1st October 2008
Entrepreneurial spirit alive and well, despite downturn in new businesses
The number of new businesses launched in Scotland has dropped compared with this time last year, but the economic spirit is still alive and well.
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1st October 2008
GO secure record government contract
Glasgow Opportunities (GO Group) has secured the contract to provide support to Scotland’s inventors and innovators through the Innovators Counselling and Advisory Service for Scotland (ICASS) for a record-breaking fourth time.
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28th September 2008
Glaswegians top innovation charts
Glasgow has beaten Edinburgh to be crowned Scotland’s most innovative city.
According to the latest statistics released by The Innovators Counselling and Advisory Service for Scotland (ICASS), Glaswegians account for 15.8% of Scotland’s innovation activity, with residents seeking the most innovation and invention support from ICASS.
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24th September 2008
NODA slams government free ticket ‘gimmick’
The professional body for amateur theatre today attacked the launch of a free theatre ticket plan launched by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) in conjunction with Arts Council, calling it an elitist gimmick.
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Connect Scotland rises from the ashes
6th August 2008
Business support network Connect Scotland has been sent a lifeline within a month after it ceased trading due to a funding shortfall.
Glasgow Opportunities (GO Group) in partnership with Connect Midlands and Connect Yorkshire, has been successful in acquiring the assets of Connect Scotland and plans to form a new Connect UK network.
Commenting on the move Enterprise Minister Jim Mather welcomed the development. He said: “I welcome the prospect of a well-networked and reinvigorated Connect Scotland playing an important part in developing new and innovative firms in Scotland and helping to deliver increased sustainable economic growth. I am certain that Connect’s activities will complement the comprehensive range of innovation and investment support.”
GO Group Chief Executive Isabell Majewsky, said: “It was the primary goal of GO Group and our partners to protect the Connect Scotland brand and we’ve done just that. Our focus now is to develop a programme of support to technology companies and help them to realise their true growth potential. We’ll do this by taking stock, restructuring necessary aspects, introducing new services and creating a new, stronger Connect Scotland for a lasting future.”
According to Majewsky, the new Connect Scotland will be resurrected within six to eight months for the benefit of technology start-ups across the country. However, she admits that changes must be made to the existing programme offered by Connect Scotland.
She said: “The market has changed and therefore Connect Scotland as an entity going forward, must change too. GO Group knows that we must develop this asset in order to provide lasting support. By joining with Connect Midlands and Connect Yorkshire we hope to create a potent synergy that will both flourish in Scotland and beyond.
Although Connect’s activities have ceased temporarily, Majewsky emphasises that there are other inspirational initiatives in place to support innovation. In particular, the national John Logie Baird Awards Programme which has been launched this year.
As part of the acquisition by GO Group, existing partners and supporters of Connect Scotland will be encouraged to continue their involvement. A consultation period is due to begin with interested parties who have previously supported and contributed to Connect Scotland over the years.
Majewsky said: “GO Group truly value these relationships and look forward to working with active supporters in resurrecting Connect Scotland.”
John Griffiths, Director of Connect Midlands, said: “We’re delighted, along with Connect Yorkshire, to support GO Group in the revival of Connect Scotland. I know that together, through the Connect UK network, we can offer a strong and varied programme of support for high-growth businesses seeking investment.”
Notes
- Interviews with Isabell Majewsky are available. Please contact: Isabell Majewsky: T: 0141 572 8304 E: Isabell.Majewsky@go.uk.com
To contact Glen Hopkinson and/or John Griffiths, please contact Sabina Kadic, Axis Media Group: T: 0141 889 68 68 M: 07894607584 E: Sabina@axismediagroup.co.uk
- GO Group is one of Britain's largest and most successful enterprise trusts. Based in Glasgow, and operating locally, nationally and internationally, we have been specialists since the mid eighties in supporting SMEs in start-up, business development, learning and development and innovation and new product development.
Since its establishment in 1996, Connect Scotland has implemented the mission to nurture the creation, development and growth of technology enterprise throughout Scotland.
telephone 0800 032 1127 |
email info@axismediagroup.co.uk
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