The economic conditions for the UK economy have been difficult over the last 3 years and forecasters are predicting that recovery in the short-term is unlikely, but the Alba Innovation Centre, owned by Scottish Enterprise with its community of technology focussed businesses is definitely showing signs of ‘bucking this trend’. Recent analysis indicates that over the last three years, the aggregate turnover of companies based at Alba Innovation Centre increased by 93% from £2.8m to £5.4m with 46 new high value jobs created.
Our headline speaker will be Bill Jamieson, Executive Editor of the Scotsman who regularly writes on finance and economics as well as politics and current affairs. He is also the economics columnist for Scotland on Sunday and a contributor to the Spectator Business magazine. Bill is a passionate advocate of the positive overall economic benefits of championing entrepreneurship. As well as giving us his view on the domestic and global economic conditions and financial markets he will highlight where businesses can and have been successful, by seizing opportunities which still exist despite tough times.
We will also be joined by David Smith of Scottish Enterprise & Steve Field from West Lothian Council.
David Smith, Innovation & Enterprise Services Director of Scottish Enterprise will highlight the successes of the Alba Innovation Centre over the last 5 years and Steve Field, Head of Planning and Economic Development at West Lothian Council will emphasise the importance of innovation and incubation within the West Lothian economy. Two Alba Innovation Centre Clients will also demonstrate how their successful businesses have grown through innovation and by targeting their efforts on new and emerging markets.
The event will also showcase the range of support available to young, high growth technology companies throughout Scotland.
This event will be of interest to partners, stakeholders and intermediaries associated with the Alba Innovation Centre.
Book your place at www.albaincubationservice.eventbrite.co.uk
09:30 – 10:00 Registration and networking
10:00 – 10:10 Marian Gardiner, Director; Innovation Centres Scotland:
Welcome
10:10 – 10:50 Bill Jamieson, Executive Editor of the Scotsman:
Scotland’s economy – seizing business opportunities in a challenging environment
10:50 – 11:10 David Smith; Director, innovation and investment Scottish Enterprise
Supporting Business Growth through Innovation and R&D
11:10 – 11:30 Steve Field, West Lothian Council:
Alba Innovation Centre – New jobs, new talent, investment and business growth for West Lothian
11:30 – 11.50 Client Case Study: Keith Schorah, Syngro
Building a sustainable business, organically
11:50 – 12:10 Client Case Study: David Srodzinski, Elonics
Growing an international technology business
12:10 – 12:30 Stephen Morris, Senior Innovation Adviser
Overview of the services provided through the Centre.
12:30 – 13:30 Lunch and Networking
Defying the Economic Downturn – Bill Jamieson’s Talk