Expanding your offer, diversifying into new markets and changing your approach could be the key to growing your company and staying ahead of the competition.

This evening seminar reveals why revising your business strategy and diversifying into new markets could be the key to growing your company. It is intended for anyone involved in business development or planning for a company providing digital media services and products.

In the face of intense competition, changing economic conditions, and shifting fads and trends in the industry, ongoing success proves more elusive than expected for many digital media companies. But why struggle through hard times when you could adapt and move on to more lucrative or satisfying business opportunities? Shifting focus, expanding your offer or diversifying into new markets could be the key to growing your company and staying ahead of the competition.

Growth through diversification typically occurs in two ways:

• Developing new products and services
• Finding new markets for existing products and services.

While some companies find their niche through a process of trial and error, others evolve into successful businesses by responding to market conditions, taking advantage of emerging opportunities and adapting according to their strengths. For example, IBM used to make typewriters, Cable & Wireless began as importers of rubber and Nokia started out manufacturing Wellington boots.

Through a combination of presentations, case studies and informed discussion, this evening event will examine how the process works in practice, and offer tips and advice on how you can take your company into new markets.

Topics covered include:

• Spotting new markets for your products and services - and assessing their viability
• Redefining your business strategy to take advantage of new opportunities
• Identifying strengths in your existing business that can be exploited in new markets
• Resources - are your current facilities, capabilities and staffing levels right for your new approach?
• Investment - how do you finance your change of strategy?
• Timing diversification

Speakers

Speakers include:

Craig Hill, Consultant
Craig has 20 years of experience in marketing, IT and multimedia, starting his full-time career explaining what that funny ‘mouse thing’ was dangling from the keyboard of Apple Lisa and Macintosh computers. For the last 10 years he has specialised in the introduction of new multimedia technologies in media, playing an active role in the introduction of PC-based Digital Video technologies in the early 90s, and establishing Foresight New Media as one of the pioneering UK New media agencies in 1995. Over an 8 year period, Foresight developed in a number of new market areas, including a multidiscipline online and offline marketing agency, opening international offices, own product development and interactive TV, all through organic growth and joint ventures. Craig is in the process of setting up a new business focusing on new licensing and product development opportunities in the entertainments market.

David Prais, Pembridge Partners LLP (www.pembridge.net)
David Prais is a founding partner of Pembridge, and helps clients with mentoring, marketing, brainstorming and corporate strategy. Prior to joining Pembridge, David ran his own company, Chumbo.com, the biggest supplier of packaged software over the internet to the US market. He has worked as marketing director for Dell and ran Gateway’s marketing in the US including its international marketing budget.

Dinis Cruz, Managing Director, DDPlus (www.ddplus.co.uk)
Dinis Cruz is Managing Director of DDPlus, a company he originally established as an IT consultancy advising clients on implementation. As the company grew, it's core focus evolved to include web design, software development, and content management systems. DDPlus now specialises in IT security, and also provides a range of bespoke training solutions.

Report on the event.