Fifty-five local businesses heard how innovation and good design could add value to their operations, and make them more competitive, at the latest meeting of the southern area Export Network Club.

Organised by Invest NI, the Club meets twice a year to give business people the opportunity to come together to share experiences, network and develop customised business solutions.

Guest speakers at the recent event were Richard Stewart, Director of Engineering Research and Development at Ulster Carpets and Alastair Eves, Director of the Design Group in Invest NI.

In his presentation, Mr Eves told the audience that design, when used effectively, is a key competitive tool to add value and differentiate products and services, innovate and build distinctive brands.

The benefits of good design were presented in four case studies of local companies which have recently participated in Invest NI’s Design Development Programme.

This programme partners companies with design consultancies to help them gain competitive advantage by addressing particular aspects of design.

Recent successes have included helping a candle manufacturer develop new concepts for packaging to aid marketing, and assisting a local ice-cream maker to develop a premium range of products to complement their existing range.

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