May 2008
The LDA is announcing that a consortium of Design London, a major partnership between the Royal College of Art and Imperial College London, and Grant Thornton UK LLP has won the bid to deliver the pioneering Designing Demand programme and complementary services for businesses in the capital.
This venture combines Grant Thornton’s business expertise, knowledge of the SME market and strong investor networks with Design London’s excellence in design, business and research. Together they will go beyond the remit of Designing Demand to develop a sustainable resource of design support that will help London’s businesses excel.
Designing Demand was developed by the Design Council and is delivered nationally by the regional development agencies. It shows business leaders how design can turn ideas and technologies into profitable products, services and brands. The consortium will offer an extended programme of design support by capitalising on their strengths and tailoring new services for business based on their executive development courses and associated facilities such as rapid prototyping and technology labs.
Richelle Harun, Senior Design Manager at LDA, said:
“London is the heart of the UK’s thriving and world-class design industry. But despite having almost half of the UK’s designers, investment in design amongst small business 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, Director of Design London, said,
“This partnership puts design led innovation centre stage for small and medium sized businesses, transforming business performance, enhancing skills and contributing to the economic resurgence of key sectors and communities. Design London brings a unique combination of creativity, technological expertise, and business acumen – represented by each of the partners - to the Designing Demand programme.”
Grant Thornton Partner Glenn Stone said:
“With experience developing and administering the successful gateway2investment (g2i) programme in conjunction with the LDA, Grant Thornton is well placed to utilise its connections within London’s business and financial community to expand Designing Demand, developing a best practice design development and support service. We want to see good design recognised as a major driver of successful businesses."
David Kester, Chief Executive of the Design Council, said:
“The arrival of Designing Demand in the capital is a huge boost for ambitious London businesses. Thanks to this partnership, more than 600 SMEs over the next three years will have the chance to follow the example of many others around the country who have proved they can transform their business by putting design at the heart of what they do."
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