Now in its fourth year, the Breakthrough programme has established a healthy track record in providing high-potential businesses with access to expert advice and networking opportunities. And here’s what the programme has in store for 2014…
Breakthrough International trade missions
Breakthrough International, a key pillar of the Breakthrough programme, is there to help businesses expand their customer-bases by exporting overseas. Our trade missions bring delegates into direct contact with export officials and potential distributors, as well as offering delegates a first-hand view of their target market’s business culture.
The first of two Breakthrough trade missions to New York scheduled for this year will take place in June. Delegates from ten UK businesses from investment bank Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses scheme will visit the city for 1:1 meetings with potential customers, partners and suppliers, as well as receive a briefing session hosted by UK Trade & Investment . There will also be networking opportunities with the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce and other leading financial and legal experts.
Goldman Sachs will also be hosting an event during the mission, where the delegates will be able to network and link up with other businesses in the USA.
Breakthrough Head of Delivery & Operations Rachel Nash says there is every reason to believe that this year’s trade mission delegates stand to make real progress as a result of their trip with Santander. “The value proposition is clear,” she says. “Most businesses are limited in their ability to fund this kind of trip for themselves and to set up the sort of meetings likely to yield concrete results. Our trade missions are capable of bringing real gains for participants.”
“Ana wants to get to know her business customers and understand them. The kind of issues that are raised helps her to shape the bank.” Rachel Nash, Breakthrough.Together with the Santander Trade Portal – a practical online tool that allows customers to analyse overseas market trends, balance currencies and track shipments, etc. – Santander are clearly doing their part to provide UK SMEs looking to export with the support they need to proceed along this popular yet challenging route to growth. Breakthrough Masterclasses Over the coming months three more successful companies will be opening their doors to Breakthrough business delegates. This ‘Masterclass’ pillar of the Breakthrough programme gives business-leaders the opportunity to learn first-hand how those further up the growth curve achieve and maintain their market-leading position. These events aim to give delegates a fresh perspective on whatever may be an existing issue. The leisure brand Goodwood attended a previous Masterclass and they were keen to evaluate how to grow and operate their Sussex-based business as a global brand. •Linn Products – Hosted by audio and entertainment business Linn Products, this Breakthrough Masterclass will be the first to focus on the challenges of the manufacturing sector and will also be the first to take place in Scotland. Linn Products is a 50-year-old company that has weathered several economic storms and maintained its high standards by keeping all of its processes in-house, from design to manufacture. “This Masterclass will be all about how Linn Products innovate and stay ahead of the curve, while maintaining that commitment to quality and keeping ahead of the competition,” says Rachel. •Saatchi Masius – The renowned advertising and communications agency Saatchi Masius returns to the Breakthrough schedule for a two-day event that will welcome businesses and challenge them on their brand positioning and marketing. The aim here is to help delegates crystallise their thinking and reframe their branding and marketing. “The experience can be an intense one,” says Rachel. “But we have seen businesses go away with fantastic ideas about how they can refocus their marketing and brand.” •McLaren Automotive – May and July bring the return of the McLaren Masterclass . This has become a regular fixture on the Breakthrough calendar and a particularly popular one. Previous delegates thoroughly enjoyed their insight into how the Formula 1 player maintains its focus on success and quality. “What we see in the McLaren Masterclass is an example of a big business helping smaller businesses, which in itself is very positive,” says Rachel. “At the next McLaren Masterclass delegates will get a tour of McLaren’s facilities, including its R&D operation, and over the course of the day gain an in-depth feel for how the business works. The company’s focus on brand and innovation always yields great insights, and the day will hopefully provide highly useful and motivational for the businesses attending.” Breakthrough Roundtables May’s Breakthrough Roundtable event in Leicester will introduce Breakthrough invitees to Santander CEO Ana Botín, whose affinity for entrepreneurial businesses is well known. The small group – usually 15 to 20 attendees – allows for a meaningful exchange of ideas and gives entrepreneurs the chance to raise business concerns and discuss market trends. “They are also a genuine exchange of views,” says Rachel. “Ana wants to get to know her business customers and understand them. The kind of issues that are raised helps her to shape the bank.” The Breakthrough 50 Awards Working in partnership with Smarta, Santander has created the Breakthrough 50 Awards, which aims to celebrate the UK’s fastest growing businesses. The winners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony in June this year, while the overall winner will have the opportunity to attend both a trade mission and a Masterclass, as well as receive mentoring from another entrepreneurial individual. They will also have access to an intern funded by Santander. Rachel believes these events offer the common theme of access to expertise. “Everyone needs to learn from their own mistakes,” she says. “But if they can learn from others, this gives them the opportunity to put themselves ahead. For Santander, opening these doors is part of our approach to be the bank of choice for SMEs.” Applications for the Breakthrough 50 Awards close at 5pm on Monday 12 May 2014. ________________________________