I'm off to the Paralympics

For the last eight years, I have had the pleasure to follow the progress of Scotland's bravest athlete Martin Perry PLY .

Martin has qualified to represent his country in both doubles and singles at table tennis in the Paris Paralympics this year.

To qualify for any international event takes incredible courage, dedication and sacrifice a challenge compounded by the fact that Martin was born with congenital limb loss & deformity resulting in him being born with no hands and only one leg.

Martin is married with a young family and is my inspiration.

By his actions and example, he has allowed me to appreciate that nothing in the world is impossible.

I was delighted when Martin agreed to be an Ambassador for Scottish Business Network and very proud when our community agreed to offer a small financial donation to support Martin in his efforts to attain his goal of securing a place in Paris.

Joined by my colleague Steven Turner (the designer of the magnificent image above) we will, as promised all those years ago, cheer Martin as enters the competitive arena on Monday.

We all need heroes and even though he is half my age I can say with pride that Martin is my hero.

The team at Scottish Business Network featured Martin in their latest Podcast where he was interviewed by Ewan Dunbar . Simply click on the image below to listen to this inspiring interview.

Opportunities

(1) The latest Scottish EDGE call is currently open and if you have a business idea that you need funding to get off the ground then I urge you to apply. Funding of between ￡10,000 and ￡100,000 is available but applications must be received by September 11th.

(2) I would like to invite you to join me for a drink in London on September 12th and to meet some of the amazing members of our Scottish Business Network community-based in the city. Simply DM me if you would like to attend as my guest.

(3) ￡8 million in Scottish Government contracts covering multiple challenges available to innovators in Scotland and across the world. I urge anyone applying to get their application in soon as the closing date is fast approaching. Review the challenges and process here.

If you have any questions about this opportunity then please reach out. The Scottish GovTech Cluster community is available to assist here.

Articles

(simply click on the image to read the article)

1. Growth Investment in Scotland on the rise

I had the opportunity this week to comment on the latest Actum Group analysis of the Scottish Growth Funding market. This report by Jonathan Klonowski with input from Max Scharbert of Anderson Strathern is well worth a read.

2. A message for you

Don't ever forget this priceless advice I received this week.

3. Do you really know your customer

A favourite subject for me and I hope you will find this advice useful.

What's on my agenda this week?

In addition to attending events at the Paralympics this week, I will be meeting with representatives of the Tech Sector in Paris. If you are around and would like to meet please DM me.

Paris has a flourishing tech ecosystem and my goal as always is to identify potential partnerships to enable Scottish companies to accelerate their international plans.

How can you help?

1. Please leave a comment sharing your feedback, insight or thoughts on what you have read. This is invaluable as I ensure this publication is adding value for you.
2. Share this newsletter with those in your community if you feel they will find value in receiving a copy: https://www.dhirubhai.net/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7169668571235606528
3. Don't hesitate to DM, or email me at [email protected] if you believe I may be able to assist you in moving your business forward. Helping others is my goal in life and I always have time to talk.