LDA invests £3.5m in design

20.03.08

The ‘Designing Demand’ project will be run by Design London, a collaboration between Imperial College London, the Royal College of Art and Grant Thornton, who manage and administer the project.

The project’s aim is to show small business owners how design can turn ideas and technologies into profitable products, services and brands.

It will offer a range of programmes tailored to meet the needs of individual businesses, including rapid prototyping, computer simulation resources, and an extended programme of design support.

Richard Harun, the LDA’s senior design manager, said that despite having half of the UK’s designers, investment in design among small businesses in the capital is surprisingly low.

“Working with the Design Council, Grant Thornton and Design London have the opportunity to change this and ensure businesses across the capital benefit from intelligent investment in design.”

Nick Leon, the director of Design London, said: “This partnership puts design-led innovation centre stage for small and medium businesses, transforming business performance, enhancing skills and contributing to the economic resurgence of key sectors and communities.

“The project brings a unique combination of creativity, technological expertise, and business acumen to the Designing Demand programme.”

© Crimson Business Ltd. 2008