For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), success often depends on more than their own strengths. Industry dynamics — shaped by competitors, suppliers, customers, and new entrants — can define whether a business thrives or struggles. Porter’s Five Forces, developed by Michael Porter at Harvard Business School, remains one of the…
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), strategy can often feel like navigating through complexity with limited resources. One of the most enduring and widely taught frameworks to cut through that complexity is the SWOT analysis. Standing for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats, the framework helps leaders take a structured view…
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), growth does not happen in isolation. Every market is shaped by competitors — established players, emerging challengers, or even alternative solutions that address the same customer needs. Competitor analysis provides a structured way for SMEs to understand this landscape, identify opportunities, and make informed…
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), success often depends on how well they understand and meet the needs of their customers. While the Business Model Canvas provides a broad view of how a business creates and captures value, the Value Proposition Canvas (VPC) zooms in on the critical relationship between…
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), growth often hinges on clarity of vision and alignment across the business. One of the most widely adopted tools to support this is the Business Model Canvas (BMC). Originally developed by Alexander Osterwalder and Yves Pigneur, the BMC provides a structured way for leaders…
On 10 September, one of our Directors, Ed Puddicombe, made the journey into London, arriving mid-afternoon to settle in at the Royal Academy of Engineering to catch up on work. Being an RAEng and Shott Accelerator alumnus has been especially valuable. The Academy provides world-class mentoring, exposure to investors and…
On Thursday, 28 August 2025, one of our Directors, Ed Puddicombe, had the great pleasure of being invited by Ben Nichols of BN-IS to join him for a special day at The Hundred in Southampton. It turned out to be one of those days where everything that could align did…