The Boost Diaries!

Inspired by Maya Dibley (Innovation and Digital Lead, LCC ), I am going to commit to writing a monthly reflective diary picking out perhaps 4, 5 or 6 highlights from my month working on and in Boost (Lancashire’s Business Growth Hub {you know this right?})

So a few caveats before I begin!

• If we met and I don’t mention you that does not mean that you were not inspiring, fabulous and totally brilliant!
• If you launched a new product and I don’t mention it, it does not mean that it is unnoticed and unloved!
• If your run or are involved in some amazing business support chances are I won’t mention you!

We are blessed in Lancashire with an abundance of world class support, what I hope to do in this reflective piece is to simply shine a light on things that have caught my “magpie” gaze!

Oh and also a shameless plug! If you are growth enthusiastic, speak with Boost, if you are not yet ready... keep watching Boost and the businesses taking advantage of the services on offer-you could be next!

So January 2019

Woohoo, New Year, new focus, new you Blar Blar blar…

NEW/NOT SO NEW RETURN!

New manufacturing growth fund project manager, a huge welcome back to Steve Wilkinson, he’s going to be a huge asset, steeped in a wealth of experience and fresh from working with CoolKit he brings a ton of relevant and practical experience with him, he replaces Alan who is also staying in Lancashire, so win win - if you don’t know about this project check it out here: https://www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk/support/lancashire-manufacturing-growth-fund/

HEALTH MOT!

Free health checks for all your staff over 40, an amazing fully funded service provided by LCC; what you waiting for! Support your most important business asset! More info here: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/nhs-health-check/

CELEBRATION TIME!

Thank you Matt Hutchinson and the team who are delivering the Lancashire Forum and Lancashire Creative Forum. A room packed with businesses who benefited from this fantastic support! As an added bonus, the radiant and grinning Michael Finnigan delivered a rousing master class inspiring them to dare to act. Helping businesses move from impossible to inevitable, you cannot help but leave inspired and motivated to take action. Matt also coined the phrase “yellow glue” when describing Boost's role in curating the business support ecosystem (I love it!!!)

CONSTRUCTING A NARRATIVE!

CITB, if you’re in construction you will know these guys, but are you taking advantage of their support? Met with my name sake Andrew Bridge, we immediately recognised that we can support each other by working more closely, thank you Michelle Lawty-Jones from Lancashire skills Hub, talking of skills... details here: https://www.boostbusinesslancashire.co.uk/support/skills-support-for-the-workforce/

SOWING AND GROWING!

Growing Club, had the privilege of attending their AGM, inspiring, picking up momentum and growing in every sense, this is simply activity that puts a smile on my face, a spring in my step and a reminder of the commitments and sacrifice that all people in business make each and every day, sometimes in very difficult circumstances! Thankfully there is support out there, seek out your perfect support partners, if in doubt, we can help (I’m shameless!). Thank you Jane Binnion. https://thegrowingclub.co.uk/

Just a snap shot!

I’m practicing and rehearsing two new themes, which in the coming months I might get better at articulating, but watch out for collaboration ?? and celebration??

Last word, let’s share more! In a recent meeting with Rachel Kay(https://lovelocalnetworking.co.uk/wordpress/ ), she told me of a lovely custom in China (I think) of taxi drivers giving all their customers two business cards, one for you, one for a friend!

Let's do that with Boost! If you have received great support tell a friend, if you have yet to start your Boost journey, get in touch, what you waiting for??? #GrowthConversation #GrowingLancashire #WeAreLancashire

Be amazing!

Ps, podcast tip, produced by UKTi and fronted by Nick Hewer, this was an insightful and short scamper through the benefits, considerations and celebration of export. Some fabulous companies showcased, it would be great to get a Lancashire one on! https://itunes.apple.com/gb/podcast/local-to-global-with-nick-hewer/id1448461894?mt=2

Andrew