Art of Cloud - Salesforce Crest Partners’ Post

This morning we had over 40 inspiring leaders in our London Studios to chat about how big businesses, public sector and government can support SMEs to thrive – and benefit from their magic. Huge thank you to our panellists: Magnetic's Tom Whitwell, Beatriz Montoya, Chief Operations Officer at Simply Business, Charlotte Schofield, Venture Director at Reckitt and NED and Founder of Elevate Colour Oke Eleazu. Here are some of our key take aways: 🚀 The SME community has shrunk and is under more pressure than every before with rising costs, taxation, socio-econimic pressures and consumer spending declining - they're also feeling the pinch. Despite pressure it's a resilient community. 💛 Businesses have a responsibility to help and partner with the SME community. We can all help, even as consumers. 🚫 99% of our businesses in the UK are SMEs, and 48% are employers, yet the community feel forgotten about by government. There are three things small businesses need to think about before deciding whether to partner up with a larger corporate business: ➡ The ability and capability to work together ➡ Sponsorship from a senior leader in the business to unblock barriers and fly your flag ➡ Having amazing project management rigour with clear timelines, deliverables and objectives. What were your take aways? #event #sme #design #designbetterfutures

If you haven't registered yet for our 3-day Better Business Bootcamp, there are a few more spots left. Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your business or make your dream a reality! Grant Slayer Dr. Shaun Glaze from Inclusive Data and so many other experts in their field will be there to help you bring your business to another level. Got questions? We got answers! 🚀 Event Details: 📅 Dates: March 1st through March 3rd 📍 Location: Station Square, Suite 136 Here's a breakdown of what's in store for you: 🌟 Friday, March 1st, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM - Networking: Kickstart your weekend by connecting with like-minded individuals and seasoned experts. This is your chance to expand your network and lay the groundwork for potential collaborations! 📚 Saturday, March 2nd, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Workshops: Dive deep into actionable strategies designed to propel your business forward. We've got you covered from smart planning to leveraging the latest tech trends! 🎤 Sunday, March 3rd, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM - Pitch Contest: Ready to showcase your entrepreneurial prowess? Step into the spotlight and pitch your ideas to a panel of esteemed judges. Who knows, this could be your moment to shine! But wait, there's more! 🌈We are thrilled to announce that our keynote speaker for this incredible event will be none other than Dr. Shaun Glaze from Inclusive Data. Shaun is a trailblazer in inclusivity and innovation, and their insights are guaranteed to inspire and empower you! 🌟 Secure your spot now by registering at https://lnkd.in/eqKyBtp5 Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce TJ Walker Station Square Minority Business Development Agency - U.S. Department of Commerce U.S. Small Business Administration NC IDEA Inclusive Data #minoritybusinessowners #ncidea #rockymountbusiness #rockymount #bettebusinessbootcamp #rockymountnc #firstfridaysnc #firstfridays #empowerment

How do you position your business brand? Over the past week I've been fortunate to meet businesses with a strategic focus on how their brand occupies the mind of target customers, from impact led decisions around #recruitment outreach, procurement and #management development to #socialvalue and #digitalmarketing. I am keen to highlight four organisations doing great things to add value within their local community networks; 💳 MGRW+: the commitment of Tina Havenhand & Adrian Dunkley to give back and be visible amongst local education environments is refreshing to see. Looking forward to working collaboratively to showcase #financial sector industry led learning. 💫 See it Be it in Sheffield: something we should ALL be involved in! Looking forward to developing ideas to build on a truly inspirational initiative with Cheryl Plant, Charlotte Bjorck and the team. 🍃 Opening the book on #sustainability led design with the (super-connector!) Katrina Lewis, John Archbold and the specialist team at FORMM. And finally ... read this, a great piece in Business Insider from 'Skills Investor' partner Esh Group. Megan Roberts going the extra mile to share the 'growing importance of social value', some great points on why all organisations should place #socialvalue front and centre in the business plan! - https://lnkd.in/e4CyTmNT Did I mention, Skills Street is your opportunity to; - Inspire over 16,000 school aged learners - Raise aspiration of adult learners and those looking to retrain in industry - Partner with a Community Interest Company to engage local communities with skills and employment opportunities 💡 https://lnkd.in/eGe4NwVh

The Better Business Network is going strong in 2024! 🗓️ Check out our event calendar for a full look on everything we've got going on: https://bit.ly/3WgC4fC --- 🥐 BREAKFAST NETWORKING We’ve enjoyed running our monthly breakfast networking every second Thursday of the Month at our x+why 100 Embankment headquarters here in Manchester. Members can now benefit from these sessions at new locations across the country hosted by our regional managers across The Better Business Network. BRIGHTON - Projects - Hosted by Kelly Smith from Neo | Best for the World B Corp™ BRISTOL - Square Works Bristol - Hosted by Mollie Kay-Hough from heuman LONDON - x+why , The Orchard - Hosted by Madelyn Postman from Grain Sustainability SHEFFIELD Wizu Workspace - Hosted by Charles Sladdin from Purple Banana Find the nearest location to you & pop along 💬 CATALYST CONVERSATIONS We now run industry roundtable discussions, this include topics such as 1. 'HOW TO BUILD A TEAM FOR A BETTER WORLD?' 2. 'HOW CAN WE CREATE POSITIVE IMPACT THROUGH OUR SUPPLY CHAIN? 3. WHAT CAN WE DO TO CHALLENGE GREENWASH? STAYING ACCOUNTABLE 4. HOW CAN WE USE CAMPAIGNS TO TRULY CREATE POSITIVE IMPACT? With our valuable insights published and sent out to our members for them to benefit from 🧑💻 REMOTE WORKSHOPS We’re now offering two brand new remote workshops - Every 2 months on a Thursday alongside our usual Carbon Literacy Training. These sessions are free for our BBN members for up to 5 attendees. 1. Intro to B corps – Learn what challenges business is facing – Understand how business is changing – What the B Corp Movement is – Understand the areas of the B Impact Assessment – Learn about Mindful Consumers and what that means for your business + Much more! 2. Sustainability as a sales tool – Learn what challenges business is facing – Understand how business is changing – Learn about other Sustainable Initiatives your business can get involved with – Learn about Mindful Consumers and what that means for your business + Much more 🍃 ADDING NATURE TO OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS Following Faith In Nature's footsteps, we have officially added Nature to our Board of Directors! Graham Hansen, Director of Lawbox. will be representing Nature on our behalf and will be involved in all key strategic decisions 💚 Shoutout to our board advisors Jannine Barron from REGENERATIVE BUSINESS MENTORING and Simon Ursell from Tyler Grange | B Corp™ for their continued support #Updates #BetterBusinessNetwork #2024Updated #BusinessForGood 🎦 Ryan Flaherty

What a week last week! Full of networking, learning & ‘doing’. Kicked off with an excellent ‘Social Media Trends’ workshop delivered by Caroline Wilson, hosted by Enterprise House Barnard Castle on behalf of Business Durham, with plenty of enlightenment & permission… (more on that soon!). Great to see Allison & Jonathon from TEESDALE CHEESEMAKERS LTD , and Karen Everson amongst others. Rapidly followed by a CIM | The Chartered Institute of Marketing webinar about the value of a sustainable brand strategy, reinforcing the importance of incorporating sustainability opportunities & practices into an organisation’s strategy. Then it was on to Newcastle for a north east Virgin StartUp meet up of founders & mentors, hearing the fascinating story of Craig Rose ‘s brand DOCTOR SEAWEED LIMITED. So good to finally meet Katie Willis face to face, and Andy Fishburn we definitely need more of these in the north east, please! Next stop, Sally Marshall’s ‘Ladies Who Brunch’, a brilliant networking group with the impressive Bianca Robinson explaining the impact CEO Sleepout UK has on local communities (yes network, you better watch out, it’s coming!). Lovely to also meet Mandy Shields, Diane Williamson, Suzanne Gander, Pat Chambers & Anne Sykes, and catch up with Janice Holton again. Finishing off with a whip round North East Expo to catch some familiar faces (James Ibbitson , Moira Barnes , Phil Pugh , Paul Lawton , Kevin Spowart , Paul Robinson , Phil Benton ) & make new connections (Jack Spoor , Tony Roxburgh ). If I missed you last week, give me a shout & we can sort a cuppa ☕️ #businessconnections #businessnetworking #businessdevelopment #marketingpresence #brandreputation #brandpresence #responsiblebusiness

As we embrace the dawn of 2024, We are thrilled to extend an invitation that goes beyond mere participation to genuine co-creation. Our event on February 26th isn't just another entry on the calendar—it's a call to action for visionaries, dreamers, and doers like you to come together and sculpt our collective future. At Startup Grind Frisco, our ethos is centered around nurturing a community that doesn't just meet up but grows together. In collaboration with the Frisco Economic Development Corporation (Frisco EDC), we're setting the stage not just to dialogue but to listen intently and act boldly, transforming ambitions into our shared reality. Joining us on Feb. 26th is more than attendance; it's your chance to infuse your vision into the very essence of our community. This event is designed to be a crucible for ideas, aspirations, and collaborative energy, shaping our path forward not just in Frisco but across the broader ecosystem we're all a part of. What's in store for you? - Engaging Conversations: We're crafting a space that thrives on open, honest dialogue. Your voice is invaluable, and we're here to amplify it. - Collaboration with Frisco EDC: This is a unique opportunity to influence not only our local community's trajectory but also the broader regional landscape, with the Frisco EDC at the helm of this collaborative journey. - Tailored Experiences: Your input on Feb. 26th will directly inform and inspire our calendar for the year, ensuring our initiatives resonate deeply with your needs and aspirations. Why should you mark Feb. 26th in your calendar? Because this is where your voice can catalyze real, tangible change. It's an opportunity to be part of a collective force driving growth, innovation, and empowerment throughout 2024. Event Details: - Date: February 26th - Time: 6:00 PM–9:00 PM - Location: 2801 Network Blvd., Suite 106, Hall Park - https://lnkd.in/ggDMSaFh Don't let this chance to be at the heart of transformation pass you by. RSVP now to secure your place among fellow changemakers. Together, let's make 2024 a landmark year for collective vision and empowerment. I look forward to witnessing the incredible impact we can achieve together. See you there! https://lnkd.in/ggDMSaFh

“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out, it’s the pebble in your shoe.” Muhammad Ali On Friday, 28th June at GreenTechHQ successful businessman and manager of the Irish Rugby Team for 8 years, Michael Kearney talks about his time with the team and the lessons he learnt that can help your business grow, alongside serial entrepreneur Ed Murphy who will host the chew and chat. Owning or managing a business can be difficult, with a wide range of challenges to navigate. Ensuring you have the right skills, tools and competencies to develop your business is a critical process. This is the ideal networking and information session for you to gain insight into how to excel (with)in your business. Join us at #GreenTechHQ in Enniscorthy Technology Park on Friday 28th June at 8.30-10:15 AM…. meet other business people and learn how you can get the help every business needs….. by the way, coffee and breakfast rolls will also be available. *Bonus chats* Skillnet Innovation Exchange are Ireland's marketplace for innovation and their main objective is to connect large businesses facing innovation challenges with ambitious tech providers that fast-track solutions. Hear more about their programme and how to register with them to be in for the next tender opportunity. #GreenTechHQ have teamed up with MentorsWork to offer a 12-week business-support programme of targeted supports to really improve your business. Hear from them about the mentors programme and how to apply. Read more..... https://lnkd.in/e96MkY-E #greentechhqinformationsession #greentechhqchewandchat #breakfastatgreentechhq #michaelkearney #irishrugbyteam #businessnetworking #skillnetinnovationexchange #mentorswork

On February 29th, I'll be joining Tonya Surman, CEO of Centre for Social Innovation (CSI), for a conversation at Six Degrees, CSI's signature networking event, named after the theory that all people are connected by no more than five acquaintances. At these events, the objective is to shrink this pool and reduce the degrees of separation by bringing together social innovators from across the city to connect and share ideas. We'll be discussing my latest book, "Strategy to Action," diving into how this tool can help professionals bridge short-term tactics with long-term visions in today's fast-paced business landscape. Here's what's on the agenda: 🕕 Doors Open: 6:00 PM 🎙️ Interview: 7:00 - 8:00 PM 🤝 Networking: 8:00 - 9:00 PM About my book: 📚 "Strategy to Action" - A tool to help professionals navigate today's business challenges 💡 Unites short-term tactics with long-term goals 🎯 Get your copy: https://lnkd.in/gNPQFhNu About CSI: 🌱 Catalyzing, inspiring, and supporting people to create a healthier, just, and resilient society 📍 Location: CSI Annex (720 Bathurst Street), M5S 2R4 Join us! 👉 https://lnkd.in/gGbcnPnQ Looking forward to connecting with you all! #SixDegrees #NetworkingEvent #StrategyToAction #CommunityBuilding #TorontoEvents

🔍 Unlock the Mystery of Economic Impact Studies! 🔍 Are economic impact studies really as complex as they seem? At Victus Advisors, we’ve demystified this critical tool with more than 75 studies completed for various venues and projects. 🏟️ In our latest blog post, we break down the anatomy of an economic impact study, revealing how these analyses can make or break your project. Whether you’re dealing with soaring post-COVID construction costs or navigating public-private partnerships, understanding these studies is more crucial than ever. Discover how we turn data into actionable insights and help our clients achieve their development goals. Click the link below to learn more and see our track record of success in action! 🌟 👉 Read the full blog post here: https://lnkd.in/gwz4gkv5 #EconomicImpact #FiscalImpacts #PublicPrivatePartnerships #VictusAdvisors #DataDrivenInsights #CommunityDevelopment #MixedUseDevelopment #SportsDevelopment #EntertainmentDevelopment

Check out or new Victus Advisors blog post about Decoding Economic & Fiscal Impact Studies and why they're Vital Tools for Public Assembly Venue Development! #VenueDevelopment #EconomicDevelopment #CommunityDevelopment #MixedUseDevelopment #PublicPrivatePartnerships #EconomicImpacts #FiscalImpacts #CommunityImpacts #VictusAdvisors