HOVIP - Heads of the Valleys Innovation Programme

Testimonials

"Superb – far above expectations. Really enjoyable and informal. To have other people helping you to develop your business was excellent. It has given me direction and focus. I can't recommend it enough."

PJ Cavalli, Owner, PJ Cavalli Training

Turning Heads Club

Business Award ceremonies can come and go. It is easy to focus the publicity on the winners and to forget the entrants and that all these organisations have on-going needs.

HOVIP is doing something different by piloting a networking club exclusively involving existing HOVIP Innovation Award entrants and winners, sponsors and Steering Group.

Aims of the Turning Heads Club:

• Provide informal opportunities to network
• Bring relevant guest speakers and services to the attention of members
• Update members with HOVIP services
• Inform and engage members with the HoV Regeneration agenda

The pilot ran from October 2008 until April 2009 with three informal events, at different times and in different venues.

Members were invited to introduce their services, highlight their needs, request and meet relevant guest speakers and shape the future of the club. Businesses in the food and drinks sectors, and arts and crafts sectors were invited to give taster sessions!

The results included:

• Use and promotion of three community venues (Cwmaman Institute, Venue 1 the former Park Place Chapel in Tredegar and Llancaiach Fawr, Nelson);
• Taste of Enterprise’s budding Arts and Crafts businesses made over £200 in their showcase;
• Rhymney Brewery, Blaenavon Cheddar Company, Welsh Mountain Meat and Blaengawney Farm Cider provided tasters at the events and took orders from the venues;
• Design & Manufacture and Taste of Enterprise won a free place on a HOVIP training course as a result of providing the most innovative 30-second pitch!
  Click here for the Taste of Enterprise innovative 30-second pitch.
• First HOVIP business to take on a JobMatch recruit;
• Over 10 businesses have followed up the interest in the £350m Ebbw Vale Works Project;
• HOVIP Security Cluster formed from initial interest of 2 members – now five members and the first successful Wales application to the new EAG Enterprise Networks Fund.

The key outcome was that 100% of the members (60% response rate to our questionnaire) want the Club to continue. We plan to hold future events on a quarterly basis – watch this space for details.

For information:

Contact Wendy Locke, HOVIP Turning Heads Club Co-ordinator (07859 077 494).