Friday Footnote # 148

Each week we share loads of content amongst Team ION and with our network. Content that inspires us, which we find helpful, or just makes us smile. We thought we would start sharing these insights every Friday. Welcome to Friday Footnote.

Supporting the current and future of Welsh business 

On Tuesday this week we were 'out and about' around Swansea supporting Welsh businesses, current and new. 

First up we visited the Swansea.com Stadium for the Welsh Business Show. It was fantastic to catch up with so many amazing people (plenty of whom happened to be LEAD Wales / ION alumni!) and spend some time with our Swansea University friends who were promoting the Swansea University Linc network - we are proud to be members, its definitely worth checking out!

We then headed back to the Singleton Campus and visited the Taliesin Arts Centre to attend the Student Start-Up Autumn Fair, organised by our friends from the Swansea University Enterprise Team. It was brilliant to see such innovative, creative and entrepreneurial students selling their products, whether it was artwork, soaps, jewellery or plants. There will be another fayre on the 30th November so keep an eye out on social channels. We are sure the students would love your support, and you might pick yourselves up a Christmas bargain!  

Inspiration

• Investment and skills barriers continue to impact Welsh businesses (Wales 247)
• Innovation Management: The Ultimate Guide (Viima) 
• The secret to successfully pitching an idea (TED)
• Swansea University celebrates renewed partnership with Santander Universities (Swansea University) 
• Can 10 minutes of meditation make you more creative? (Harvard Business Review) 
• The peril of orphaned innovations (IDEO)
• Tramshed Tech to open new Innovation Station in Newport (Wales 247) 

Open up new opportunities by implementing Circular Economy principles 

Introducing circular economy principles into your business offers a range of reasons that can positively impact your bottom line, brand reputation, and long-term sustainability. Here's why you should consider adopting circular economy principles; Cost Savings, Competitive Advantage, Innovation Opportunities, Regulatory Compliance, Supply Chain Resilience. 

Transitioning to a circular economy requires a shift in mindset and business strategies with increased circular economy knowledge and innovation skills. However, the long-term benefits in terms of sustainability, cost savings, and business growth can be substantial, making it a worthwhile endeavour for forward-thinking businesses.

The CEIC programme, made up of Cardiff Metropolitan University in partnership with Swansea University and third sector and industry partners, are running a fully funded programme to support businesses to develop their circular economy understanding and innovation plans to support clean growth and contribute to Welsh Government’s ‘Net Zero Wales’ ambitions.

There are Insight events taking place on Thursday 19th October and Wednesday October 25th and you can sign up here. 

To express an interest in the fully-funded 6 month programme starting in late October 2023 visit their website.

Fancy winning two Hospitality Tickets to a Swansea City game?

Our friends at Swansea University LINC, a powerful support network that enables individuals to connect with each other, find out about funding and support and access our resources and expertise to support organisational growth, are giving you the opoportunity to be in with the chance of winning TWO Hospitality Tickets to a Swansea City AFC Game (with Premium Seating, 3-course meal pre-match drinks & much more) or a pair of match-day tickets for TWO runners up. 

How to Enter:

• Sign in or create a profile on the Swansea University LINC platform
• Find the ‘Win a prize’ event listing for more details

Become an extraordinary leader with ION

For over 11 years we have supported leaders at all levels to become extraordinary leaders. Whether you are just starting your leadership journey, or want to freshen up your skills and learn how best to implement the latest thinking, strategies and best practice into your business, we are here to help. 

Get in touch with Adam on ionleadership@swansea.ac.uk to arrange a chat to find out how we can work with you to develop extraordinary leaders in your organisation.

#FridayFootnote will be taking a short break next week, but we will be back in a few weeks time.  

Missed previous #FridayFootnotes?