Service Network is the key organisation representing businesses in the knowledge-driven economy, as Katherine Aitken explains. *********** A driving force powering the knowledge economy is the Knowledge Intensive Business Services (KIBS) sector. Businesses in it are marked out by their ability to sell expertise and capitalise on their skills, forming a sector that is one of the fastest growing across Europe and which accounts for a quarter of regional GVA. The importance of the KIBS sector in the region is further underlined by One NorthEast's economic strategy, which names the KIBS sector as one of the most significant in contributing to productivity and participation in the region. And, it's Service Network, the membership organisation representing KIBS, which has been championing the sector for 11 years. From its roots as a group of North-East law firms, Service Network has now grown its membership to over 300 KIBS companies. Working across the fields of built environment, e-business, finance, HR and management consultancy, legal services and marketing, it provides a platform for members to form partnerships and collaborations with like-minded service providers, to increase the profile of their businesses in the wider business community, and to supply market intelligence to help them develop, grow, and ultimately become more successful. Its online Marketplace service allows members to quickly and easily source tender opportunities. This is complemented by the bespoke information service Connectre, which provides personalised business intelligence. These highly valued services are enabling many more companies to win bigger and better contracts. Over the last four years, Service Network - through providing a range of networking opportunities, encouraging knowledge exchange and offering user-friendly access to new business opportunities and intelligence - has helped members secure at least £2.3m of new business and safeguarded more than £14.4m of turnover for businesses in the region. Recent independent research reveals that KIBS companies view building relationships and trust with other service providers as a key business driver. In a `people-buy-people' sector, it's not surprising that an intimate network culture is paramount in creating community and collaboration. The research highlights Service Network's unique ability to know its members' businesses, understand their needs, and to actively make introductions and drive connectivity. The KIBS sector is buoyant and contributes greatly to the regional economy but there is still work to do if KIBS companies are to stay ahead of increased national and global competition, ever-changing market demand, and the rapid pace of scientific and technological advance. This is why Service Network is keen to build upon its achievements and the strengths of the sector as a whole. Continuous open dialogue with members enables it to stay in tune with the changing business environment and to positively support members across all stages of their development. This will be its ongoing priority. Another area of its future focus is to continue to raise the ambitions and skill sets of regional companies. By providing them with innovative ideas, relevant information and a platform to transfer their knowledge and expertise, they will be in a stronger position to make the most of future opportunities. And there are countless opportunities to target - notably the new business that will emerge with the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games. To ensure KIBS companies secure their share of these, and other, opportunities to drive their own growth, Service Network is forming partnerships with other organisations in the region. They include The Tyneside Economic Development Company Ltd (Tedco), UK Trade & Investment and One NorthEast. With the backing of Service Network, KIBS will continue to build upon their skills and abilities, adopt a culture of innovation, forge strong collaborations, and drive forward the growing knowledge driven economy.
Katherine Aitken is executive director of Service Network.
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