Small World Labs

London is one of the most important centers for non-profits and membership associations outside of the United States. It’s also the destination this week for Small World Labs’ Andy Jones, a native Londoner and our VP of New Business, in a trade mission organized by the City of Austin, UK Trade & Investment (UKTI), and the Tech City Investment Organization (TCIO).

Small World Labs one of only a few companies selected

Small World Labs is one of a small group of companies selected to attend, and the only company focused on social networking platforms, non-profits and membership associations.

Andy will be joining representatives of eight other Austin companies, as well as Austin Mayor Lee Leffingwell, to tour the burgeoning Tech City technology hub and to forge relationships with potential partners.

Increased commitment to European non-profit market

But more importantly for Small World Labs, the trip underlines our increased commitment to the European market.

“The Austin trade mission to London England’s Tech City makes perfect sense, not only because of the affinities between Austin’s tech start-up community and Tech City’s growing status as a European technology hub, but because London is a major center for non-profit and member associations, our ideal target market,” said Jones.

The agenda for the trip includes introductions to the Tech City technology hub, networking with UK technology counterparts, and participation in workshops about establishing a business presence in the United Kingdom. The group will get a chance to hear from other U.S.-based companies who have successfully established themselves in the UK.

Chance to visit current customers, meet new customers

While there Andy will visit some of our current England-based clients, as well as to network and visit with others involved in the British non-profit sector.

The trip adds an additional benefit Andy can communicate to prospective customers. Small World Labs is increasing its commitment to servicing the growing needs of our expanding client base in Europe because of the support we’re receiving from UKTI and Tech City.

The UK non-profit market is ready for social networking

We have noticed an increased interest in the UK for our social networking platform. Non-profits and membership associations are starting to see the benefits of providing an online community environment for their supporters and members.
“The key to forging a deeper relationship with your constituents, supporters and members is community. When people who are passionate about your cause can come together, consume and comment on your content, and share their thoughts, ideas and concerns with each other, they become more loyal and dedicated to your cause,” said Michael Wilson, CEO of Small World Labs.

Look for more European activity in the near future

The UK trade mission trip is not our first visit to the UK. Andy, who grew up in the London borough of Hackney (near where Tech City is based), visits regularly. And it will also not be our last.

However, the context has changed for the better.

Austin and the borough of Hackney are signing a friendship agreement. The City of Austin, UKTI and Tech City are committed to strengthening the trans-Atlantic technology pipeline. Small World Labs, the only community platform focused on the non-profit sector, is strengthening its commitment to the British and European markets. This translates into a perfect scenario for Small World Labs to show its clients in the United Kingdom that great things are coming!

Want to read more?  Check out the blog post on the Tech City UK site about this.