YTKO launches Partner to Succeed

0
1882

An ERDF Convergence project that aims to bring businesses together and work in collaboration to compete on national and international platforms is launching with a special event at Eden.

Partner to Succeed, which has been funded by £1.35 million from European Regional Development Fund Convergence together with £150k from the South West Regional Development Agency, is aimed at supporting business growth in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

Delivered by business development company YTKO, the project is being launched to the key industry sectors at the Eden Project on Friday, September 25.

Collaboration networks encourage businesses to meet and work together to plan and pursue market opportunities that they would be unable to do on their own.

Among the guest speakers at the launch for Partner to Succeed is business strategist James Alexander, co-founder of banking website Zopa.com and CEO of public service Green Thing, which inspires people to live a greener life.

Helen Trudgeon, programme director for Partner to Succeed, said: “The launch event is all about explaining the benefits of collaboration to the innovative and ambitious businesses based in Cornwall.

“We’ll be introducing our talented team of advisors, most of whom have been recruited from within the county, and we will be presenting some examples of how collaborations between businesses can help drive sales and accelerate growth.”

The programme for the Partner to Succeed launch is split into two sessions with a lunch where delegates from each session can network and also enjoy free entry to the Eden biomes.

The morning session is aimed at engineering sectors including aerospace, marine, environmental technology and agri-food businesses, with a guest speaker to be announced in the coming weeks.

The afternoon session, which features the presentation from James Alexander, will benefit creative and professional services, including ICT, financial services, e-commerce, media and healthcare.

The guest speakers will be joined by Carleen Kelemen, director of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, plus Chris Redding, head of partnerships for Business Link’s Convergence programme.

To register interest in attending the event, please email register@partnertosucceed.co.uk by August 24.

Carleen Kelemen, director of the Convergence Partnership Office for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, said: “This is one of a raft of business initiatives being supported by investment from both Convergence Programmes.

“This event is relevant to many businesses of all sizes across Cornwall. YTKO will share its experiences from other parts of the UK to demonstrate how Cornish business can partner together to maximise mutually profitable activity.”

YTKO was appointed to deliver Cornwall’s business collaboration network by the South West RDA.

Stephen Bohane, head of business development for the South West RDA added: “Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have an ambitious and diverse range of businesses, which when working together have the potential to bring significant growth to our region.

“Partner to Succeed is a very exciting project and I encourage businesses to think creatively, embrace innovation and get in touch with the team.”

[print_link]