Enterprise and Innovation

Improving Business by Design

"Bringing innovation to new product development in the region"

This work represents the first year of a three-year initiative to identify and undertake projects where Industrial Product Design can make a significant contribution to the market competitiveness of participating companies in the region.

Organisation: De Montfort University (Product Design Unit)

Completion Date: 31/03/2006

Location

De Montfort University, Leicester

Project Description

As an innovative local design and manufacturing company, Agentdraw has found the LSEP's Improving Business By Design a genuine and impressive initiative. It offers a practical and novel approach to new product development. Agentdraw believe that for SMEs to create a competitive edge, it must come through innovation and great design - Kevin Sheppard, Commercial Director, Agentdraw Ltd

Background
The Improving Business by Design project was established in the belief that, despite a dwindling manufacturing base in the UK as a whole, a considerable amount of design and manufacturing is still taking place within this region; particularly in niche industries.

If this is the case it is felt that Industrial Product Design can make a valuable contribution to the future of these niche industries by improving or adding value to products and product ranges, or by helping in the innovation of completely new ideas and ventures.

Design and Innovation would therefore help maintain and or improve competitiveness for these companies in their markets.

Future plans
So far, time has been spent identifying companies with product opportunities; the intention now is to provide funding for a series of projects in the second and third years of the initiative.

As this represents a considerable body of work, with up to 15 to 20 projects over the next two years, eight of the regions leading design consultancies have been approached in addition to the Design Unit, to undertake these projects. As such, it will be a very regional venture.

Outcomes

Projects identified

• In the first year of this initiative 1,500 companies have been approached, 120 have been visited and more than 50 projects have been identified.
• The assumption that niche manufacturing is still taking place within the region has been emphatically upheld.
• The initiative has been well received by both participating companies and consultants alike.

Projects selected

• Unfortunately these 50 projects will have to be 'narrowed down' to 15 to 20 for progression in years two and three.
• It is hoped to commence these projects as soon as possible.

Project Contacts

Project manager:
Peter Ford
Tel: 0116 250 6238
E-mail: pbford@dmu.ac.uk
Website: improvebydesign.co.uk
Address: The Design Unit
Fletcher Building,
De Montfort University
The Gateway
Leicester LE1 9BH

LSEP contact:
Niloofar Sarkari
Tel: 0116 257 5678
E-mail: @lsep.co.uk
Website: www.lsep.co.uk