Networking events make me uncomfortable. There, I said it. While others work the room with ease, I'm the person wandering around wondering who to approach next. If networking feels like an awkward first date to you too, you're not alone—and more importantly, you may not need to master it to build a successful business.
The business world is changing rapidly, and the old approaches are becoming less effective. Companies that figure out how to operate differently—how to find their blue ocean—will thrive while others struggle in increasingly crowded red waters.
Your path to success doesn't have to look like everyone else's. In fact, it probably shouldn't. Full article below:
Richard Harrison
Have you recently received your endorsement or Visa from Innovator International?
This month we are restarting our welcome sessions to on-board founders who have recently received their endorsement or Visa from Innovator International. This gives you a chance to meet other people in a like-minded situation but also to find out more about how we can help you with your next steps.
If you have not received an email regarding the forthcoming welcome sessions, please contact us and we will forward you an invite.
Webinar || 15 Oct @ 10am: Creating and Securing Intellectual Property with Panoramix IP
This session helps understand what intellectual property means in the context of the Innovator Founder Visa route. We will explore the types of intellectual property, what qualifies as sufficient "research and development", and how you can plan for this target from the onset of your business.
Richard will be joined next week by our Supplier Network partner Panoramix IP, make sure to sign up below:
Richard Harrison
Innovator Story: Success for Origin Oils
For Origin Oils, the IFEAT conference in Gothenburg delivered significant recognition and validation by winning 3rd prize in the Global Sustainability Awards 2025. As a young company competing against industry giants like Privi Speciality Chemicals, Mane Kancor, Norex Flavours, and ZALABÍ, this achievement represents a major milestone that elevates Origin Oils' credibility and positions them as a serious player in sustainable practices within the essential oils and aroma trades sector. This award not only distinguishes them from competitors but also signals to clients, partners, and investors that their commitment to sustainability meets industry-leading standards.
For founder Samr Calcutawala, endorsed through Innovator International, the conference reaffirmed his industry expertise while providing invaluable networking opportunities that extend beyond formal sessions into organic connections during "corridor run-ins" and informal gatherings. The event's focus on shifting from extractive to regenerative business models and building partnerships for resilience directly aligns with Origin Oils' values and strategic direction. Being recognised at this stage of the company's development validates Samir's vision and approach, while the relationships cultivated—particularly in those spontaneous networking moments—create pathways for future collaborations, knowledge exchange, and business growth that will serve Origin Oils well as they continue to establish themselves in the industry.
We want your Innovator stories or business updates! Has your business won an award recently? Please send your success and progression stories to harriet@innovatorinternational.com
How mushrooms increase your focus (and make you a fun guy)
When was the last time you truly unplugged? Not just put your phone on silent, but genuinely stepped away from the endless ping of notifications, the weight of deadlines, and the mental gymnastics of problem-solving?
Here's your invitation: take a walk in the woods. Specifically, take a walk where you might spot mushrooms.
Our article continues
Fixing Retail’s Biggest Flaw: Rewarding the Work That Counts
At 7:00 a.m. the delivery arrives. By 9:00 a.m. customers are hunting for a favourite product that never made it to the shelf. Peak hours blow up rosters, turnover drains margin, and five disconnected software tools fight for a manager's attention. Astorre was built for this exact gap: it links delivery signals, inventory and people in one loop so shelves fill on time with staff rewarded in a fair, transparent way for the work that gets done.
"The problem was never people - it was the system," says Marina Shulga, Founder. "Demand peaks, stock lands late, shifts stay static. Give teams clear tasks, the right timing, and fair recognition for work actually done, and the store changes in a week."
Delve into the story here
Our WhatsApp groups are now live – this week you will receive an email with links to the groups that you are eligible to use. See you in there!
Finally, don't forget to have a look at our daily news on Innovator Pulse:
Innovator International
