Over 300 Firms Discover How Design Can Help Business

Over 300 local companies discovered how good design can really help your business, at Invest Northern Ireland's 2012 Design Conference, 'Design for Business'.

Held in Titanic Belfast, an iconic building in its own right, the conference featured an inspirational address from Ralph Ardill, founder of the Brand Experience Consultancy and leading design authority who shared his experiences of how design is an essential driver for innovation and competitiveness that can result in increased profitability and business growth.

Interactive workshops on Branding, Commercialising Technology and Design Strategy provided attendees with the tools needed to put design at the heart of your business. Companies also heard from Total Mobile, a local business that has seen the benefits of good design practice.

Speaking at the event, Mark Ennis, Invest NI Chairman, said: "Many of the world's leading global businesses have included design as a cornerstone of their business. Used as a driver for innovation, these companies see design as a way of providing innovative products and services that meet the needs of their customers. It’s what gives them the competitive advantage.

"This conference is just one of the ways Invest NI is helping businesses embrace design. We run monthly design clinics throughout Northern Ireland through our network of regional offices and provide design advice sessions for all businesses."

(CD/GK)