Testimonials
Find out what judges and entrants from previous pro.innovator challenge have to say and why you should get involved TODAY!
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Katharine Waugh, Addleshaw Goddard, Finalist
Taking part in the 2010 competition proved a fantastic opportunity to meet other members of the Manchester business community and some incredibly inspiring people. Both the talks and social sessions were very useful in making new contacts - and good fun! The challenges themselves really made me think and tested skills which I didn't even realise I had. The speakers, who all had amazing tales of entrepreneurial spirit and/or seizing opportunities to overcome obstacles or to do something remarkable either in business or in their personal lives, were very motivational. I also found that the competition was a great way of raising profile, both inside your company/ firm and in the wider business community. Good luck!
Sue Webster, BT and past Chairman of pro.manchester, Judge
All organisations need to challenge what they do and how they do it - to continuously reappraise and innovate. As a sector we employ some of the brightest and best talent who have the potential to bring fresh thinking and energy to the way we do things. So, what better way to encourage and support this talent than by getting involved in the future pro-manchester Innovator Challenge. Nominate individuals in your business who have made a difference to the way it operates.
The Challenge will recognise those special individuals in your business and celebrate their achievements. We need more of them as they are critical to the health and wealth of your business and the sector as a whole, so don't miss this opportunity to make their contribution public and inspire others to follow."
Dan Gledhill, RMS PR, Finalist
The future pro.manchester Entrepreneurship Challenge was a fantastic competition which served to bring out creative and innovative thinking. For me, it highlighted the benefits of lateral problem solving and how entrepreneurialism is much more widespread, and a daily part of business life, than programs like Dragon’s Den make people believe.
“After taking part in last year’s competition, I would urge as many people as possible, particularly those who don’t believe they are entrepreneurial, to enter the Professional Innovator 2011. The structure of the competition stimulates entrants to perhaps think differently and encourages approaching challenges in alternative ways, which can only benefit individuals and businesses alike.
Victoria Richardson, RMS PR, Finalist
“The challenge really takes you out of your comfort zone, testing your problem solving skills and ability to think on your feet. The interview stage tests your wits tackling challenging questions from some of the North West’s leading entrepreneurs and academics.
“It gave me the opportunity to meet with some of the leaders of the future and although slightly daunting, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole process.”
Rob Woollen, Rightway Complete Wellness Solutions, Finalist
“Participating in the challenge is about more than just chasing a trophy. Each individual challenge helps you to grow as an entrepreneur and I found the final interview particularly revealing as experienced judges expanded and widened my own perspective. Sometimes the journey is worth more than the goal and this is certainly one of those times.”
Madeline Jarvis, The Cultureship Partnership, Judge
The pro.innovator Challenge is about encouraging fresh thinking and creativity in your business. It’s not about devoting time to pie-in-the-sky ideas but it will encourage your staff to think a little differently.
All too often businesses leave enterprise and innovation on the back burner and end up becoming followers of new trends rather than leaders. The challenge is about creating and supporting more innovation, creativity and opportunities in your businesses – right now.
Take a look around your business – who is up for the Challenge? Who might be the next pioneer of client services, forge ahead with a new legal service, or create a new market via some innovative marketing? It might be that there a number of people who have got great ideas but never the time to dedicate to seeing them through. The prize for this Challenge will support the winner – and your business – in getting these ideas off the ground.
Last year we saw some fantastic examples of enterprising individuals, and the feedback from all was that it was an enjoyable and useful challenge. This year, we hope to see many more!
