Using creativity and innovation to transform your business

A Lancashire business conference will explain how creativity and innovation can unlock expanding and emerging markets.

The theme of this year's Business Innovation for Growth (BIG) Conference is 'Transformation: Mission & Ambition'. It takes place on Wednesday 18 June, in the Creative Edge building at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk.

Speakers announced so far include Chris Sanderson, CEO and co-founder of The Future Laboratory; Mat Hunter, chief design officer for the Design Council; Phil Jones, managing director of Brother UK; Dan Charny, co-founder of From Now On; and Wayne Hemingway MBE from Hemingway Design.

The conference will:
* Showcase inspiring examples of business innovat! ion and growth
* 'Future scope' the impact of new ideas and possibilities in business
* Investigate business opportunities offered by new technology
* Reveal how effective exploitation of Intellectual Property (IP) can reinvent the business model

BIG 2014 has been designed for business leaders and professionals from all sectors, who are looking to implement new ideas throughout their business. It is delivered in association with Design Council & IFB2014. It will be Lancashire’s contribution to IFB2014 (www.ifb2014.com).

The conference will combine keynote speakers, workshops and seminars with practical demonstrations and case-studies to showcase what is possible and inspire new ideas.

It has been organised by Creative Lancashire – a service provided by Lancashire County Council through its economic development company, Lancashire County Developments Limited.

Jennifer Mein, leader of the county council, who will open t! he BIG conference, said: "The economy is moving into a period of growth. Business leaders need to respond quickly to take advantage of expanding and emerging markets, as well as increased demand for goods and services.

"Creativity and innovation are at the heart of business growth. Business leaders will have to keep pace with the changing environment, ready to respond to client's needs and expectations."

Other themes being explored at BIG 2014 include:
* New technology: Game-changing technology and the Internet of Things.
* Making money while you sleep: Effectively exploiting Intellectual Property (IP) and business modelling.
* International innovation: The benefits of collaborative innovation across continents.
* Our relationships with users: Understanding the user whether its product, digital or service development.

For more details visit www.bigconference.co.uk or www.creativelancashire.org/BIG.

Pre-regis! tration for the conference is essential. To book your place, visit the EventBrite page – http://www.eventbrite.com/e/big-conference-2014-transformation-mission-ambition-tickets-11342757493.

About Creative Lancashire

Creative Lancashire aims to realise the potential in creative and commercial partnerships. The board is composed of representatives from Lancashire's leading businesses, universities, Arts Council England, Design Council and local government.

The organisation has a network of over 3,000 members and presents a series of workshops, seminars and other business support activity throughout the year. Visit www.creativelancashire.org for more details or follow them on Twitter @CreativeLancs.

For further information please contact: Stephen Axon on 01772 533 194
[email protected]