On Tuesday 22 March, round three of the eXpression Future Retail Lab accelerator programme was completed. The programme, whose catchment area stretched from the High Coast in the south to Piteå in the north, had 16 participating companies. The target group of the accelerator programme has been owner-operated companies in the retail and hospitality industry. Through the programme, the companies have been given the opportunity to develop and deepen their knowledge in various areas, ranging from business model analysis, market intelligence, branding, communication strategies, social media, consumer behaviour and sales to issues related to logistics, internationalisation, leadership and hospitality. During the twelfth and final meeting, companies presented their updated business plans, including implemented or planned changes such as new and/or refined business models, communication strategies and partnerships.
The Corona pandemic has meant that the programme has been implemented partly digitally and on some occasions as hybrid meetings. At the last and final meeting, the companies met physically. 10 of the 16 companies that participated in the third round of the programme were present to present their development journey.
Our experience after three programme initiatives is that being able to meet the group in a physical environment is a great advantage. However, with the conditions that exist today with digital platforms and hybrid solutions, we have still managed to implement the programme to the satisfaction of the participating companies and for many, the programme has brought about changes that create even more sustainable businesses. Something that we can clearly see in the evaluation they carried out in connection with the closing meeting, says Annakarin Nyberg, programme manager business developer Future Retail Lab.
As a grand finale, Cecilia and Daniel Lindström from Järnsispens Matbod in Piteå showed a selection of their delicacies while a new and developed future plan was presented.
Continued business development
The participating companies are offered further business development at the eXpression Future Retail Lab. The Accelerator Programme has been a three-year initiative in cooperation with the Swedish Retail Foundation, the Merchants' Association, Umeå Municipality and EU Structural Funds. A total of 44 companies have participated in the accelerator programme since its inception in 2019.
Thank you
Finally, eXpression Umeå would like to thank all participating companies and funders for the eXpression Future Retail Lab programme.
