CPN reveals achievements of ‘CPNlead’ to strengthen outstanding SMEs to be ready for challenges in t

The project is described as “the first intensive programme in the Thai retail industry covering both market theory and practice to help strengthen new SMEs to substantially grow their businesses”.
Involving SME entrepreneurs with 34 brands, CPNlead was organised by Central Group and Thammasat University.
“These 34 brands had unique ideas with high potential for growth. They were able to learn business tips and test the actual market under the sponsorship of CPN,” the company said.
Preecha Ekkunakul, president and CEO of CPN, presented awards to three SMEs with the most outstanding business ideas. They were BUN101, which sells wholewheat steamed stuffed buns; Camp, a multi-brand fashion store; and Vintel, a bedding and home accessories concept store.
Preecha said: “There are many more challenges in today’s retail markets due to technological trends and the more complex behaviour of consumers. CPN, the leading shopping-centre developer, which is a pioneer and innovator in the retail business, sees the importance in strengthening trade partners and Thai SME entrepreneurs to have a clear vision and strategies covering all dimensions.”
He said these included:
- Providing knowledge on business and engaging in business-matching with subsidiary companies of Central Group through the “SMEs Think Big’ project”.
- Creating sales opportunities and showing sales channels through “SMEs Market Place – Thai helps Thai by Pracharat” in which CPN cooperated with the government in order to provide sales spaces for SME entrepreneurs by giving them access to prime locations in CPN’s shopping centres nationwide; and 
- Creating innovation and equipping entrepreneurs with skills and knowledge so they can initiate new creations through the programme. 

“CPNlead is being held to strengthen high potential SMEs to grow further by giving them insights and intensive knowledge as well as familiarising them with useful business tools and skills,” he said.
Pakorn Partanapat, chief operating officer of operations of Central Pattana, said: “CPNlead is the first business programme in the retail industry that helps to substantially strengthen Thai SMEs. 
“As a leader in the retail industry, we hope to help continue creating new SME stars in line with our national policy, which aims to develop high quality entrepreneurs.”
Asst Professor Pitipee Ruammake, lecturer from department of marketing at Thammasat Business School and director of the CPNlead programme said: “Our cooperation with CPN, the leading shopping centre developer, allowed us to create educational innovations that no one has ever created before. 
“SME entrepreneurs have received direct benefits from meeting and learning about the needs of consumers as well as learning how to create a network with other SMEs, how to engage in partnerships with business partners, and how to develop new products and services that can help SMEs to further grow their businesses in real life.”