It always amazes us how the human mind and business runs in similar cycles to the seasons. Whilst a lot of people take time in the New Year to set some targets and objectives for the next 12 months, we prefer to do that in autumn. September is a great time for renewal. The kids are back in school, the trees are shedding their leaves, and everyone is thinking about what's ahead. It's no different for us.
We've got a lot of exciting things coming up in the months ahead. We're currently piloting our Investment programme, developing a more comprehensive supplier network, and we've got something else that's very exciting - but we're keeping under wraps - at least, for now.
We've also been spending the week hosting key meetings which will result in some fantastic relationships that we hope to announce in the coming months.
Now you're in the UK, you'll get used to spending more time indoors over autumn as the nights get darker and the days get colder and wet – what better time to grab yourself a coffee and plan for the year ahead?
Join us live: What Does "Considerable Progress" Really Mean?
If you're thinking ahead to extending your visa, "considerable progress" is a phrase that tends to come up a lot, as well as causing a fair bit of head scratching. It sounds straightforward until you try to work out exactly what it means for your own business. How much growth counts? What evidence actually lands well? And does it look different depending on whether you're extending with the same business or applying for ILR?
We're covering all of this live on Wednesday 23rd September from 10am UK time, on Zoom. It's open to anyone, but places are limited and this one won't be recorded, so if it's relevant to you, live attendance really is the best way to get the detail first hand.
And if Wednesday's session leaves you wanting more, we're back again Thursday. Applying For Your Next Endorsement (ILR or Same Business) runs at 11am on 24th September and picks up where Considerable Progress leaves off, walking through what the application itself looks like once you're ready to move forward. Between the two, you'll come away with a genuinely clear picture of what's expected and when.
Innovator International
Innovator International
How long does endorsement take? (Read before asking!)
We know this is the question on everyone's mind, so here's the honest answer from Richard, all in one place.
Our official guidance is four weeks. In practice we've been running faster, with last month's average around 22 to 30 days depending on the mix of acceptances and refusals. Some applications clear in as little as five days, others take closer to 40 if a plan needs a closer look. The upper limit is 60 days.
You won't get progress updates while your application sits with an assessor. If they need something from you, they'll be in touch. Otherwise the next contact is simply the outcome, your endorsement, a due diligence request or a refusal.
We only start investigating a case once it's passed 50 days with no reply. Before that, silence is completely normal, not a sign anything's wrong.
So if you're waiting, your application is almost certainly still being worked through. Sit back, get involved in the Pulse community and webinars, and use the time to prepare for what comes next.
Diamonds are forever?
When Laura first discovered that diamonds could be grown in a laboratory, she wasn't surprised by the technology, she was surprised by how few people in the luxury jewellery industry were talking about it. That question stayed with her all the way through an MBA at London Business School and into the founding of Lark & Berry, a jewellery business built to prove that luxury and responsible sourcing don't have to be a trade-off.
It's a brilliant read on what it takes to challenge an industry that's barely changed in generations, and why she credits the Innovator International community with reminding her that entrepreneurship doesn't have to be a lonely journey.
Harriet Fuller
Got a story worth telling?
We love sharing Founder Stories, and there's always room for more. If you've been endorsed by us and welcomed into the community, whether that was last month or a few years ago, we'd love to hear from you.
If you're newer to the journey, we're always looking for founders willing to talk openly about what building a business in the UK has actually looked like so far, the wins, the wobbles, and everything in between. And if you told your story with us a while back, a lot can change in a few years. We're just as keen to catch up and share where things stand now, especially if your business has grown, pivoted, or taken you somewhere you didn't expect at the start.
There's no pressure and no set formula, we'll guide you through it and shape the conversation around what feels right to share. If that sounds like you, just drop us a message and we'll take it from there.
Harriet Fuller
That's all folks, see you next week!
