SoSBS and UWS

+ SoSBS and UWS

1. Brief intro

2. Case study on marketing

3. Case study on social media

4. Lessons learned

+ Introduction

• Challenges of SMEs engaging

with HEIs

• Challenges of HEIs engaging

with SMEs

• “Triple helix” approach

• The rural dimension

• SoSBS fit with UWS mission

+Marketing based

projects

6 individual projects, involving research,

marketing planning and knowledge exchange

Full reports (Secondary, Qualitative,

Quantitative and Recommendations)

Marketing to Boost Your Bottom Line – two

deliveries:

Five members of the Group involved,

all bringing different expertise to

sessions;

Delivery of full-day workshops and

advice sessions

+Creative Futures for

the South of Scotland

“Social Media for

Business”

+Social Media for Business

Why?

Utilisation of online platforms to communicate offerings to

market/create business networks

Replacement of one-directional marketing

communications with new techniques to facilitate

meaningful conversations with customers

Need for programme of supported interventions to upskill

SMEs in effective utilisation of social media for improved

business performance.

“context, content, community and connections”

+Social Media Surgeries & Toolkits51 „bespoke‟ SM Surgeries:

Needs assessment of social media presence pre-

surgery

1.5 hr 1-2-1 intervention in locality (Dumfries, New

Galloway & Melrose)

Privileged access to online SM resource of

strategies and practical advice

90% „excellent‟ & 10% „very good‟ response to

„UWS expert‟s understanding of your business

need‟

Addressing specific needs crucial to success

+Lessons learned

1. Learning curve in the more

practical aspects of projects,

such as:

• liaising with clients,

• setting realistic deadlines,

• adhering to these,

• designing field work,

• scheduling field work,

• preparing commercial reports,

• following up with clients,

• reporting commercially,

• etc;

2. Resourcing

3. Sustainability

+Benefits to UWS

1. staff working with „live‟ businesses, raising awareness of SME issues

across a range of sectors and business models;

2. fed into teaching, particularly in advising students of „real world‟ issues,

problems and opportunities

3. a „Back to the Floor‟ manner -never in danger of adopting an „ivory tower‟

mentality. Real-world exposure cannot be underestimated, in terms of

sharpening awareness and focusing capabilities

4. PhD student benefitted from working with me on a range of projects, in

different sectors, developing skills in translating theory into action

5. Engagement with and contribution to our local communities.

6. Raising profile, activity and presence.

Thank you