Groundswell Innovation

At Groundswell we deliver innovation that feeds on customer insight and builds brand growth. We help our clients get the right products to market, faster and fitter for purpose.

Sometimes that involves ‘doing different things’ like exploring an identified market opportunity, or defining exactly what value a new product or service will bring for customers.  This means carrying out market research, looking at future trends and drawing on 20 years cross-industry best practice knowledge.  All of which helped us get an education technology start-up off and running, with first stage funding of £250,000.

At other times we help clients who are trying to ‘doing things differently’.  Here our focus is maximising the potential of the existing business by altering the current mix – devising pragmatic ideas that boost core profit.  Doing just that, we increased international sales for a Cumbrian manufacturer so they are now 20% of total revenue.  In another example we increased revenue for a national petrol chain, by converting customers from cash to debit transactions. Simple, when you know how.

What one top tip would you give to a business owner embarking on a growth plan?

Write yourself a quick letter from 5 years hence.  In it, detail what your life is like and what kind of work you’re doing.  It’s an easy way of trying to understand what your growth journey will mean to you personally, so you can have a clear idea of where the company is headed.

Why is Lancashire a great place to grow a business?

Lancashire is a very welcoming county.  That counts for a great deal when running a business.  And when the work is done, where else would you want to be – stunning landscape, world-class theatre & music, and of course northern humour.

Why are you backing Boost Business Lancashire?

Collaboration is key to any strong network.  If we work alone we might get a few spikes of success.  If we work together, we all prosper.  We focus too much on individual bricks, when we should be spending time on securing the mortar.