How to Set REALISTIC Business Targets for 2012
[I originally posted this blog in December last year and, following the great feedback then and the continued relevance of the content, I felt it made sense to tweak it and repost it now] If you haven’t already set your targets for next year, I am sure you will be thinking about setting them over [...]
What Business Can Learn From Football and Crowdfunding
These days, big business and big football clubs are getting themselves into a whole heap of do-do. Some are on the verge of bankruptcy, some have been bailed out by the state, and some have even called in the receivers. We may not shed a tear over their demise. But the problem with big constellations [...]
The Growth Academy Crowdfunding site now “live”
[This article was first published in Business Quarterly's Scottish Autumn Edition] History of Crowdfunding Scottish business starts ups are feeling the pinch in the credit-crunch years: forecasts are gloomy and financial spirits are low. But lo, what happens when the global markets take a dive? Entrepreneurs, new technology and great new ideas start bouncing around, gaining [...]
The Business Mixer – October 20th 2011
Following the success of the Summer Business Mixer at The Rutland Hotel we are delighted to now be closing in on the next one which is being held on the October 20th 2011! Over 55 business professionals attended the last one and the feedback has been brilliant. “I was very impressed how that although there [...]
The “not so” smooth transition from Newcastle Utd the football club to Newcastle United the business
The fact that football clubs across the UK are now being ran more and more as businesses is not entirely popular with football fans. There is often a gulf between what the football club can afford to do and what the loyal fan would like them to do and over the next couple of years [...]
Why not attend a great business event this summer?
I am delighted to be able to confirm that due to increasing demand and in conjunction with The Rutland Hotel the successful Growth Academy Business Mixer events are back! The Business Mixer events have proven to be the only event where investors, start-ups, University spin-outs, high growth companies, graduates, professional service companies and sme’s all [...]
The Growth Academy Twitter Competition
The Growth Academy has decided to run a small competition for our existing Twitter followers and those “soon to be” Twitter followers. There will be three prizes awarded, each a prize will be a one hour Skype consult by The Growth Academy managing partner Craig McKenna. These can be used for consultation and advice on [...]
Do consultants appreciate their responsibility to small businesses?
This is probably the most emotive blog I have written and I have tried to wait until my anger subsided before writing it, however its a Friday and I want to finish work at a sensible time! There seem to be more and more consultants kicking about these days, as well as professional service companies [...]
Why would anyone be ashamed to be an accountant?
In the first episode of this years series of “The Apprentice” Edward was fired after being the project manager of the team which lost the first task. Right decision. Probably. The part that intrigued me though was the fact he has was an accountant by trade and that Sir Alan Sugar felt that he had [...]