Following on from Edinburgh, we catch up with Ronan Lyons and get his perspective on the Irish economy and how the government may be able to intervene to ease the pinch of the recession on mid market businesses.
As Future Focus lands in Edinburgh we speak to the Scottish delegates about their expectations and reservations about how to implement these new technologies, and learn about what opportunities they bring for businesses in the mid-market.
Recorded live at The Hub in the heart of Edinburgh, we hear from Chris Liversy, Sales Manager for IBM Scotland about the changing face of IBM, and how both internally and externally the company is embracing new technologies to grow, and help mid-market businesses grow with them.
Whilst listening to Euan Semple this morning in Manchester City Stadium, talking about using Twitter nearly 2 and a half years ago, it makes you wonder what has taken it so long to become mainstream. Only in the past 6 months has Twitter taken hold of the public consciousness, and we are still far from accepting it. There is still reticence, fear and confusion about or why businesses (or individuals) should get involved.
As Euan said this morning the internet is ‘a world of niches’, and this is what can be so beneficial for businesses. Technologies such as Twitter, Facebook and alike, allow those niche audiences to engage with content, information, call it what you will – but whatever you call it, they want to engage with it.
We have put together a little further reading for you to get a perspective on how your business may be able to benefit from these new technologies:
As we draw activities to a close in London and look forward to Manchester and Edinburgh for the next week of Future Focus we chat to Dr James Bellini, Futurologist and Chairman of the Future Focus conferences.
With over 300 delegates in London debating and learning about becoming “future proof companies”, Future Focus London has sparked a lot of debate, and that will continue in the coming weeks as the conferences head for Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin.
I wonder if Dr James Bellini puts ‘futurologist’ as the occupation in his passport? It sounds like a rather strange role, but he’s obviously well connected and certainly talks a lot of sense.
James’ objective, he explains, is to make businesses ‘future proof’. That means they have taken account of the changes that are going to happen and factored them into their strategic planning, rather than reacting when the changes have already taken place.
Far too many businesses fail to spend time thinking about the future, according to James. The majority make their ‘big decisions’ largely on gut feel. Not surprisingly, many of those big decisions turn out to be big mistakes.
Wiser organisations keep up with the trends regarding things that are going to take place 3-5 years down the line, he maintains. By investing time into thinking about the future, they are positioning themselves to take advantage of the changes.
One major global bank, he reveals, is planning to invest in new generation video conferencing. Not only will it make the bank more ‘green’, but also slash its global travel costs.
Major changes such as this are a ‘must’ for 70-80% of businesses, he says. A decade from now, James suggests, companies will own far less fixed assets and will use much less office space. Mobile technologies, remote working and collaboration will soon become the business norm.
Recession is a great time of opportunity for businesses, he maintains. Wise business professionals use the time to revisit the business fundamentals and think about their future path. Those that fail to seize the opportunities of change will probably go to the wall.
Dr James Bellini sounds like the ideal chairman for the Future Focus conferences in June. And there will be the chance for delegates to talk with him afterwards, which will round off each event perfectly. Must remember to ask him what it says in his passport!
The word ‘recession’ is on everyones’ lips, yet already there are quiet murmurs of recovery. Exactly when the economy will grow again is unclear. But recovery is certain.
Equally certain is the fact that some companies will emerge very strongly from the current economic problems. Part of their success will be down to reorganisation and improved efficiency. But most of this rapid success will be due to strategic decisions taken now.
Future Focus is a multi-media programme organised by the Telegraph Business Club to help senior personnel within medium-sized UK businesses to make inspired strategic decisions that will drive business success during economic recovery.
Highlight of the Future Focus programme is a series of full day business conferences around the UK and Ireland taking place:
London – Thursday 4th June
Manchester – Tuesday 9th June
Edinburgh – Thursday 11th June
Dublin – Tuesday 16th June
Chaired by renowned author and TV presenter Dr James Bellini and featuring Dragons Den star Richard Farleigh, these events will:
INFORM – Give an expert insight into future products and technologies that are just about to have a major influence on our life and work
INTERACT – Allowing you to meet and talk with fellow business professionals, expert speakers and Richard Farleigh himself.
INSPIRE – Provide the opportunity to discuss and explore how they can be used to drive business success in the coming months and years.
For further details of the agenda click here.
For further details of the speakers click here.
To register to attend any of the events click here.
The word ‘recession’ is on everyones’ lips, yet already there are quiet murmurs of recovery. Exactly when the economy will grow again is unclear. But recovery is certain.
