strategy:

-?????????????????? Value Alignment: Brands must stand for something beyond their products, embodying values that resonate with Gen Z's social and ethical priorities.

-?????????????????? Community Engagement: Creating spaces for meaningful engagement, whether through social media, events, or collaborative projects, helps build a sense of belonging.

-?????????????????? Innovative Content: Leveraging entertainment, humour, and creativity to connect with Gen Z on their terms is essential.

-?????????????????? Exclusive Experiences: Limited editions, collaborations, and exclusive content create a sense of exclusivity and belonging.

Why it matters, and what can we learn?

The marketing playbook is changing, with Gen Z at the forefront of this transformation. Brands that succeed in this new era will view their relationship with Gen Z not as a series of transactions but as an ongoing, dynamic dialogue built on trust, engagement, and shared values. The future belongs to brands that recognise this shift and adapt to the immersive, community-focused approach that Gen Z demands.

Longevity

POLITICAL TRENDS

UK Politics: There have been no surprises over the last month, with the Tories lagging in opinion polls and the Prime Minister remaining well behind Keir Starmer in the popularity stakes. We now know we won’t get a May election, and the shift will be on a post-summer uptick, with the BoE possibly cutting rates. We will have another tax-cutting budget in the Autumn statement, paving the way for a November election. Is all this enough to save the Tories from a drubbing at the polls? The tea leaves do not look that supportive, but the longer we delay, the more likely someone will shoot themselves in the foot.

US Politics: An interesting piece in the Economist brought a little more focus on the uncertainty surrounding the outcome of the November elections. Trump and Biden flip-flop in the polls with both candidates close and a big measure of undecided to contend with. What is clear is that the US is focused on three key issues: political extremism and threats to democracy, where Biden scores higher; the economy, in which both candidates score very similarly; and immigration, where Trump scores highly. What, according to Ipsos, is most agreed upon is that the US is heading in the wrong direction.? In the Economist piece, they focus on three things which could derail the US elections. The first was a surprise resurgence in an independent candidate and the trials of Donald Trump, which still could see the judiciary and Trump in a very bloody war—finally, their ages and general health issues. Turmoil could ensue if one or both were to become ill.

US legislation is underway to change privacy laws to battle big tech's control over personal data. According to Axios, this act would rein in Big Tech and, for the first time, allow them to be sued for privacy breaches. Add to this TikTok’s trials and tribulations over a forced sale, and the US is looking to clamp down on what it sees as abuses of power.

European Politics: The EU have signed a historic deal to ensure that the elections are conducted freely and openly. This is to counter the backlash towards democracy – the Putin shoe-in, to name but one. Democracy is worth protecting, at least in the view of Europe. Despite the volatility that the ballot box can create, at least if it is representative, it can be debated and overturned through reason and not dictate. According to International IDEA this Code of Conduct is a major step forward in accountability and a prelude to stopping any AI-driven shenanigans that would distort an election.

Russian elections could hardly be considered free or fair, and with the death of Alexei Navalny still, in everyone’s mind, we look on in despair at a totalitarian Russian state. There seems to be no end to the Ukrainian war, and as it continues, those voices pushing for capitulation are getting louder. The US has only just managed to improve the spending, and Europe is still divided.

SOCIAL TRENDS – Public opinions and social trends reports for Feb 2024

Water cremation is one in a long line of sustainable body disposal.

As the global population increases, the environmental impact of disposing of the deceased is becoming a more pressing concern. It is a touchy subject because many of us still shy away from discussing our wishes. Still, millennials and Gen Z are more attuned to living with sustainability as a core value, and some are starting to think about dying similarly. So, what is available traditionally, and what new technologies are beginning to be discussed and used?

1.???? Cremation: While cremation is the most popular choice, it releases approximately 400kg of CO2 into the atmosphere per body. According to 2021 statistics, there are 2,131 cremations per day. Cremation is also wasteful, as the coffin is also incinerated. In addition to this, there is a rising trend in pet cremations, forcing the atmosphere to absorb a lot of CO2.

2.???? Burial: Traditional burial of the embalmed kind creates additional drawbacks since embalming fluids are toxic and seep into the soil during decay, affecting the environment. There is also the question of burial space being at a premium, especially in urban spaces.

Alternatives are starting to become popular.

-?????????????????? Resomation, sometimes known as Alkaline Hydrolysis or Water Cremation, is a sustainable solution in which the body is placed in a tube to be dissolved and made harmless through heat and chemicals. The Coop funeral services offer this as an alternative. Essentially, it speeds up the traditional decomposition processes—it takes longer (four hours), but the families will receive the ‘ashes’ of the bones to continue the mourning process.

-?????????????????? Natural burials: The primary benefit here is the lack of embalming and the choice to return the body to a natural grave site, which becomes part of the ecosystem's biodiversity. It is considered a sustainable process; it does, though, require land to be set aside and securely maintained. According to the Natural Death Organisation, there are 270 designated sites across the UK, some managed by local authorities and some privately owned.

The Outlook – The shifting demographics are starting to drive significant growth in the sustainable burial sector.

Sustainable Burials for both human and pet services are an opportunity in terms of the service offer and spinoff activities. Celebrants may well specialise in the area, aligning their values around the value of the next generation. Access to natural burials and water cremation is growing, but we believe current demand would outstrip supply if more people saw it as a viable option. There is a vast gap between those who know about it and those willing to consider it. According to the Coop, “89% of UK adults hadn’t heard of the term Resomation, once explained, just under a third (29%) said they would choose Resomation for their own funeral if it were available”. This may be relevant to the current market demographic, but millennials and Gen Z are more interested in sustainability. It is hard to get specific data, but the following are estimates and assumptions based on the reading and research done to date.

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Market Size and CAGR

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Overall UK Market: The funeral market in the UK is worth ￡3.1 billion, and 80% of this value, ￡2.5 billion, relates to cremations. Assuming 29% would consider water cremation, the TAM (Total addressable market) estimate would be ￡719 million.? The demand for eco-friendly death care services, including sustainable burials and water cremations, has grown. This is a broader trend toward more environmentally sustainable practices in various industries.

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CAGR: While specific figures would depend on the latest reports, it wouldn't be surprising if the CAGR for these services was in the low to mid-single digits, reflecting both growing consumer interest and the increasing legality and availability of water cremations. So, assuming a 5% CAGR, we would estimate that over the next 10 years, the market value will reach ￡1.4 billion.

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Breakdown: Pets vs. People

Pets: The pet aftercare market, including cremation and burial, has also grown, reflecting the increasing view of pets as family members. Sustainable options have also become more popular here, though the market is generally smaller than that for humans. People: The human segment likely dominates the market in terms of financial size and volume, driven by broader societal trends and a larger array of services and options available.

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Consumer Trends 2024

An ageing society is impacting consumer trends – this is how.

Advances in technology and healthcare are prolonging life and helping to increase global life expectancy to 71 years in 2021. A Morgan Stanley report suggests a growing wealth gap, with more money now at people's disposal and finding its way to wellness, preventative health, and self-care. Being attuned to this shift is smart, given the potential growth in the spending power of people over 65. According to the report, adults aged 65 and over now have a disposable income of 65% greater than the equivalent cohort in 2000. This is a US-based stat, but it does feel relevant to the UK and Europe. Vitamins, dietary supplements, and over-the-counter drugs are liable to increase demand. Expecting an ageing society to divert spending to healthy living products is normal. Gut-healthy products will get an additional boost, and Kombucha is liable to be the growth star in this sector, backed by the growing interest in probiotics and hydration in general.

?Aligning ageing with the rise of the Zero Consumer

The changing climate is also presenting opportunities for the UK for a change in the types of crops we can produce. Last month, Catching the Wave looked at the hydroponics industry, and we still maintain growth in this sector if we are to become more food secure

Opportunities

-?????????????????? Partnering with the supply chain and making food security your primary purpose will open doors and grow brand value.

-?????????????????? Food production should focus on gut-healthy products, including new grains and cereals.

-?????????????????? Identify regenerative farmers to bolster the supply chain and educate consumers about this new trend.

-?????????????????? Look at the packaging industry – are there more sustainable ways of delivering food to the older generation that match their values?

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Longevity is not just for humans – Loyal dogs are also getting a boost.

The consumer trend to extend the lifespan of humans is well documented, and despite a few stumbling blocks, most of the longevity industry is picking up funding. This has now been extended into the dog world, where San Francisco-based Loyal secured a $45 million deal in March. It is a biotech startup aiming to produce a drug that extends the life of our pets. We do not want to say goodbye to those by our side as we age.

Loyal is just one of many ageing pet startups attracting funding, but this is the most promising biotech one; the others focus on dietary supplements and insurance.

Longevity for humans is still generating a lot of interest and this month see the Rejuvenation Startup Summit 2024 in Berlin in May.

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ECONOMIC TRENDS – Mixed bag on inflation and economy

The markets are starting to believe in rate cuts again, but not everywhere. Inflation data is proving benign in many places but not in the US. Hawkish rhetoric by the FED is keeping the rates on hold whilst, in Europe, sluggish economics and declining inflation indices are encouraging talk of ease, sooner rather than later, from the ECB (European Central Bank). In the UK, the signals remain mixed, and despite lower inflation, the real economy is holding steady, making a rate cut unlikely but impossible. We favour a cut in July, and only if the FED go in June because some of the pay and employment data looks much weaker than we first thought. We do not expect deep cuts, 75bp maximum this year. Instead, they will hold for a few months until they see the Autumn numbers and what the chancellor does ahead of the election.

Europe is still looking the weakest of all, which may prompt earlier action (even this week) cut by the ECB. The inflation data is declining the fastest and looking like the least sticky. Also, the emerging market economies purchasing managers report is showing the most growth since May 23.

The US outperformance on equities is taking a breather and the UK and Europe have clawed back some of their underperformance. The UK could have a period of better investment returns over the summer and equities could be good value vs. US and Japan.

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TECHNOLOGY TRENDS – Regional Tech Hubs are managing to attract entrepreneurs.

Research by the Financial Times, Sifted and Statista indicates real activity in the peripheries of our nations, away from the core cities, away from VCs and the major Universities. Eurotechnologies, an initiative led by local authorities, developed several incubators and accelerators that are now paying dividends. The passion to convert the perceived no-mans-land environment into thriving hubs must be replicated in the UK. We are still too focused on London, Cambridge and Oxford to the detriment of many regions, like North Essex, Norwich and Ipswich. The attraction for startups is easy access to education and the status of being a small fish in a smaller pond. It does take time, and the incubation programme in Europe started in 2016, but now, a significant cohort of 100+ people is going through their programmes.

Of course, there are challenges, not least the city-centric funding landscape—in France, two-thirds of the funding is provided to Paris-based startups, meaning founders are reluctant to engage with the periphery, but it is the quality of the support that is ultimately helping them to win.

Another appealing aspect of these programmes is the talent pipeline they can engage with where students are primed to work in the startup ecosystem, and the entrepreneurs are keen to oblige. In the UK, SETsquared is doing an amazing job in the country's south-west. The Weave aims to do something similar here in the East.

FinTech keeps its crown as the investment king of the tech sector, and the UK is the primary recipient.

FinTech firms attracted $1.2 billion in VC investments in March, nearly $400 million of which came into the UK. So, what’s the appeal of FinTech? Much of the appeal has to do with the resurgence of crypto as an asset class, encouraging investors to spend in this area once more. Reaching the $70,000 price tag and many pundits speculating on twice that price in the next year, the market was bid and remained so. One London-based FinTech that attracted $20 million of funding was Ubit, a derivatives exchange.

Who knows whether this can last—I don’t have a crystal ball, and some technical indicators look stretched, but the appetite appears to be there to see the old highs go. The relative strength indicator (see below) measures the relative overbought/oversold state, indicates the prior state. Still, I have seen overbought indicators rapidly return to neutral within a few weeks of consolidation.

SUSTAINABILITY TRENDS – Greta Thunberg gets arrested, and the Swiss are getting litigious over climate change.

Greta Thunberg, the climate activist, was arrested at the Hague climate protests two days ago. Many were cross that Extinction Rebellion protested on the hottest day of the year, causing them difficulty as they tried to get to the beach. (I have no idea if that’s true, but it appeared on the BBC website.) The rapid temperature rise in the Antarctic has been reported in the last few weeks, with one day last year showing 38 degrees higher than the norm. This would be like the UK, seeing a 50-degree heatwave in Spring.?

We are becoming more focused on education that helps us engage with sustainability and the circular economy, hence next month’s webinar.

In other news, a landmark Court Ruling on Climate change accountability as the European Court of Human Rights upheld a claim that Switzerland had infringed the rights of its citizens by not doing enough to counter climate change. This is all to do with failure to reach stated targets, which has ramifications for many. What is not so clear is what the punishment would be for failure. In this case, the judges ruled that the Swiss government were ordered to pay the expenses ($87,000), but there was yet to be any decision on what measures Switzerland would have to make going forward.

?Sustainable Times had an interesting piece on the ‘Net Zero’ economy in 2023, a piece of analysis conducted by the CBI. It was a reflective piece but did emphasise that the growth of this sector far outstrips general economic growth conditions. Green industries both receive significant investment and essential conduits to address wider sustainability issues. At the heart of any sustainable economy is a focus on collaboration and transparency, and unless we get comfortable with these two elements, we will struggle.

The report highlighted the surge in activity that contributed to around 3.8% of the nation's economy, which was vital when the drags on growth were profound. This investment was not all internally driven, and according to the report, ￡14 billion came from foreign direct investment. Over twenty-thousand highly contributive new jobs were created in this sector, and the average annual salary was ￡44.6k, 1.6 times higher than the national average.

The report was not all hype and prosperity. There was also a realisation that despite the effort, temperatures were still rising, and the headwinds businesses face are challenging many to rethink investment strategies. Also, this was not a UK-wide success story, and London was a laggard despite the wider congestion charge and London-based initiatives.

The report concludes that the election will undoubtedly be a battleground for green voters. However, whoever wins must establish a strong foothold in inspiring wider change and accelerating “sluggish delivery rates.”

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INNOVATION OPPORTUNITIES TO BRING ABOUT CHANGE

Business model innovation (BMI), whether the process or the outcome, is one of the most impactful ways of driving change with customer satisfaction in mind. To enact BMI, we need what Henry Chesbrough called ‘strategic agility’, or how companies adapt and respond quickly to changes in the market and industry. As a small business, we have limited barriers to innovation and can stay ahead of our larger competitors if we understand where our strategic agility comes from and how it can help us drive business model innovation. There are six areas to focus on, all of which we can help you achieve. They are:

1.??????????????? Adaptability: Strategic agility allows companies to adapt their business models to changing market conditions, customer needs, and technological advancements. It enables them to quickly identify and respond to emerging trends and opportunities, so long as they have their ear to the ground. Talk to your customers, engage with your community, and seek approval and feedback. Be brave and co-create from within and share the benefits of doing so.

2.??????????????? Flexibility: This is not the same as being adaptable; being flexible means going down one path and appreciating the need to modify aspects of your thinking. Strategic agility enables companies to experiment with different business models and iterate on them based on feedback and results.? It allows for a more iterative and dynamic approach to business model innovation rather than a rigid and fixed strategy.

3.??????????????? Speed: Strategic agility helps companies move quickly and make decisions promptly. It allows for faster experimentation, learning, and implementation of new business models, which is crucial in today's fast-paced and competitive business environment. Speed, though, is relative. Implementing a new model may take a few months for us, but for a larger business, it might take years. The first-mover advantage is not always what it is made out to be. The most important thing is to move and learn your way forward.

4.??????????????? Risk management: Strategic agility helps companies manage risks associated with business model innovation. It allows for smaller-scale experiments and tests before committing to large-scale changes, reducing the potential negative impact of failed experiments and providing a more controlled approach to innovation.

5.??????????????? Competitive advantage: Strategic agility gives companies a competitive advantage by enabling them to be more responsive and adaptive to market changes. It allows them to differentiate themselves from competitors by offering unique and innovative business models that more effectively meet customer needs.

6.??????????????? Long-term sustainability: Strategic agility helps companies to stay relevant and sustainable in the long run. It allows them to continuously evolve and improve their business models to meet changing customer demands and market dynamics. This adaptability is crucial for long-term success and growth.

Overall, strategic agility is essential for business model innovation as it enables companies to navigate through uncertainty, seize new opportunities, and stay ahead of the competition.? It provides the flexibility, speed, and adaptability needed to succeed in today's rapidly changing business landscape.

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PREMIUM CONTENT AND SUPPORT

Join our Premium support programme and get discounts on various courses, accountability programmes, Interwoven Spotlights, social media shoutouts, and first dibs on any pitching, innovation, or networking events we run.

You will gain access to our premium area for ￡59.00 per person or ￡125.00 per business/team per month (Ex. VAT). Sign up now, as these prices cannot be guaranteed. What can be guaranteed is an easy-in-easy-out model that works for you.

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OKRs – Spring Forward - New approach. Get accountable and boost your productivity.

?The Weave launched its accountability programme and welcomed the first cohort of attendees onboard.

So why did they join? They loved setting out meaningful objectives and working with someone to hold them accountable and keep them focused.

We will take on ten more people in January, limiting the numbers and running them every two months. If you are interested, you can explore some of the resources we have here: https://wearetheweave.co.uk/okr

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Objectives and Key Results (OKR) came to my attention after reading John Doerr’s excellent book Measure What Matters. We all may have rather vague aspirations about success, happiness and wealth. Equally, we may say we want to grow sales by 15%, but what does that all mean, and can they be interpreted as actions focused on outcomes? When we use the OKR model, things take a more empowering shape. We are encouraged to see our objectives as results that can be measured and how we empower growth through sharing. Teams and all stakeholders see where we are heading and can align themselves with you for the journey. So, how do they differ from SMART goal setting?

The primary differences are:

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Flexibility: SMART goals tend to be more rigid, with specific criteria and deadlines. OKRs allow for more flexibility, encouraging teams to set ambitious objectives even if they may not be entirely achievable.

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Focus on Ambition: OKRs often emphasise setting ambitious and challenging objectives, encouraging teams to aim high. SMART goals may prioritise more realistic and attainable targets.

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Continuous Evaluation: OKRs typically involve regular check-ins and evaluations, promoting continuous improvement and adaptation. SMART goals may have less frequent evaluation periods.

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Alignment: OKRs emphasise that the individual and team goals align with broader organisational objectives. SMART goals may not explicitly highlight this alignment.

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Quantitative vs. Qualitative: While SMART goals often focus on quantitative measures, OKRs can include quantitative and qualitative key results, providing a more holistic view of success.

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There is a place for both, but we believe that in the world of aspirational entrepreneurs, OKRs have the edge.

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SIGN-UP FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP BOOST IN 2024

READING ROOMS – IT IS

●?????? A book club.

●?????? A space to learn how to write books.

●?????? A place to be a thought leader.

●?????? An opportunity to get your words published.

●?????? A library where you can access books.

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This is a breakthrough in personal development and personal branding. Reading is like having a mentor in your pocket. We have a rich library of resources – books we have collected and built up. Joining Reading Rooms is a value experience second to none – and we welcome you. Becoming a member is an investment of ￡699.00 annually, excluding VAT, and this gives you access to the reading club, library, regular book reviews, and analysis. It also will provide you with a 20% discount on the cost of the writing workshops.

?We are the embodiment of our business. Our DNA runs through it, so how we present to others matters. It reflects on us, our brand and the brand we build for the business. Putting pen to paper and converting your thoughts into written words is a mammoth achievement and can put you on the pathway to great opportunities that come to you, and not always; you must go to them. Why meet with someone who looks less than inspiring? Now is your chance to shake it up in 2024 and join the leadership development programme from The Weave.

?The course is coming. It won’t be free, but it will be immense. Think of that moment when a box of crisply presented books arrives at your home with your name on them—quite a moment—and The Weave can make this happen.?

STILL TAKING THE TEMPERATURE AND THANK THOSE WHO HAVE TAKEN OUR SURVEY - WE ARE ON THE ROAD TO HELPING THE NHS CELEBRATE 75 YEARS

We have a passion to get it right – a belief that we can convert aspiration into economic gain for you, the region and the next generation. To help us shape what matters and learn more about every one of you, please take our survey https://the-weave.mn.co/posts/38811828?utm_source=manual ?

COMPETITION

We are introducing a new offer, which we have called PitchLab—we hate the name—so we are offering a copy of the Ted Lasso Guide—100 Motivational Quotes. If you have a suggestion, then DM me in the community—you can join here: https://the-weave.mn.co/share/u5hblRQ-zyNboeDp?utm_source=manual.

PROJECTS, NEWS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Launching soon

1.???? PitchLab – a six-week cohort programme to develop a pitch and pitch deck. In today’s complex environment, agility and opportunity are essential to survival. Our programme explores and develops language that aids Communication Efficiency. Anyone attending will be on a business development journey focused on the power of iterative thinking and creating a fresh, well-constructed pitch. For anyone who has been on the Essex Business Accelerator – this uses the good stuff here but then adds to it.

2.???? SprintLento? - Innovation is not a happy accident. It is a purposeful pastime. Why not invest in an eight-week innovation sprint instead of spending thousands on leadership and team development training? In this event, your team and some well-chosen wise externals will work together to deliver a piece of innovation that addresses a business challenge. This learning event brings teams together to create cohesion and develop essential soft skills – not in a classroom but in an innovation space. If you have a training budget and don’t want to blow it on classroom-based learning – speak to us.

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What’s next?

We hope you enjoyed this version of Catching The Wave – if you saw value in it, please share. If you want MUCH more value, then join The Weave at our MightyNetworks community.

Referrals, Community, Support, Accountability and Events – as Roy would say from Ted Lasso “Faaaack” in a very gruff voice. ?

This is FREE to use and engage with and your chance to help grow the region’s entrepreneurial talent.