Hi3 Network: Are You Innovation Ready?

If you are looking to expand and grow your business’ potential, this programme will help you do this through a compact series of workshops led by industry specialists on the fundamentals of business growth and innovation, as well as university researchers who are at the cutting edge of creative technologies, keen to share knowledge, skills, and tools with your business so it can better position itself ahead of the curve.

Hi3 Network's 3-day programme was developed for small businesses, freelancers and sole traders looking to understand how to future-proof their business and find innovation through creative technologies. These sessions take place from 10:30 am - 4:30pm and include time to network with like-minded peers, as well as built-in break times.

You are eligible if you are a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) registered in England (including those registered as freelancers or sole-traders). You can come from any industry.

If you have any questions at all, don't hesitate to get in touch: hi3network@canterbury.ac.uk

An Eventbrite ticket alone does not secure your place on the programme: you must complete the registration form and pass eligibility to take part. Places are limited!

What to expect:

DAY 1: INNOVATION JOURNEY (TUES 22 FEB)

What's your problem? : In this workshop Liu Batchelor will help you explore the communication of ideas. Not only as a way to improve participants' skill, articulation and confidence in expressing those ideas, but as a quick and effective way to identify and refine the value proposition of their idea/business offering.

The first part of the program focuses on clarifying and bringing to life their ideas for themselves - focusing on understanding and articulating the problem they want to solve (and how to still move forward even if they are unsure)

Letting your ideas 'fly the nest': In this session, Liu Batchelor will focus on sharing and understanding how those ideas are received by others - using feedback to explore if/how to refine them accordingly (without compromising their own vision/values).

The program will involve an initial introduction/discussion to both parts, followed by group exercises in which participants will be actively practicing sharing their idea in small groups.

How to Drive Business Innovation - a Panel Discussion: Listen and join Kevin Grist, Richard Watkins, and Timi Salako on this open discussion with creative entrepreneurs discussing their perspectives of the fundamental pillars needed to drive business innovation. In this panel, entrepreneurs will discuss, not only, technology but also organisational and process capabilities. Join them in this session where they will share their experiences and describe where they are in their individual journey towards continuous innovation.

DAY 2: ENTERPRISE JOURNEY (WEDS 23 FEB)

Business Planning Workshop: In this session Sally Brady, a successful Accountant and Senior Manager in the corporate sector for over 30 years, will take an in-depth look at business planning for SMEs.

This workshop will help you understand how to enable growth within your business with clear and accurate financial planning, including discussions around essential business planning principles and structures to drive profit and sustainable growth.

Key discussion points will include;

• Cashflow Planning and how to build and maintain a Cashflow Forecast
• Detailed analysis of 3 key report templates - exploring what they are and how they will help you
• Business Planning and how will this help you grow your business.

DAY 3: RESEARCH JOURNEY (THURS 24 FEB)

Working With Researchers: University researchers are often also practitioners who work or have worked in industry and have a wealth of experience, alongside their knowledge and expertise. Many of the researchers who will join Hi3 Network are experts in moving image, gaming, sound, Virtual Reality, VFX, animation, and performance. They are researching emerging technologies, aesthetics, audiences, and industry processes and practices to make discoveries that businesses like yours will be able to potentially use.

As part of Hi3 Network, you have the opportunity to co-create and test your developing ideas directly with those who have innovation at the heart of what they do. Dr. Chris Pallant will lead a panel discussion with researchers from LSBU and CCCU who will share what they are currently experimenting with, giving you insight into their findings, and detailing the areas of expertise and interest that might be useful for your firm. It is a fantastic opportunity for you to discuss potential projects and find out what outcomes research collaborations might generate. This may then lead to new ways to implement existing technologies, new forms of content, or ways to engage with your customers. Hi3 Network aims to actively support the development of new products, services, or experiences.

Scoping Form Session: In the final workshop Steve Molyneaux will take you through the scoping form for Hi3 Network collaborations with Researchers – the next step of your innovation journey.

You will receive a Hi3 Network Welcome Pack with more information and relevant links before the programme starts. Don't forget to register by completing the Hi3 Network registration form.

These events will be recorded, please get in touch if you have any questions.

About Hi3 Network

Hi3 Network is defining the future of moving-image, screen-based and creative technologies through innovative research and development. A network of specialists, researchers, and businesses developing new products, services, experiences, and new research at our hubs in Canterbury, Folkestone, and Maidstone. Technologies we are working in, are virtual reality, augmented reality, mixed reality, Motion Capture, virtual production, computer-generated imagery, gaming, animation, eSports, etc.

Hi3 Network is a £6.1m project that is part-funded by the European Development Fund. The partners are London South Bank University, Screen South, Creative Folkestone, Canterbury Christ Church University, and Maidstone Television Studios.

Get involved

Say Hi via the form on our website and one of our community managers will get in touch to get to know you and how we can help you and your business.

You could also help us understand more about you, your business, and what would benefit you most by filling out our Hi3 SME Survey - it takes just 5 minutes. It's a great way to help us understand what support we need to deliver to interested businesses.

Got Questions?

Drop us an email at hi3network@canterbury.ac.uk

Hi3 Network is part-funded by the European Regional Development Fund.