An Innovation & Growth Specialist (IGS) is a trusted advisor who drives business success through strategic coaching and mentoring, with innovation as a central focus. By closely examining a business’s strategy, they identify areas for improvement and offer insights to enhance its strategic approach. They also facilitate valuable connections to resources and contacts, ensuring businesses have the support they need to grow effectively.
Partner of Choice
Through our delivery of Innovate UK’s Business Growth service, our Innovation & Growth Specialists provide invaluable strategic support to businesses with growth aspirations. By offering an external perspective, IGSs help business owners who are often deeply immersed in daily operations, to see beyond their immediate challenges. They bring unique insights from various sectors, raising awareness of both opportunities and potential challenges that the business may not have considered. The IGS role involves not only supporting but also challenging businesses, ensuring their strategies are robust and well-rounded. Utilising a wide network of contacts, market research, and connections with entities like the Department for Business and Trade, IGSs deliver a comprehensive support system.
Unlike consultants, IGSs act as strategic mentors, empowering businesses to navigate tasks like grant applications themselves. They provide guidance but the execution remains with the business, ensuring they develop the necessary skills and knowledge. This strategic coaching approach allows businesses to grow sustainably while benefiting from a wide array of expertise and resources.
Tailored Growth Support
The level of support provided by an Innovation & Growth Specialist is highly tailored to the specific needs of each business, varying in intensity and frequency. Early-stage businesses or those revising their strategies might require more intensive and frequent sessions to address key strategic issues. In contrast, businesses with well-established strategies may only need occasional support, focusing on areas like partnerships, investment, or access to finance. The level of engagement can also fluctuate based on external factors, such as upcoming grant deadlines, which may necessitate a concentrated period of activity. IGSs must be adaptable, managing their schedules to meet the varying demands of different clients, ensuring the right support is available when needed.
Innovation in Action
An Innovation & Growth Specialist can have a transformative impact on businesses. For instance, one client, initially sceptical, rediscovered his passion and commitment to his business after just a few sessions. Another client, benefited from IGS expertise in translating complex ideas into accessible language, making their innovations understandable to a wider audience. Additionally, IGS interventions have helped high-end luxury businesses focus on strategic growth and secure international opportunities. Visit the Innovate UK website for more real life examples on how IGS support can enhance strategic focus and open new horizons for businesses.
Trusted Expert Advice
Exemplas employs a rigorous recruitment and vetting process for its Innovation & Growth Specialists. We offer comprehensive induction, ongoing training, and continuous professional development to support the growth of our IGS team. This depth and breadth of expertise are evident when advisors engage with clients, who benefit not just from the individual IGS, but from a robust support network. Specialists in various fields, such as sustainability and finance, are brought in to provide tailored assistance as needed. Compared to other services available in the UK, Innovate UK’s Business Growth service is highly bespoke, designed to meet the specific needs of each client, offering much more than basic signposting; it is a tailored, high-value service accessible at no cost to eligible businesses.