Ideas UK- the national association of suggestion schemes - is expanding its well established National Ideas Day into National Ideas Week for 2008, to inspire innovation and tap into talent at work.
During the second week of March – to coincide with the anniversary of Einstein's birth - brainstorming breakfasts will be held across the UK and employers are encouraged to create office think tanks and open ideas banks.
An annual members survey by Ideas UK – a not for profit organisation - found that over £32million was saved by businesses in 2007 through suggestions schemes.
Over 60,000 ideas sent in by Ideas UK members and over 35% of all ideas received were implemented to bring both tangible and intangible benefits to business. The association will use National Ideas Week to highlight the business benefits of staff participation in everything from strategic planning to greening the office.
Anthony Denatale, operations manager for Ideas UK, says: “Is your business lost for ideas when it comes to running a suggestions scheme? Or has your current plan fallen out of use - and out of favour? National Ideas Week is a chance for employers to explore practical ways of turning bright ideas into better business.”
With over 20 years’ experience of successful staff suggestion schemes, Ideas UK provides guidance, training and set-up support for organisations developing their own reward and recognition programmes.
Members have access to their own area on its website, an online discussion group and regular networking meetings. New members are issued with an ideas ‘toolbox’, giving all the components for a successful suggestions scheme, and an evaluation tool to check how the scheme is measuring up. Members can apply for a prestigious Ideas UK silver, gold or platinum accreditation award, and the association also runs an annual ‘Idea of the Year’ competition.
The association is organising a series of free breakfast seminars in London, Manchester, Edinburgh and Cardiff during the week. Bookings can be made by contacting Ideas UK on 02920 020608.
