Following the success of the University's pilot PLATO networking scheme - the first in Scotland - a recruitment drive is now underway for the launch of PLATO 2 in the New Year.
The PLATO programme is a unique business-to-business support forum for small to medium enterprise (SME) managers to help them tackle the challenges of today's business world. Through a partnership with large parent companies, PLATO creates a confidential and safe environment where SMEs can benefit from group learning, training activities, business linkages and networking events. PLATO encourages participants to share experiences and resources, to stimulate new ideas, and to support each other in trouble-shooting.
Since March 2002, two PLATO groups were established in Dundee by the University’s Centre for Enterprise Management - the first and only groups in Scotland - as part of a 12-month pilot programme with funding from Scottish Enterprise Tayside. These groups are "parented" by two senior managers (from NCR, Dundee, and Michelin, Dundee) and meet on a monthly basis.
The University's Dr Dooley said, "The success and further potential of PLATO has become apparent through our evaluation and we are now looking forward to expanding with new groups in Perth and Dundee. It is hoped that the programme can be rolled out across the country so that SMEs and entrepreneurs from Shetland to the Borders can benefit from the scheme and, ultimately, boost Scotland's economy." An information evening was recently held at DCA, including a description of the PLATO programme and a question and answer session with PLATO participants.