Innovation Acceleration
Accelerated proposition development for the Royal Society of Chemistry
We coached teams at the RSC through a series of design sprints aimed at reinventing their industry proposition. In parallel to an intensive period of bespoke training on the fundamental principles of innovation and user-centred design, the teams scoped, built and tested a range of new ideas for industry members and companies.
'It has been such a pleasure working with Boutique Innovation to help us define our strategy. Elaine brought a fresh perspective and new methodologies which allowed us to look beyond problems and find opportunities. In only a few weeks, we have not only found those opportunities, but established close internal collaborations, built consensus for the direction of travel and changed perceptions. I’ve been very impressed about the way Elaine developed and delivered the sessions. All felt very clear, relevant, tailored to our business and not least fun!’
Dr. Aurora Antemir, Industry Manager, RSC
Accelerator business coaching support for biotech & biomed start-ups
Not just for start-ups and spin-outs, the WAPG Business Accelerator Programme works with entrepreneurs at every stage from idea to exit to help businesses launch, grow and scale. We work with WAPG on their accelerator programs to provide business coaching using the ‘Lean Start Up’ methodology helping companies to develop and strengthen their value propositions.
Fast paced digital strategy development in construction
The Centre for Digital Built Britain is a partnership between BEIS and the University of Cambridge to understand how the construction and infrastructure sectors could use a digital approach to better design, build, operate, and integrate the built environment. We took the CDBB team through a series of accelerated workshops to create an actionable digital strategy for the next 2 years.
‘Elaine provided a set of very practical steps and tools to support the development of our digital strategy. This resulted in a cohesive, collaborative effort, amongst staff from within our Centre and with our external partners.’ Andrew Nightingale, CIH Project Portfolio Manager
Designing an innovation accelerator for a large energy client
We helped one of the big 6 energy suppliers find new ways of working and driving innovation in their business by creating an initial conceptual design for an ‘in-house’ accelerator program focusing on resourcing, people, space and the overall operating models needed to achieve a successful outcome.
Design sprints to improve clinical trial processes in pharma
We worked with a global pharma leader, coaching their team through a series of design sprints to improve their clinical trial process. This resulted in a new approach for the organisation and significant improvements in their internal process metrics.
Novel oral care product design
We helped start-up, Dentherapy® Ltd., to make a step change in their strategy, product design and open innovation processes via a series of coaching sessions. This has resulted in a more successful pitching position for the company as it looks for its next industrial development partner.
‘The opportunity to work with Elaine has been incredibly beneficial as our company aims to extend therapeutic oral care beyond the home, into the ‘on the go’ market. Elaine’s skills and experience are assisting us to navigate the challenges of entering this commercial ‘white space.’’ Carol Rafferty Director Dentherapy Ltd.
Apothecary product development
We facilitated sustainable apothecary start-up, J-Rao Ltd., to define its unique offering for all aspects of market research, product design, development and validation via virtual coaching. Our work together has facilitated the company in applications for national funding.
‘Elaine is the missing piece of the puzzle and an essential part of our support eco-system. I really value her industry knowledge and expertise in the accelerator process, and find her mentoring approach really practical. I feel very privileged to be able to work with Elaine as a ‘critical friend’ so early in the business journey, and I know that through our working relationship I will be in a much more credible and informed position’. Jennifer Rao-Williams, CEO J-Rao Ltd.
Innovation Capability Building
Introduction to Design Thinking
We trained a diverse group of participants from the Centre for Digital Built Britain on the basic principles and methodologies that support Design Thinking (Human Centred Design). This bespoke, ‘hands-on’ training course was delivered virtually, while participants were supplied with personalised prototyping packs to allow them to design and make mock-ups during the course of the online workshops.
‘Thank you for this wonderful training. I really enjoyed it and have left with some great take-aways. I liked the process, tools, the hands on activity and the fun, relaxed environment you created.’ CDBB Program Manager
Creativity and innovation training
Working in partnership with UXL, we created a specialist training module on creativity, invention and innovation for Scottish Enterprise, which we delivered in a virtual classroom to a large cohort of Scottish Enterprise supported SMEs.
‘The feedback from a presentation, enthusiasm and knowledge perspective has been unanimous in its praise from the rest of the team. Your guidance on the structure of the sessions and the focus on the guided but not rigid breakouts was particularly well received from the discussions it brought about between the companies.’ Scottish Enterprise Innovation Specialist
Bespoke management training, content creation and delivery
We helped a global chemicals company to prepare its R&D organisation for acquisition. By creating a bespoke training course which was rolled out at multiple locations, we helped the global teams to transition more effectively to their new organisation.
Innovation Research
Innovation at the interface of business and Further Education
We undertook a series of research projects to better understand how innovation is impacted when businesses and Further Education colleges collaborate together. This research commissioned and published by Innovate UK and the Gatsby Foundation, was used to influence key stakeholders at BEIS and DFE.
Patient journey mapping in healthcare
We worked with a US based healthcare company to map a series of patient journeys in their primary and cancer care facilities. We coached two project teams on all aspects of human (patient) centred design, conducted qualitative research and helped the teams to identify new opportunities to deliver improved patient care.
‘You took the time to make sure we understood what we needed to do, helped to alleviate the stress and fear of interviewing and really helped us to be confident and fearless in our maiden voyage into the UX arena. We would not be where we are today without you sharing your experience and expertise to help us in accomplishing our desired outcome.’ Senior Project Manager / Team leader
‘We appreciate all you and your team have done. This is an fascinating project and one I believe will serve our patients well in the near future and years to come.’ Vice President for Primary Care
Digital strategy research in learning and development
We worked with CRAC / Vitae, the global leader in supporting the professional development of researchers, to develop a digital strategy for the next generation of L&D tools for research staff and students.
‘I am very pleased with the outcome as Elaine’s insights into the competitive space around our organisation allowed us to have some difficult conversations and move our thinking forward, whilst enabling everyone to feel like they have won.’ Katie Wheat, HE Senior Manager, Vitae.