BioForward 24

24th September 2024, Oxford Technology Park, Oxford

OBNs ‘Roadmap for Growth’ Life Science event, BioForward is designed to support growing life science R&D companies, providing a chance to meet industry professionals, learn vital skills, and gather industry know how. We had a great time both exhibiting and catching a few talks, here are our takeaways!

Adam Pickford, Highlight People 

The impact people have on businesses is undeniable. Engaged people drive profitability by 21%. Learning and development (L&D) helps create the right cultural environment for people to grow and thrive. 

Most people become managers because they are great at their job, not because can effectively manage people. But line managers influence at least 70% of the factors that drive employee engagement. Bottom line? Line management capability is an enabler to business success. 

Russell Oakley, CK Associates Group 

To be a successful leader you need to strike the balance between providing a good work environment that energises your team and being tough on performance so you can achieve your business goals. 

Kat Arney, First Create the Media 

Finding the why of your company helps promote the emotional heart of your company, building belief in your business internally and externally and helping you shape your business strategy. Finding the “Why” should come before the “Who”, “What”, “How”, and “Do”. 

Michael Green, Luna 9

 Brand is more than visual identity. Differentiate yourself in the market by leaning into your brand archetype, whether you’re a ruler, creator, or explorer. Don’t do it by halves and end up in the middle with a sea of other brands.

You want your brand (and wider messaging) to engage the limbic system of your audience to make them feel something and then support that with information to embed that feeling. 

Lorna Cuddon, Zyme Communications   

Stuck on social media? As with all messaging, it’s all about understanding your audience – if/how they use social media and what they enjoy looking at. Make sure you’re adding value in the content you produce so you can cut through the noise.