The Innovators 2009 – Recognising new thinking

Have you or your team turned an innovative idea into a new financial services product or service? 

The Innovators are our annual awards, in association with Ernst & Young, which profile the best new developments in the financial services industry in Scotland. This is the fifth Innovators, and the awards are now firmly established in Scotland's business calendar.

They are open to any financial services company or team with operations in Scotland, and to firms providing services to the industry of any kind. Winning or being short-listed is a great way of promoting your company.

 At a time when our industry continues to undergo significant change, our theme this year is 'Recognising new thinking'. This reflects our belief that new thinking is the most powerful tool we can muster to respond to tough business conditions and rapid shifts in markets and regulation.

This year the judges will be looking in particular for new thinking that illustrates Scotland's international reach in financial services; new thinking in how our industry communicates; and new thinking in skills development and customer services.

We are also looking for innovations that may have been introduced some time ago but are now delivering a quantifiable and positive impact for your business. In other words, we want to showcase ideas and creativity at all stages of the process, from initial idea to actual business improvement or benefit.

Winning is a tremendous accolade. But simply by entering you will benefit from a fantastic opportunity to showcase your work. At the same time you will help demonstrate Scotland's reputation as a centre for innovation, ideas and excellence in financial services.