Late Summer Madness? Early September 2016, whilst in Glasgow we spotted the 105 Mile Rat Race ‘Coast to Coast’ event was imminent and decided we liked the look of it with its: 7 mile trail run starting on the east coast of Scotland at Nairn, followed by a 48 mile cycle course leading into Fort Augustus at Loch Ness where a quick 1 mile run and kayak leads to the end of day one and the start of day two’s 21 mile off …Read More
Why the move to GDPR may help disruptors to create new competitive advantages? The GDPR has, in some people’s opinions, exponentially increased the burden of ensuring privacy of personal data and as appropriate, providing robust data security. With many exploring the impact of GDPR and some developing their detailed response, it is clear that the necessary changes to their business enterprise, together with the burden for them to develop or …Read More
Blockchain first appeared in our general consciousness as a result of Bitcoin. Whilst the jury may be out on Bitcoin, Blockchain has made waves by showing a valuable contribution to the financial services industry. So what is it and what of the opportunities to apply Blockchain as a facilitator of disruption in other sectors? Ok, so lets start with my regular health warning here… These are my opinions and observations. …Read More
How a Team Management Profile can assist effectiveness and business growth Over the course of the last thirty years, Paul Forrest has worked with many businesses to help them develop or finesse their strategy. Whilst many have arrived at compelling perspectives on what the future looks like and how they are going to get there, it is clear that many have yet to crack perhaps the most central tenet – building …Read More
Not realising the potential benefits of ‘Big Data’? Here, Paul Forrest of Exolta presents a little food for thought doused with a little common sense. Sometimes a gentle nudge or reminder of what’s missing helps to focus the mind on what skills a business should be searching for. With this in mind, Paul introduces his take on the need for more ‘Bridging’ skills in organisations seeking to benefit from ‘Big …Read More
Having previously posted about disruptive innovation, challenger brands and standout businesses, Paul Forrest discusses the question most business want answers to is “how do we achieve something similar within our own sector?”. The answer is not so straightforward since it comprises a number of strategic levers all of which need to be handled in appropriate measure to deliver real success. However, one of the most obvious starting points is the …Read More
Here, Paul Forrest explores what tenets, traits or characteristics contribute towards a brand becoming a true challenger brand in the modern retail environment. Its not intended to be an empirical or lengthy list, instead it’s one based on my recent observations of what it takes to be a challenger in an otherwise crowded market and what others may do to join the club? However much a retailer tries, the chances …Read More
Data, data everywhere….. Your average connected user today shares a mass of personal data as they engage with organisations through an increasing number of channels and applications. This means that behind every Tweet, every Facebook request, and every other interaction, there is a potential customer who expects a personalised, unified experience, regardless of which department within a business they engage. Add into the mix that they expect this whether you’re …Read More
A day in the Mud at Dalkeith, Edinburgh Russell Dalgleish, Paul Forrest and Michael Young of Exolta Capital Partners once again found themselves at the start of the Tough Mudder. So…. what started out an overcast and dreek day in Dalkeith turned out to be a stunning day of sunshine and obstacles at day one of the 2014 Edinburgh Tough Mudder. In fact the only thing that outshone the weather …Read More
Partners at Exolta are often asked to serve as Non Executive Directors but what is the real value and how should you go about finding the best for your business? Exolta Capital Partners’ Senior Partner, Paul Forrest, discusses the value of a good non-executive director. Lets start by exploring what a non-executive director does? I’m often asked what a Non-Executive Director (NED) does. With many business owners reporting that their …Read More