Somerset Innovation Hub + The Collar Factory: Innovation Workout

This free one-day workshop helps you stress-test your business idea, spot the gaps, and leave with a plan that works.
About this Event

Innovation isn’t just about having a great idea; it’s about finding the right approach to deliver it. Whether you are launching a new venture, developing a fresh product, or looking to pivot or extend an existing business, this fully funded one-day workshop provides a structured, proven approach to turn your vision into a validated blueprint.

Why Attend?

Ideas often fail not because the product is bad, but because the idea hasn’t been "stress-tested." During this workshop, based on Strategyzer’s established Business Model Canvas methodology, you’ll explore and evaluate early-stage venture concepts with other founders, build a detailed picture of your potential customers and value proposition, receive valuable feedback from experienced facilitators and other founders, and plan the next steps to grow your venture into a sustainable start-up or launch a new product or service to your customers.

The Outcome

You’ll leave the room away with a validated blueprint for your business model, the confidence of having articulated your thinking to peers, and a clear roadmap for your next stage.

Who should attend?

This workshop is designed for forward-thinking individuals ready to take their ideas to the next level, specifically:

• Aspiring Entrepreneurs looking to build a solid foundation for a new venture.
• Business Owners & Leaders aiming to pivot or refresh their existing business model.
• Product Managers & Innovators tasked with launching new products or services within an established organization.

What should I bring?

To get the most out of the day, please come prepared with:

• A specific project or idea: Whether it’s a "back of the napkin" concept or a fully trading business, having a focal point will make the practical exercises much more valuable.
• An open mind: Be ready to share your thinking and receive constructive feedback from your peers.
• A laptop or tablet: Useful for digital mapping, though we will also provide plenty of physical materials for hands-on work.

To book your spot

Please use the 'Register' button to book your place. Because the number of places is limited we may only be able to accept one place per organisation.

Should you have any queries about the session, or if you would like to find out more about the support available from the Somerset Innovation Hub, please contact hub lead Alex Spalding on [email protected].

The Somerset Innovation Hub + The Collar Factory

The Somerset Innovation Hub is run by The University of Exeter, part of the world-renowned SETsquared partnership, in collaboration with Somerset Council. The Hub supports people who are building something new, developing a fresh idea, or rethinking how their business works — through workshops, events, and one-to-one advice.

This workshop is hosted in partnership with the team at The Collar Factory in Taunton. If you're part of their community, or connected to it, this one's particularly for you - though anyone building or rethinking a business in Somerset is welcome.

This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.