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business focus


Start-up alignment drives corporate innovation


By definition, corporates are rarely associated with words like “innovation” and “disruption”. Change is not something that comes easily to larger organisations


As businesses grow they naturally create infrastructures of processes, providing a safe and effective way to operate. The end result though, is a rigid framework that lacks agility. Ultimately, an inability to pivot and flex can be a real weakness in our socially activated economic environment. To thrive today, independent and creative thinking are vital ingredients as is the ability to react quickly within rapidly changing markets. Big companies need to shift their strategies towards this new approach.


Aligning your brand


There are new, exciting opportunities however. Game- changers out there recognise the potential to innovate to that next phase; aligning their business with technology start-ups and scale-ups to provide that enhanced customer experience.


In particular, companies are


increasingly investing in internal incubators and labs as innovation engines. This is about more than experimentation for its own sake – there is a commercial stake attached to this. The idea is to develop new products, services, and ways of working that will ultimately get absorbed into the wider organisation at large. Beyond financial benefits, from a reputational perspective, businesses can innovate their way to better marketing.


Creating labs or incubators builds an internal hub of innovation that’s separate from the organisation’s wider internal processes. Yes, processes are necessary but these will be defined with the purpose of building next generation tools and services, mapping out new ways of thinking and re-instilling a more creative culture within the business. The intention inevitably is for this to ripple through the organisation at every level.


UK’s first full assembly line for electric bikes launched


The electric bike market in countries such as Holland and Germany is way ahead of that in the UK, but Aldershot- based CycloTricity is working hard to close the gap. The company has recently announced the launch of what it believes to be the UK’s first-ever assembly factory for electric bicycles.


IT has invested £180,000 in new facilities which will enable it to produce 3,000 bikes in the first year, rising to 10,000 bikes over the following three.


As part of the assembly process CycloTricity will also be helping to support UK manufacturing by working


www.businessmag.co.uk


with a number of small engineering firms to source some of its components.


Electric bikes have a reputation for being expensive but, by taking the manufacturing and assembly process in- house, CycloTricity is seeing both improved quality control and more effective cost management. This has enabled it to produce a range of great- looking, hi-spec e-bikes – all of which come with a detachable battery pack for easy re- charging.


The company is also using 3D printing and other rapid prototyping techniques as part of its design process. This is helping it to produce new


Disruption in action


Some industries are more open to adopting these innovative new approaches than others. A great example is City firm Berwin Leighton’s Paisner’s 'Lawyers On Demand' model. Founder and ex-solicitor Jonathan Brenner essentially played a hunch; clients telling him that they wanted to work in a different way and lawyers looking for a more flexible way to work. Lawyers on demand now pair talented, freelance lawyers with clients looking for an alternative resource. Funded by BLP, they are now an award-winning team of 200 lawyers, working with some of the world’s leading companies and law firms. BLP in turn benefits from this brand association.


Elsewhere John Lewis has launched Jlab, designed to fast-track the growth of start-ups, helping them to refine their products and business models.


A step change


Full-scale lab investment isn’t an option for everyone; there are iterative ways for your business to align itself with start-ups. Part


models, the first of which will be a stylish step-through folding bike targeting women.


Managing director Rami Akily said: “This is the UK’s first full assembly line for e-bikes which is very exciting. There is a misconception that ‘Made in Britain’ comes with a premium price tag, as we can also be very efficient in manufacturing highly-technical and innovative products.


“E-bikes are a fantastic way of keeping fit but they can also help the rider to negotiate the more challenging slopes and hills.


“Over the past few years we have seen an undeniable increase in their popularity. Our sales are increasing year on year and we are very optimistic about seeing even greater market growth.”


Details: www.cyclotricity.com


DTZ secures Broad Street Mall appointment


DTZ has been reappointed as the managing agent for Broad Street Mall in Reading.


The instruction follows the centre’s recent acquisition by Inception (Reading) Sarl, and is the largest asset in their UK portfolio.


The centre was sold by Ivypark after 10-years ownership.


DTZ’s retail property management team will continue to manage the 400,000 sq ft shopping centre which comprises 75 retail units and six kiosks and two office buildings.


National retailers represented at the scheme include Wilkinson, Argos, TK Maxx, New Look, Boswell’s, Superdrug, and Footlocker.


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – THAMES VALLEY – JULY/AUGUST 2015


of our mission at ConnectTVT has been to bridge the gap between the corporate and start-up worlds. By becoming part of our community here, larger businesses get access to exciting new start- ups and truly some of the most original talent in the area. Our Challenge Nights see corporates put a problem to teams of start-ups who develop innovative, flexible solutions, giving bigger businesses access to workable, more creative ideas. Our start-ups benefit by building their experience and understanding more about creating channels for this market.


Let’s lead from here


Engaging with hubs like ours is a great way to introduce new thinking into a business. This isn’t about digital transformation, rather evolving your business, keeping it that step ahead of competitors. Start small and build from there. This new way of working could be how your organisation moves forward.


Details: Louize Clarke


louize@connecttvt.co.uk @connectTVT www.facebook/connectTVT


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