to the directors of established companies, as well as Lancaster University academics and facilitators.
“One of the first sessions was on vision planning, which, for me, is for Two Stories to secure a regional and national reputation as super-creative specialists in brand and design.
“When we shared our vision with the group, I knew my aspirations were high, but other delegates were only supportive.
“We then broke down our plans into achievable steps, leaving Rob and I with a clear and practical to-do list.”
THE CONFIDENCE TO TAKE CONTROL
Bekkie discovered that, as her business plans grew throughout the programme, so did her confidence. She explains: “I was 24 when we started Two Stories and sometimes feel conscious of being a young business owner. There was a hugely diverse mix of delegates on the Forum, though, and a sense that everyone had something to offer and learn, regardless of age and experience.
“Getting positive feedback on my ideas and achievements from peers on the programme was hugely validating. We really gelled as a team and have become a support network to each other that’s lasted beyond the final session.”
THE FACE OF THE FUTURE
Now, Bekkie and Rob are working together to deliver the new Two Stories vision.
One of Bekkie’s first steps is to channel her increased confidence into becoming a more visible face of the business. Bekkie explains: “The Lancashire Forum brought home to me just how much people buy from people. It clarified that Rob and I need to step out from behind the brand and become better known as individuals.”
This process is already underway, with Bekkie being recognised at a prestigious national industry award, Campaign’s Female Frontier Awards 2022, for which she was chosen as a finalist for its Marketing Rising to the Top award amongst a host of inspiring women from national businesses.
Bekkie adds: “Taking part in the Lancashire Forum made me realise how important it is to make the space to do the director-level thinking that had so often fallen to the bottom of the list.
“Now, me, Rob and the team have a new sense of purpose and direction and are making conscious, deliberate decisions that are taking us to where we want to be.”
JOIN THE NEXT OPPORTUNITY FOR LANCASHIRE SMES
If you are a director or the owner-manager of a small-to-medium- sized business in Lancashire, the Lancashire Forum could help you move your business forward.
BUSINESS EXCELLENCE FROM LUMS
Lancaster University Management School’s Lancashire Forum is offering a range of Business Excellence programmes to help SMEs innovate, develop and grow. With a selection of focussed short online programmes, consisting of three half-day sessions, find the right programme for you to deliver high business impact and will enable you to take your business to the next level.
Fully-funded places are available on the next range of short Business Excellence programmes coming up this spring and summer:
• Supply Chain Resilience, starting 12 May 2022 • Pricing with Purpose, starting 28 June 2022
The Lancashire Forum is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) for Lancashire businesses that employ from two to 250 full-time employees and have a turnover of less than €50m (or equivalent in GBP).
To find out if you’re eligible, learn more and apply, visit
lancaster.ac.uk/lums/business-excellence or contact Dominic Robinson on 01524 593712 or email
lancashireforum@lancaster.ac.uk.
Register your interest | 01524 593712 |
lancashireforum@lancaster.ac.uk |
lancaster.ac.uk/lums/business-excellence LANCASHIREBUSINESSVIEW.CO.UK
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