Business Growth by Design

 

Business Growth by Design was held at the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill, East Sussex, on Tuesday, April 28.

This cutting-edge event  provided business people with the latest insights into how good design, collaboration and innovative thinking can lead to greater financial success.

Organised by the University of Brighton in partnership with Locate East Sussex, it featured presentations from leading speakers and opportunities for networking, collaboration with complimentary drinks.

Esther Brown, the University of Brighton’s Economic and Social Engagement Manager, said: “This is the first in a programme of events for local businesses and entrepreneurs, to share knowledge and help foster successful relationships that aid business success.

“Business Growth by Design’s thought-provoking seminars are aimed at producing new collaborations between educators and local companies, and we hope as many business people will come along to learn more.”

Philip Johnson, Director of Locate East Sussex, said: “Business people across all sectors can discover ways of achieving increased success for their organisation by attending this event which focuses on the benefits of good design, collaboration and innovative thinking.

“Design is the fastest growing creative industries sector in the country and the speakers include  design practitioners who have extensive experience of working in commercial environments.”

 

The speakers were:

Dr Carlos Peralta, Senior Lecturer in the University of Brighton’s School of Art, Design and Media, who  explained the benefits of collaborations between designers and scientists.

Professor Gillian Youngs, the University of Brighton’s Professor of Digital Economy, who  discussed how the digital economy provides new opportunities for innovation.(GillianYoungs presentation)

James Byford, Research Fellow from the Fusebox knowledge exchange project, who  introduced an experimental new start-up programme for innovators.

Simon Riley, CEO of MakerClub, a Brighton start-up and alumni of Fusebox24, who  talked about 3D printing and the importance of teaching digital skills to young people.(Simon Riley’s presentation)

Steve Baldry, Group Personnel Development Manager at Marshall Tufflex, said: ““In a tough economic environment finding the next big thing is an ever increasing priority.  However, finding ‘it’ remains as hard as ever. To aid us in our search we need a steady stream of ideas, and our hope is that this event will provide a source for a new stream to start flowing.”

Stewart Drew, Director and CEO of the De La Warr Pavilion, said: “Since 1935 the De La Warr Pavilion has been an icon of great design and now, more than ever, its principals of good design, collaborative working and creative thinking are having a huge impact on its financial success. As a catalyst for cultural regeneration along the coast, we are delighted to host this key event and look forward to sharing ideas with our business partners from the area.”

To find out what others had to say about the event look here at the Sussex chamber of commerce blog post or the article in the Eastbourne Herald or Hastings Observer

 

About the partners:

Locate East Sussex is a business support service funded by the county, district and borough councils of East Sussex

Marshall-Tufflex, based at Churchfields Industrial Estate, manufactures and supplies top quality cable management systems for a global market.

The De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill is a grade one listed modernist building housing a contemporary art gallery and auditorium.