Don't be afraid to seek partners for new ideas

Dec 2 2008 By David Wright

In the current climate it is all too easy to be reserved, cautious and inward-focused.

In fact, it is not altogether a bad thing, because for a while yet we really do need to be fully in control of our businesses and especially all of the activities that impact on cash flow.

However, we mustn’t sacrifice the very things that will ensure our ability to compete more strongly when the economy turns upwards. In previous articles, I’ve implored companies to think very carefully about retaining the skills that they are going to inevitably need, both in existing staff and those undergoing important training – particularly apprentices.

The other critical area of activity not to abandon is innovation, as it is innovation in both product and process that is the foundation of future competitiveness.

As you probably know, this agenda is extremely close to my heart and I was delighted to present the Achievement in Innovation award at the recent Lord Stafford Awards.

This award, sponsored by MAS-WM, was won by Aynsley China in Stoke-on-Trent in recognition of what they achieved by being bold in their ‘design led’ approach to new and exciting product ranges. The company worked closely with Staffordshire University through a scheme, which introduced two young, dynamic graduates to the company who are now full time employees. Who says innovation in the Potteries is dead?

The other winners, and indeed all of the finalists, are equally impressive. nanoTherics (Impact through Innovation) is a world leader in the field of gene transfection. Daniel Sheridan (Entrepreneurial Spirit) is a young man, who has developed a playground see-saw that harnesses the energy from children’s play to bring vitally needed electricity to schools and villages the world over.

We need to encourage more young people through Daniel’s fine example. And John Bailey (Knowledge Transfer Champion), who, throughout his career at Aston University, has encouraged and driven the transfer of knowledge from the university into industry and business across the region.

The awards recognise the value and strength of collaboration. It is vital that now, more than ever, we utilise the wealth of knowledge that resides in our universities, colleges and research organisations to help drive our businesses forward through innovation.

* David Wright is chief executive of the Manufacturing Advisory Service, West Midlands