YTKO

Dr Butler likes the creative thinking that small companies bring to business.

'There is a corporate dilemma,' he says. 'Small companies have ideas but no resources to exploit them. Big companies are crawling with latent ideas but do not have the flexibility to exploit them.'

In his presentation to the Norfolk Network at the Forum in central Norwich on Thursday 29 May, Dr Butler shows the size and scope of the opportunities that clever companies can address. By coming up with ideas concentrating on delivering customer satisfaction, every enterprise can do profitable business.

'Innovation on its own is admirable, but not profitable,' argues Butler. Working with smaller companies has given him hands-on experience of inventors and entrepreneurs nationwide. He reckons Norfolk is in good shape, and well placed for what he sees as an upturn in business.

'Create a product or service that appeals to the market, and it doesn't matter where your company is based - or how big it is. Using the internet, using courier services, even simply picking up the phone and calling, all connect you directly to your customers. They're wanting to be more competitive and reduce costs and improve quality. If your innovation helps them do that, you've got a sale, even if you're working from your spare room.'

Bruce Butler is joined at this first-ever Norfolk Network meeting by Dr Peter Cochrane, the high technology expert based in Ipswich. Dr Cochrane is a world-renowned presenter on the uses and abuses of today's technology, and promises to be entertaining and illuminating on what scientists are planning to shock us with next.

This Norfolk Network launch event is free to registered delegates, and starts at 5:30 at the Forum. Registration is via the Norfolk Network website, at www.NorfolkNetwork.com.

About The Norfolk Network

Focused on entrepreneurs, on start-ups, and on small and medium size companies, the Norfolk Network's aim is to help those who are going for high growth, especially through using science or technology.

The Norfolk Network features monthly events, seminars and master classes with successful speakers on these topics. Each meeting offers the opportunity for like-minded individuals to meet and talk. Networking not only gives owners and managers the chance to discuss challenges and problems with their peers, but also enables new ideas and collaborations to spark, and new social and business relationships.

The Norfolk Network is funded by the East of England Development Agency, Business Link Norfolk, Norfolk County Council, and YTKO, a specialist venture development company who are also providing the secretariat, based in Norwich.

For more information:
Julia Webb
The Norfolk Network
www.NorfolkNetwork.com
St Faiths House
Mountergate
Norwich NR1 1PY