“EIP enabled me to look at our business model, which had been achieving 25-30% year on year growth, making it much more focused on costs and execution. The great thing about the course was that there were little snippets both in the material and from the other businesses which were useful in my business, even though they were in different sectors. Issues such how to set pay scales, how to be innovative in terms of external costs and the important of extending my network were all covered in practical ways. I was already networking like crazy but I realised I had to take it to a whole new level.
Since September business has been more stable and our investment plans have moved on all thanks to the EIP course. Overall it was a hugely positive experience and well worth a week of my time three times over. Too long government has focused on business start-ups, there needs to be some concentrating on existing businesses and their growth potential. Our aim is to drive innovation into every aspect of our organisation and EIP has been a guiding light for how to execute this plan.” Alistair Dobson, Taste of Arran
“I’d also thoroughly recommend the EIP course. Having (although a few years back) spent the best part of two and half years studying 'Entrepreneurs and how they go about it?', I found the EIP course to be much more punchy and relevant than any of the academic stuff I had done during the previous course. This course gives you what you need, without all the background (interesting sometimes, but irrelevant to you in the real world) stuff. Bill and the other course tutors have REAL experience dealing with REAL problems some of which you also will face. So while study is better than nothing, there’s nothing better than actual experience doing it – and if you can learn form someone else’s mistakes (which is what experience is) – grab it with both hands!” Brian Wilson, Scottish Jerky
“The EIP course came at just the right time for both myself and Macbeth's as well as our wider organisation. In addition to providing invaluable practical advice , it has helped me to focus and work on our business and not get trapped working in the business. The course also enabled me to tap into a network of highly motivated entrepreneurs in the Highlands and Islands area. The importance of attending this course can not be over emphasised.” Jock Gibson, MacBeth’s Butchers
“I attended the Entrepreneurial Immersion Programme in September 2008, and I have no hesitation in recommending EIP to anyone who runs or manages a business. I was initially apprehensive about taking a whole week off work, but being away from the office was actually a blessing in disguise as it enabled me to take a step back from my day-to-day work and really think about the long term ambitions I have for my company. We covered a wide range of subjects, but every one was relevant to me and my business. The interaction between the participants was first-class, and it was hugely encouraging to share experiences with other people facing the same situations, and it is even better to know that there are solutions to almost any situation your business might encounter. All in all, it was a fantastic and valuable experience.” David Nicol, NB Communication
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