How do the Business Forum events work and who should attend?

Companies present their strategic issues and ask the audience for feedback on a number of points regarding their future plans.  A guest commentator will give his view on the relevant company presentation to help facilitate discussion and debate. The audience (normally comprising a variety of advisers, investors and companies) will then discuss each presentation and give their own feedback on a "round-table" basis. The aim of these events is to help the presenting companies by giving constructive feed-back on their presentations with a view to helping them take their company to the next level. The event will also provide excellent networking opportunities for the audience members and given them a chance to reflect on the key strategic issues that face their own businesses. The events are modelled on the successful initiative at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

The Business Forum Format

Business Forum has three types of attendees:

• Presenting Companies
• Expert Commentators
• Forum Delegates

Presenting Companies– Typically, companies that decide to present at Business Forum are looking for feedback on their plans for strategic development, growth and expansion.   They are usually seeking advice on one to three aspects of their business, which they can do in a friendly and positive environment.  Presenting companies typically overview who they are and what they do before focussing on key issues going forward. This may include (as examples) “How do we reach international markets”, “Sell directly or via distributors?”, “Should we protect our IP or spend our money on growing sales?”, “Should we grow by acquisition?”, “Is there anyone that can guide us in the field of XX?”, “Should we raise money via investors and/or banks?”  Etc.

Expert Commentators– These are respected individuals from many fields across Scottish business. The organisers of the Business Forum event will, prior to the evening’s presentations, invite relevant individuals to examine in more detail the presenting companies'  business/business plans. Following the Company presentation, the expert will enhance the overview of the presenting company with the aim of providing more in-depth analysis of the business, their progress to date and the market in which they operate.  There will be a panel of experts attending each event.

Forum Delegates – The wider audience attends as a result of targeted invitations to industry and relevant organisations.  Following a presentation, “round table” discussion is held with a Forum committee member per table guiding the table’s discussion and acting as spokesperson. After discussion the Chairman of the event will “poll” round the tables to seek views and guidance for the presenting business.

Format - The event format includes pre and post drinks and snack, so everyone is encouraged to relax and network.  Inevitably, as with much networking, this is a key time for the presenting companies – almost always there is expertise in our audience who can provide solid, relevant advice or further introductions and they make themselves known to the Forum or the presenting company after the formal event has concluded.

A key focus is to ensure that there is something in it for the wider audience to be willing to attend and participate in these events.