ERDF funded scheme launched to support design projects

A new service to support North East design projects and help new start-ups has been announced by RTC North.

Financed by ERDF, ‘Design for Growth’ is aimed at providing financial support to help companies grow their business by investing in new products and services.

The service will focus on companies wanting to work with local designers and will also back new start ups, offering them advice and space in Gateshead’s Northern Design Centre.

In addition, more tailored support will be made available to companies that need help identifying new markets, customers or products through one to one sessions or innovation workshops.

‘Design for Growth’ will be run by the RTC’s Design Network North (DNN) team which has added over £10m to the regional economy since its launch in 2009.

Design Network North will benefit from £688,620 of European Union investment from the ERDF Competitiveness Programme 2007-2013, which is managed by the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Coun Neil Foster, Deputy Chair of the North East England Local Management Committee (LMC) which oversees the strategic delivery of the ERDF Programme in the North East said:“Design for Growth will successfully use ERDF and private sector investment to offer specific targeted support to businesses that will increase their competitiveness generating essential benefits for the whole of the North East including job creation and economic growth.”

Run by technology and innovation consultancy RTC North, the DNN’s current membership stands at 650 companies.

RTC North CEO, Gordon Ollivere MBE said: “The Design for Growth’ programme is a regional service launched to support innovation within small and medium sized companies.

“The service will provide companies with the expert guidance and financial support they need to get new design projects off the ground.

“We are looking for projects where improved design will be a catalyst for businesses to create new higher value products and ultimately stimulate business growth.”

“By bringing large and small companies together and individuals from different backgrounds Design Network North is a great example of Open Innovation in action, where new product ideas are being generated through external collaboration.”

Based at Gateshead’s Northern Design Centre, the network’s monthly ‘Rise & Design’ events continue to be a networking forum and place where people from industry and the design community can meet and share new ideas.

Members include multinational companies such as Procter & Gamble as well as medium sized manufacturers and smaller design businesses.