Designing the future for the UK Ceramic Industry
26th April 2005
A unique partnership between the Design Council and the Ceramic Industry Forum (CIF) is giving UK ceramic companies the opportunity to fight world-wide competition by using design strategically.
The partnership means that the CIF will be the first business sector organisation to take part in the Design Council’s Design Immersion Programme, a package which supports companies through the process of integrating design into their business.
Eight companies from across the ceramics sector have been selected to take part in the Design Immersion Programme, including companies such as Caverswall China, H&R Johnson, Ibstock Brick and Dudson, who joined executives from the Design Council for an introduction to the programme on the 21 April 2005.
Richard Eisermann, Director of Design and Innovation at the Design Council, said:
‘We’re delighted the Ceramic Industry Forum is taking forward our Design Immersion Programme for its members. This programme was singled out by the Chancellor, Gordon Brown, in this year’s budget speech as an essential tool for manufacturing companies to promote innovation and increase productivity. This dynamic programme proves to managing directors that design isn’t just about aesthetics, but can lead to tangible business benefits, especially where profitability is concerned.
The Design Council began its Design Immersion Programme two years ago to help manufacturers transform their bottom line by using design to understand their customers, develop better products and open up new markets.
Eisermann continued: ‘Our partnership with the CIF shows how other organisations can run the Design Immersion Programme and helps to set the stage for the national roll out of our design programme for businesses. The Design Immersion Programme will be a key component of this initiative.’
Gavin Pryke, Design Advisor for the CIF and Project Leader of the Design Immersion Programme for the UK ceramic industry, explains:
‘This is a vitally important and exciting opportunity for the sector, which has already shown the desire and ability to change with the times. When you consider that ‘design’ is rated as the second most important ingredient of success for rapidly growing businesses, it is essential that we are able to give support in this area.
He continued: ‘While the focus of the Design Immersion Programme is on the effective use of design, the implications of the process offer so much more with expected benefits ranging from increased turnover, re-branding, new product development, and networking with other members of the programme. Experts will also be on hand to offer advice on training and manufacturing issues, such as total quality assessment and lean management.’
‘The companies that have been accepted to take part in the year-long project have already shown a commitment to design, and with the help of Design Council advisors and mentors, will be able improve further, ensuring long-term protection against the increasing threat of foreign competition’, concluded Gavin.
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Designing the future for the UK Ceramic Industry.
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