Welcome to our focus on Small and Medium Sized Businesses
Welcome to our latest newsletter, in which we have decided to look at the realities of innovation and growth in the UK.
We all know that 2009 was a challenging year for companies in every country and across every industry. And although the recession is officially over, most economists are projecting that 2010 will continue to be a difficult year for profitability and growth. But a modest recovery is certainly better than no recovery, and I heard someone say recently that if necessity is the mother of invention then innovation is the daughter of recession - and that seems to be bearing fruit.
Some of the world's most successful companies, including Microsoft and Disney, were created in economic downturns – and the majority of the companies on the 2009 Fortune 500 list were founded during a recession or bear market. This may be just coincidence, but there are undoubted upsides to a recession for those of an inventive turn of mind. Managers are forced to focus hard on improving their products, processes and services and this lateral thinking can sometimes lead to innovative solutions.
The growth of new and smaller businesses within our client base is indicative of new and emerging innovative solutions. The growth is being fostered by the support from various people such as the South East of England Innovation and Growth Teams, The Intellectual Assets Centre, Technology Strategy Board, some private investors and a number of grant providers. As a result, we are already seeing a clutch of new spin outs and new startups, and we have noticed an increase in demand for our services from the group of companies fondly referred to in the UK as SMEs. SMEs just as much as corporates, need support on all aspects of evaluating, protecting and commercialising their IP – as well, of course, as access to funding. We have dedicated this newsletter to our SMEs and support for their growth.
We hope you enjoy this edition, and we welcome feedback so please email your comments to us at Coller IP Management.
Jackie Maguire. CEO - March 2010
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Spotlight on SMEs A number of SMEs across all sectors are performing strongly. In this article we profile a few of the newer companies that Coller IP Management works with in a demanding economic climate. more... Support for SMEs European businesses are having to examine their business models and in some cases reinvent themselves because of the slowdown in the economy. Their situation is not helped by lack of funding. In seeking loans, investment or grants, a company must be able to show clearly what assets are securing that loan or investment. more... Coller IP Management in the Press The following links will take you to some recent press coverage of Coller IP Management |
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© Coller IP Management 2010
