Inspiring innovation

Encouraging innovation at work

A culture which promotes and values innovation is important for economic growth. That’s why Yorkshire Forward set up the annual Innovator awards: to recognise the talent and creativity in the region’s businesses and universities.

Encouraging innovation among employees

In 2008, the Culture of Innovation award was won by Elmwood, a brand design consultancy based in Guiseley, for the way they encourage innovation amongst their employees.

As an example of the way Elmwood manages this, each employee gets four ‘inspiration vouchers’ a year. Each voucher entitles the holder to half a day out of the office, spending time assisting innovation; for example, at an exhibition.

Elmwood also runs a learning programme called Beyond 21, which involves personal development plans for employees. The plans include personal growth and innovation objectives, with a budget allocation for achieving objectives through conferences and seminars.