Opportunity to publicise that new innovation
Jul 27 2001
Emma and Caroline founded Hairnet, which provides computer and internet training for the over-50s, after they realised that people who had not grown up with personal computers or the internet might need extra help to understand and integrate the new technology into their lives. A national broadsheet wrote their story and over 400 enquiries later they started running a single class, which soon turned into a company - Hairnet.
This is one of the 1,012 innovative products and services highlighted as an Innovation Story on the Design Council's website, as part of its Millennium Products innovation scheme in the run-up to 2000. Now the Design Council has "launched a new programme for a new century:" Innovation Stories.
An innovative idea - such as Hairnet - has been thought up, put into practice, is in the market and is making a difference. Now it's time to take it that one step further and spread the word of its existence to a wider audience. The Design Council's Innovation Stories initiative can do just that.
Open to people or businesses which have brought an innovation to market within the last 18 months, Innovation Stories intends to "put the spotlight on great ideas and the impact they've had." Through telling the stories behind the innovations, the Design Council will show off the best in the selected British businesses which put design and innovation at their core, to Britain and the rest of the world, and the innovators chosen will gain exposure for their product, service, programme or process.
By taking part in the Innovation Stories scheme it is hoped that successful candidates will attract international, national and regional media coverage through awareness campaigns by the Design Council and its partners, as well as through using Innovation Stories in their own publicity. They will also be promoted on the Council's website, in the form of a case study showcasing their innovation. In addition, one hundred of the best examples of British design will tour internationally in an exhibition, starting in New York in October 2001.
The initiative will afford the chance to make a myriad of business contacts and provide a forum for the exchange of ideas. It is an opportunity to publicise a company and its wares to a far-reaching number of potential customers, and to build on the prestige associated with such an accreditation, through the company's marketing literature, advertising, stationery and point of sale material. It could also open new doors leading to possible future ventures with new business partners and attract new funding to develop a business further.
The closing date for applications is 10 August 2001.
To apply to the Design Council's Innovation Stories, either phone Louise Hawken at the Design Council on 020-7420 5200 for a brochure and application form, or visit the Design Council's website at www.designcouncil.org.uk/apply .
With thanks to Lloyds TSB Success4Business. For more news and information visit www.success4business.com .
(27/7/01)