In today’s business world, ideas around successful organisations are often defined through terms such as ‘profit-maximising’ and ‘growth-driven’. While relevant, these terms don’t necessarily support the full picture for ambitious businesses in rural regions. Creative businesses that are closely linked to community and place need more than a ‘one size fits all’ approach to business strategy.
In our work we encounter many businesses that feel conventional models simply don’t recognise or capitalise on their distinctiveness. They tend to be found in rural and creative contexts though are by no means limited to these settings.
So, what is Red Squirrel?
Red Squirrel is a business development programme created by a rural, creative business (StrategyStory) for the distinctive needs of rural and creative businesses, and crucially, their people.
We know that many business development offerings are not tailored to the specifics of regions, or the nuances of businesses that operate within them. We know that rural business is often misunderstood. We’ve developed Red Squirrel to sort that. The programme offers tailored training in strategy and communications for rural and creative businesses so that they can grow in a way that suits their distinctive needs.
So…why Red Squirrels?!
We use ‘Red Squirrel’ as a metaphor for rural and creative businesses. Find out more from Professor Donald MacLean, who created the original concept:
The programme draws from Donald’s decades of research and practice in the field of strategy, Kate’s extensive career in media and communications, as well their own collective experiences of rural life, work and business.
What do Red Squirrels (aka rural and creative businesses) get out of it?
A strategy for their distinctive needs
A Red Squirrel business model and management practice
A strategic communications plan
Skills in digital storytelling
Why do we feel this is so important?
Because rural business really matters, and we want to support rural and creative businesses in their way of life. As well as bespoke business support, Red Squirrel brings rural businesses together to strengthen our collective voice. We’ve created two documents to explain more.
Please email us at redsquirrel@strategystory.co.uk to sign up for our newsletter and receive these documents.
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The original discussion paper (recently updated) created to share the idea and promote discussion |
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Who is this for? Anyone who is interested in the original research, and the concept of our own distinctive way of doing businesses. |
Who is this for? – Policy makers, government and development agencies, those who have a role in supporting business – Businesses who may be interested in being enrolled on the programme |
Finding your tail in the rural business landscape
Red Squirrel Taster sessions
We will be hosting a series of one hour taster sessions. If you’re interested in signing up please email Redsquirrel@strategystory.co.uk
Sound interesting?
Liked this? You might enjoy our What is Strategy? page
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We deliver through partnership programmes, online learning, workshops, seminars and public speaking. We do lectures, talks and sessions on strategy and storytelling at private and public events.
If you’d like to arrange a conversation, please contact us at hello@strategystory.co.uk
