Beacon re-launches as latest addition to GAIN
Beacon, the South West peer-to-peer business network, has been re-launched as a cornerstone of GAIN having been taken over by Plymouth University from the South West RDA. Beacon was first set up in 2003 as a way of identifying and bringing together top performing businesses to share best practice and boost the economy. But with the demise of the RDA, Plymouth University has stepped in to re-energise Beacon. It will now be based at Tamar Science Park as a key plank of GAIN.
Beacon, the South West peer-to-peer business network, has been re-launched as a cornerstone of GAIN having been taken over by Plymouth University from the South West RDA.
Beacon was first set up in 2003 as a way of identifying and bringing together top performing businesses to share best practice and boost the economy.
But with the demise of the RDA, Plymouth University has stepped in to re-energise Beacon. It will now be based at Tamar Science Park as a key plank of GAIN.
Sue Baker, head of network development at Beacon, said: "We're strengthening Beacon's links across the region as part of GAIN, and we're launching a Beacon Pathfinder programme aimed at smaller businesses who aspire to join."
The launch event heard from a founding Beacon member TJ International, the award winning Padstow-based book manufacturer which turns over £12 million a year and employs 125 staff.
Managing director Angus Clark said: "We were one of the first companies to become Beacon members and the experience has been extremely beneficial in terms of knowledge, contacts and generally raising the bar on quality."
The Beacon network now comprises 234 independently validated companies turning over £2.6bn and employing 31,000 people in the South West across all sectors. It is delivered and hosted by Tamar Science Park on behalf of Plymouth University.
For more information about Beacon visit www.beaconsw.org, or email [email protected]
