Member Article

1) Opportunity to future proof your business

In an increasingly fragmented world driven by rapid changes in technology, digital media, and consumer preferences, businesses that do not plan ahead may be swept aside.

Innovative organisations such as Shell, Philips, Orange and Nokia use futures thinking and scenario planning techniques to imagine different futures and plan what kind of organisation they need to be in order to survive and thrive in these future landscapes.

These skills are now being offered to businesses in the region through an intensive two-day training programme to be held in Newcastle in November.

The programme provider, 21 Thoughts, is led by Roger Coathup who says: “People may think that the future cannot be predicted and that running a business is about the here and now. However existing trends and previous experiences help us plan our strategic direction, indicate opportunities, threats and developing commercial pressures that businesses of all sizes should consider and plan for. At its most powerful, futures-thinking can open doors to innovation and opportunity for businesses to gain a critical competitive advantage.”

The training programme takes place on 15 – 16 November. It reveals the skills used by global blue-chips and how these can be utilised within companies of all sizes, explores global trends, emerging technologies and key driving forces that may impact on business. It arms attendees with the skills they need to apply future scenario planning in their own organisations.

The course costs £599 + VAT and SMEs may qualify for 50% funding support. More information is available from www.21thoughts.com.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .