The Head of Brand for smoothie drinks giant innocent is delivering a talk to the region’s businesses next week to share his experience of working for a start-up that has quickly become a leading, global brand.
Joe McEwan, a Lancaster University graduate, will be heading north again when he delivers a masterclass for Lancashire businesses in a bid to boost the growth of the region’s small and medium sized businesses (SMEs), offering insight into how innocent has come to be regarded as one of the greatest start-up businesses in the last decade.
The event has been arranged as part of Lancashire Forum, a Lancaster University business growth initiative which is fully-funded for European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) eligible SMEs. The six-month programme, which forms part of Boost; Lancashire’s business growth hub; brings together like-minded directors and managers of SMEs from around the county and provides them with the tools and networks to stimulate self-development and business growth.
Drawing on key elements of Lancaster University Management School’s research, Lancashire Forum provides opportunities for participants to network with peers from a wide range of sectors, enabling them to learn from each other and inspire confidence to make positive changes to their enterprises.
Joe McEwan, Head of Brand for innocent, said: “There’s no right way to build a brand, but at innocent we’ve probably got things more right than wrong over the last 18 years, and we’ve succeeded in creating a genuine, thriving two-way relationship with our drinkers. It’s been one heck of a journey and I’m looking forward to sharing some of the things we’ve learned along the way.”
Matt Hutchinson, Programme Manager for Lancashire Forum at Lancaster University, said: “It’s fantastic to be working closely with Joe who has strong links to Lancaster University and the wider region. He is keen to share his perspectives as someone who has first-hand experience of a small start-up business doing things right and growing exponentially as a result.
“This is a great opportunity for Lancashire business leaders – it is free to attend and there’s everything to gain.”
The event will take place between 5.30pm – 8.00pm on Thursday 8 February at Blakey’s Café in King George Hall, Blackburn.
