Local businesses are making game changing decisions following a three-day intensive course this summer.

Somerset County Council commissioned the “Game Change Programme”, delivered by Business Think, as a workshop for local businesses who wanted to improve the way they work. Designed to help businesses be more innovative and re-examine the way they work, the agenda included one-to-one support from business experts and valuable collaboration and feedback time with fellow business owners.

James Catley-Day of Candlelight Homecare Services, who have offices in Glastonbury, said: “It was good to get out and take a step back to re-evaluate what we were doing and look at the big picture. It was also good to meet loads of other businesses that also needed that extra push.”

Since completing the course the businesses involved have benefited from on-going support back in the workplace with visits from Business Think. They have also set up a networking group so that they can continue to share issues and achievements with each other.

Karen Morledge of Plum Communications and PR said: “All of the businesses that went on the course have initiated “Think Tank Thursdays” where we take it in turns to host an evening meeting to talk about issues and what we’ve achieved since the last meeting.”

Bridgwater business, Something Different Ltd, have also benefited following the workshop. Alfred van pelt said: “We’ve teamed up with Business Think for another two sessions and we are now focusing on the future state of the business.”

Cllr David Hall, Somerset County Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, Inward Investment and Policy, said, “I am pleased to hear how the businesses involved in our Game Change workshop have been putting what they learnt into practice while back in the workplace. Investing in local businesses is vital for Somerset’s economy and will help create job opportunities and encourage further growth. By providing opportunities for businesses to network together we can promote collaboration and the sharing of good ideas.”

The workshop was funded under the EU Interreg IVB ‘Open Innovation Project’ which involves partners from across Europe. Somerset County Council worked in partnership with Plymouth University to make the Game Change Programme possible.