Origins of Life Led Business®
Business Think
In 2014, the consultancy Business Think was awarded a contract to create an innovation programme for the EU Open Innovation project and University. Directors Elliot Forte and Dr Jonathan Sharp collaborated to develop a series of workshops called “Game Change”, based on their experiences with thousands of entrepreneurs.
This learning process was later adapted into a book titled “Life Led Business”, published in 2018 and available on Amazon (paperback), Audible, and Kindle. Each participant in the Life Led Business® Programme receives a copy of the book.
What was the EU Open Innovation Project?
Enterpreneurship
This international project was an EU-funded initiative to promote the adoption of ‘Open Innovation’ principles. We delivered a three-day Life Led Business® (formerly Game Change) process to over 100 high-growth potential businesses. An independent survey following these events showed that attendees’ ability to innovate had more than doubled.
Watch the video of candidate feedback.
Other Achievements
Intervention Book
In 2011, Elliot Forte authored the book Intervention: The Battle for Better Business in response to the closure of the Business Link support network, which was used by 20% of businesses annually.
The book includes a one-to-one interview with the former Deputy Prime Minister, Lord Heseltine, and was reviewed in an international research journal by an Emeritus Professor at Cambridge University as “an innovation in the field of policy itself”.
Other Achievements
University Teaching
In 2016, Business Think was contracted to create learning materials for the professional practice degree launched by the University of Plymouth. The modules covered strategy, finance, change, marketing, and digital marketing.
Director Elliot Forte was also invited to teach these materials, assisting hundreds of students with their studies. Elliot continues to teach marketing and digital modules at both degree and Master’s levels and has achieved the PGCAP teaching qualification.
Other Achievements
EU Transition (Contract)
In 2020, following the UK’s departure from the European Union, Business Think won a government-funded bid to deliver rapid business support to organisations reliant on exports.
We diagnosed the needs of 100 businesses, provided advice, and collected information on their future plans for international trade. Many businesses decided to cancel their export activities due to uncertainty and costs, and much of our advice focused on growth strategies to replace lost income.
Other Achievements
Covid Recovery (Contract)
In 2021, after the final UK lockdown, Business Think secured a government-funded contract, managed by Plymouth City Council, to deliver rapid business support to organisations in need. We provided tailored advice to 120 businesses on using digital and traditional methods to boost sales and grow as the economy recovered.
“I managed a contract with Business Think dealing with high-growth businesses. The feedback received from those businesses was always first class. I have no hesitation in recommending them.” – Colin Bettison, Plymouth City Council
More about Elliot
Elliot lives with his family in the coastal town of Bude in Cornwall, United Kingdom.
Besides business and teaching, his interests include writing and performing music, gaming, and walking his Cocker Spaniel. He was Vice Chair of Governors at his children’s school and continues to volunteer. He strongly believes in work-life balance and prioritising happiness.
