Newslink Jan2010 - London Chamber of Commerce and Industry

Knowledge Dock
After the difficult trading conditions of the previous 12 months, most businesses will be hoping for a better
outlook in 2010.The good news is that the latest economic data would seem to suggest that the UK economy
has started to show signs of growth.
Most business people who I have spoken to in the past few weeks certainly have a renewed spring in their
step, many stating that one of their New Year’s Resolutions is to grow their business.
Towards the end of last year,Knowledge Dock published the results of its business survey targeted at companies
in the Thames Gateway region.The resilience of the SME sector was illustrated when 96% of respondents
stated that they have introduced some form of new innovation in the past 12 months.The flexibility and
resilience of SMEs in my opinion is key to their ability to adapt to changing market conditions.
The survey also discovered that many companies are unaware of the enterprise support offered by universities to industry. Knowledge Dock, the University
of East London provides a comprehensive range of support services where businesses connect to expertise that can help them grow their business.
We can help businesses access a wide range of expertise to tackle real business issues, such as helping to develop websites, conducting competitor research,
developing marketing strategies, implement IT systems and much more.What’s more many of the programmes we run are funded by the government, so can
cost companies little or nothing to participate.
For example, thorough the London Innovation Placement Programme, for £500 companies can access a talented student for 4 weeks to work on a specific
business project, the project is also supervised by a consultant.This is great value for money given that you are getting all this expertise for £125 a week.
Another one of our programmes, Innovation 4 Growth, offers businesses 12 hours of free consultancy from an expert.
Having spoken to a number of our clients who have utilised most, if not all of the services we offer, most report that they have grown their business during
the recession and are confident that they are in prime position to take advantage of the opportunities that will now begin to emerge as the economy grows.
The key to their confidence stems from their continued investment into the improvement of their company’s operations and products/services, thus giving
them a competitive edge over their rivals.
So if you are looking to develop and grow your business, why not call Knowledge Dock to see if we can connect you to the expertise that can propel your
business forward. For the price of a phone call and a few minutes of your time, we could potentially connect you to a funded programme that provides you
with free consultancy.What have you got to lose?
Martin Chan
Communications Manager
Knowledge Dock
t: 020 8223 3301
w: www.knowledgedock.com
e: info@knowledgedock.com
DCB/ELCC Member Survey Results
Thanks are due to all those members who completed the recent survey .The results were most helpful in
guiding the Board and Management towards ways of improving our services to members and contacts.
85% of those who responded said membership was of value to their business and 95% felt their subscription
returned value for money.
All respondents confirmed that they had mainly joined to attend networking events.But use of other benefits,
such as website information,legal advice helpline,Queen Street members’ lounge and the online market place
was disappointingly low.Steps are in hand to make members more fully aware of the range of support on offer
and encourage greater use.
Online or email event booking proved popular innovations,favoured by 89% whilst 90% wanted to learn about
the events programme by email.
The events programme content, choice of venues and catering all found favour with Time To Talk Business
heading the list for productive networking.Surprisingly Speed Networking came in last although we know that
many members who attend benefit from new business.
Questioned about time of day preferences 68% plumped for evening, 21% lunchtime and 17% breakfast.
10 participating members reported back that they would like to join a restructured DBC Committee.Results
of its formation will be announced in the mid –year issue if Newslink.
6 NEWSLINK