Events
Filter Categories
News
Design Network North News
Jobs
Opportunities
Other News
  • Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade - Design Challenge.
    Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade: Design Challenge - create new products to add to your range and generate funds for the Brigade Submission deadline - 31st August 2021 The Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade have been saving lives along the coast since 1864, and were in fact the first brigade of their type in the world. As a local independent charity, they rely entirely on donations to continue their much needed work, which have suffered hugely during the COVID 19 pandemic. So in order...
  • Can rebranding a company help shift in-house attitudes?
    By Darren Evans, founder of UK strategic brand consultancy The Engine Room As 2020 marked the beginning of a fresh decade, the chances of organisations pressing the ‘reset’ button in the early stages of the year, were perhaps even more likely. The challenge during any such period of change – whether incremental or revolutionary – is to firstly define exactly what needs to be adjusted, before establishing and sustaining any newly-conceptualised behaviours so that they become the norm. Different processes can take...
  • Funding for Digital Solutions to Business Challenges
    Funding for Digital Solutions to Business Challenges     Are you a creative, digital, or tech SME with an interest in developing digital solutions that create a social impact? Then we’re looking to hear from you. As part of the North East Social Tech Pilot Fund, Digital Catapult NETV have worked with regional charities and community interest companies who are now looking for organisations that can develop digital solutions to address key challenges within their organisations. That means it’s up to you; the creative,...
  • Rise and Design FAQs
    RISE AND DESIGN FAQs With so many newbies coming along to Rise and Design over the last few months, we thought it was about time we answered some questions you might have so that you feel as comfortable as possible on the day. How much is it? It’s free, and always will be. Do I have to be a member to attend? No, and you’ll never have to be. We have been making some changes to our membership scheme as you may have noticed, but...
  • Rise and Design: A guide for beginners
    RISE AND DESIGN A GUIDE FOR BEGINNERS We’ve had such a large influx of newcomers that we thought it was about time we wrote a little guide for those who are new to Rise and Design. We’ve given you a quick run-down of what Rise and Design is all about, and tips from us on how you can get the most out of the day. Rise and Design runs for about three hours. It starts with networking and bacon sandwiches, followed by speakers...
  • Centre for Advanced Instrumentation ( Durham University) are looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer
    Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (Durham University) are looking for a Mechanical Design Engineer The Centre for Advanced Instrumentation (CfAI) is a major research group in the Department of Physics at Durham University with approximately seventy staff and research students. It has established a pre-eminent reputation in the development of complex instrumentation for high profile national and international projects. CfAI’s mission is to design and develop novel instrumentation based on cutting edge technologies with applications across a range of strategically important scientific areas....
  • Wonderstuff create award winning packaging for North East based Black Storm Brewery.
    Gosforth based Wonderstuff are proud to announce that their design for a set of seasonal beer cans for Black Storm Brewery is now award winning. The set of six can designs were released over a 12 month period as Black Storm’s Seasonal Range in 2018 (and re-released in 2019) with the full set never being on sale at one time to ensure they became collectable and reflect their seasonal nature. The full set of labels were recognised, and won an award,...
  • BBC1's The Customer is Always Right are looking for products to feature
    “The Customer Is Always Right” is an exciting series that follows budding entrepreneurs from across the UK as they try to make a success of their inventions. They are making everything from pet accessories to health and beauty products, home and garden tools, to children’s gadgets. Each episode will feature three entrepreneurs, with audiences hearing about the inspiration behind their creation and the sacrifices they had to make in getting their dream item funded and brought to market. Crucially, their new products...
  • HP expands 3D channel programme in the UK with GoPrint3D partnership
    Ripon UK, 12 August, 2019 – GoPrint3D, the 3D printing arm of Express Group Ltd, has joined HP’s UK channel partner programme to offer HP Jet Fusion 3D technology to its extensive customer base across the UK and Ireland. GoPrint3D will act as a reseller of HP Jet Fusion 500/300 Series printers to its wide-ranging customers. GoPrint3D’s addition to the channel partner programme builds on its 20 year relationship with HP, from service and repair to spare parts provision for traditional...
  • Altogether Creative are hiring a Mid – Senior Weight Designer.
    Altogether Creative are hiring a Mid – Senior Weight Designer Altogether Creative are looking for a talented designer with at least 3 years experience working in a well-respected studio, to join their small and super friendly creative team. They are looking for someone who is full of ideas, always curious and happy to get stuck in, from brand development to campaign communications, print to digital, concept to artwork. You will need to be a great communicator, have an eye for detail and...
  • Why sleep is the key to a healthier, happier and more productive workplace?
    Why sleep is the key to a healthier, happier and more productive workplace? Dr Jonathan Bloomfield, Mammoth Sleep Expert and Exercise Physiologist Life in 2019 is busy and stressful. In fact, many of us are driven to believe that keeping ourselves constantly occupied at work and in our domestic lives is an important part of our identity. While there is absolutely nothing wrong in working hard and pushing ourselves to achieve as much as possible, there is a danger that we leave...
  • Home & Interior Trends for Spring Summer 2021
    Home & Interior Trends for Spring Summer 2021 Design Network North members- Trend Bible are a global trend agency who specialise in predicting the future of life at home. They work collaboratively with the world’s best brands and retailers helping them seize tomorrow’s opportunities. Whether it’s the future of eating, decorating, playing, celebrating or bringing up children, they apply their expertise to develop strong and simple trend forecasts that create commercially successful products which connect with future audiences and stay true...
  • Newton Press Named as Regional Finalist in National Business Award
    Newton Press Named as Regional Finalist in National Business Award Environmentally friendly printers and members of Design Network North, Newton Press of County Durham has been named as a regional finalist in the 2019 ‘Small Business Big Heart’ Awards in association with BusinessesForSale.com. The judges chose Newton Press for serving the community for over 55 years with its free newspaper, involvement with numerous local organisations, community driven activities and specific fundraising actions – one of which was backing two much-needed MRI scanners...
  • Top tips for recovering debts
    Top tips for recovering debts It’s a common problem businesses face. You’ve provided the agreed goods or services and your customer hasn’t paid for them. You’ve probably chased and been promised payment, but nothing has materialised. So what can you do? Here are some top tips from Commercial Law Firm Muckle LLP...   Find out why they’re not paying Is the debt disputed? Are they waiting for a payment from a supplier? If you can find out the reason for non-payment, it might help you...
  • Job Opportunity- Backend Developer
    Job opportunity - Backend Developer Climb are looking for a back-end web developer to join the team in their Gateshead based studio. Working with Laravel and other cutting-edge technologies, you will be furthering the development of their CMS as well as developing bespoke platforms and web applications. You'll also be working on exciting new features for Climb's custom web-2-print platform that handles over 5500 orders per month.   What they Use: • Laravel 5 for most of our bespoke platforms • Laravel Spark and Laravel Nova • MySQL...
  • How and why family businesses increase sales through better brands
    How and why family businesses increase sales through better brands   There’s something special about a company with togetherness running through its core because its brand boasts deep-rooted family values which other corporate-led firms often struggle to offer. This inherent integrity isn’t solely limited to family firms though – after all many companies work hard to establish, and stay true to, family values, whether or not there’s a bloodline in the business. Brand in a business should not be confused or underestimated. Quite simply,...
  • GOPRINT3D PARENT COMPANY, EXPRESS GROUP, MAKES THE TOP 1000
    GOPRINT3D PARENT COMPANY, EXPRESS GROUP, MAKES THE TOP 1000 The GoPrint3D marketing team were travelling back last week after celebrating being included in the Digital Top Enterprise Top 100 when they saw this tweet from Julian Smith (their local MP, Chief Whip of the House of Commons and Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury): Delighted to congratulate @Contis_ and @expressgroupltd from Skipton and Ripon on making it into @LSEGplc #1000companies report, celebrating the fastest growing and most dynamic SMEs across the UK. — Julian...
  • Premium Tonic Water goes from Crowdfunding launch to sales across Europe in less than a year
    Premium Tonic Water goes from Crowdfunding launch to sales across Europe in less than a year Who - Lixir Premium Tonic Water Where - Newcastle upon Tyne, UK When - May 2018 - June 2019 What - Website / Marketing / Exhibition Material / Brand Management     Wonderstuff We began working with founders and owners Matt Mahatme and Jordan Palmer of Lixir Tonic in May 2018 after their successful Crowdfunding campaign to launch the business.. With experience as bartenders themselves, lifelong friends Matt and Jordan saw the opportunity...
  • Great British Design - Hong Kong 2019
    Great British Design - Hong Kong 2019- Join the delegation Business of Design Week Hong Kong, 2 - 7 December 2019 Great British Design - Hong Kong 2019 Inspired by the GREAT Festival of Innovation held in Hong Kong in March 2018, ‘Great British Design’ is a year long campaign showcasing the UK’s exceptional talents and expertise in design, aiming to increase creative collaboration between the UK and Hong Kong. The pinnacle of the campaign is UK as partner country for Asia’s premier design event,...
  • Silver success for Yorkshire brand agency
    Silver success for Yorkshire brand agency Huddersfield strategic brand consultancy The Engine Room has won its sixth DBA Design Effectiveness Award in as many years. The Mirfield business achieved silver at the 2019 ceremony this month – an accolade which now takes pride of place at the team’s York Mills office alongside a Grand Prix, gold, silver and two bronze DBA awards achieved since 2013. This latest success highlights The Engine Room’s strategic rebrand of scalp cooling experts PAXMAN who set them the...
  • Reducing Smartphone Addiction with komoru by Cohda
    Reducing Smartphone Addiction with Cohda Komoru is a material solution to a technological problem: smartphone addiction and signal interception. Cohda has adapted the principles of Michael Faraday’s Cage by replacing the rigid structure with a sea of conductive microspheres capable of stopping electromagnetic signals reaching anything placed within them, including smartphones (4G, 5G and WiFi) and electronic key fobs.  Drawing from the concept of the traditional Japanese Zen Garden, Komoru, meaning to seclude one’s self, creates a space to decrease stress...
  • A Northern collaboration in the name of Chocolate
    A Northern collaboration in the name of Chocolate Local artisan chocolate brand North Chocolates have collaborated with local companies to bring their new range to shops near you. Working with Newcastle based award-winning creative consultancy DECIDE, and local artist  Suzanne Homer to design the packaging for their latest selection of bars.  Company founder, and chocolate maker extraordinaire, Bev Stephenson wanted to launch a selection of her award-winning, small batch gourmet chocolate bars to celebrate the special heritage, landscape, inventions and culture that are...
  • Ten years of gratitude from Wonderstuff
    Ten years of gratitude from Wonderstuff Our lovely members Wonderstuff share the same birthday as us... Happy Birthday!  Throughout their ten years, Wonderstuff have been involved in the network, and have experienced success in finding clients through our events such as Violet's at one of our Design speed dating workshops and through helping clients to access grant funding for projects such as Durham Gins packaging design.  Founder Paul tells us more about their 10 year anniversary. "This month marks the 10 year anniversary...
  • Rebrand helps health food company go from strength to strength
    Rebrand helps health food company go from strength to strength Who - Natural Nutrients Where - County Durham, UK When - June 2017 - Feb 2019 What - Brand Sprint / Brand Identity / Packaging / Product Catalogue / E-newsletter template   Wonderstuff We began working with MD Liam Sheriff and BD Manager Craig Newbigin of Natural Nutrients in June 2017, just after they’d filmed Dragons’ Den, where they walked out with two Dragons on board. At a similar time, they also had feedback from Holland and Barrett,...
  • Is your tone of voice right for your brand?
    Is your tone of voice right for your brand? By Urban River What is tone of voice and why does it matter? Tone of voice, confusingly enough, refers to the written word and it’s all about how we communicate with our audience. Our tone of voice changes depending on the product we’re selling and the kind of customer we are selling it to. For example, Budweiser and Baileys are both companies that sell alcoholic drinks – but the language they use to sell...
  • Newton Press are winners of the “Heart of the Community” award
    Newton Press are winners of the “Heart of the Community” award Newton Press, Winners of the County Durham Environmental Awards 2018 in the ‘Greener Business’ category, were delighted to have also won the “Heart of the Community” category at the Durham, Sunderland & South Tyneside regional heat of the North East Business Awards 2019. The shortlist for each category consists of just three companies/organisations picked from a list of over 1000 entries, the winner of which was crowned at the Durham, Sunderland...
  • DNN supporting Encompass
    How Design Network North Supported Encompass Encompass Technology contacted RTC and Design Network North in 2016 regarding assistance for development of a patient and staff alerting system for use in Care Home and Hospital environments.  Funding was awarded for product development and prototyping culminating in a product launch at the largest healthcare exhibition in the world - Medica Dusseldorf in 2017. 4 pilot sites were installed in care homes in the UK during 2018 which have since developed into new orders throughout the...
  • Brand specialist in-line for prestigious industry recognition
    Brand specialist in-line for prestigious industry recognition Huddersfield brand agency The Engine Room has been shortlisted for a UK design award – with hopes of making it their sixth accolade in as many years. Having scooped the overall Grand Prix accolade and a gold design impact trophy at the DBA Design Effectiveness Awards in 2017 – as well as silver and two bronzes in the 2013, 2014 and 2016 competitions respectively – the Mirfield-based team has now been unveiled as a 2019...
  • Bring it On
    Bring it On 2019! The North East Exhibition for Future Engineers Bring it On, the largest celebration of engineering in the North East, returns for the third year in a row. This event is a collaboration of national and regional businesses who are helping to close the skills gap for engineering by allowing young people to experience real hands-on activities. Bring It On North East will take place on 9th and 10th October at the Beacon of Light in Sunderland, bringing together education and...
  • March sees launch of Social Tech North East
    March sees launch of Social Tech North East There was a great turnout and a real buzz at the launch of Social Tech North East earlier this month at Proto, the region's emerging technology centre. Social Tech North East aims to create new links between social leaders and tech specialists in order to help charities and social enterprises do more with digital and to inspire tech powered social innovation. Attendees at the launch event were treated to tours of Proto by Digital...
  • Job opportunity - Creative Designer – Design Team
    Job opportunity - Creative Designer – Design Team Maternity Cover – 12 months from June 2019 r//evolution is a successful full-service agency delivering fantastic work for clients across the North East and beyond. As our portfolio is expanding, we are looking for an ambitious and talented creative designer to provide maternity cover for 12 months. If you love finding creative solutions that will help businesses to flourish and grow, this may be the perfect role for you.  You will need a good appreciation...
  • Be-Smart Solutions diversify the business into the arts & craft retail market
    Be-Smart Solutions diversify the business into the arts & craft retail market Jim Box, Managing Director of Peterlee-based Be Smart Solutions, saw a gap in the market to customise discarded glass bottles which are generated as waste on a large scale by consumers and business owners across the region. Utilising his 30 years’ experience as an engineer and his ability to design bespoke and intricate products for clients, Jim has launched an online store/product brand Be-Recycled.com Over the coming year we will see...
  • RM Manufacturing's re-brand by Urban River
    RM Manufacturing completes re-brand and launches their new website RM Manufacturing, a Newcastle based manufacturing and engineering business which is part of Royal Mail with commercial clients across the UK, is unveiling a new brand identity with the launch of its website this month. Working with South Tyneside based marketing and design agency Urban River, the company formerly known as Serious Engineering, is set to embark on a new chapter, with its sights firmly set on growth. Lee Farms, Business Development...
  • Packaging design supports brewery growth with Co-op listing in 56 stores
    Packaging design supports brewery growth with Co-op listing in 56 stores Design Consultancy Wonderstuff, based in Newcastle upon Tyne, have again delivered packaging design which has helped secure supermarket listings for Black Storm Brewery. Wonderstuff have supported Black Storm Brewery, working with the founder Paul Hughes, to create the branding and core range of four beers, in 300ml bottles, in 2017. The beer bottle labels, designed to launch the brewery’s range of traditonal style beers have recently been developed to suit 500ml bottles...
  • BAZAAR Group launch new range
    BAZAAR Group Launch new range British soft-furniture specialist Bazaar Group launch their first in-store retail range Ayla at its January Furniture Show debut. Ayla is set to challenge perceptions of furniture design with seven unique pieces exclusively revealed at the show. The collection includes the Horizon Lounger, Dune Chair, Drift Chair, Oasis Loveseat, Oasis Snugchair, Mirage Pouffe and Halo Pouffe. Bazaar Group’s flexible retail-ready business model and the small footprint and flexible nature of the Ayla collection offers retailers the opportunity to achieve incremental...
  • Vacancy: Applications Engineer or technical sales role
    Vacancy: Applications Engineer or technical sales role What can GoPrint3D offer you? This is your chance to join the growing team at GoPrint3D, part of Express Group Ltd, the family business specialising in printers, repair and spare parts for more than 30 years. Come and work with a team who really care about what they do in our purpose-built Yorkshire HQ with its new 3D printing showroom, training facility, print-farm, workshop, offices and huge warehouse; or talk to us about telecommuting/remote-working. GoPrint3D...
  • 5 reasons why purpose will matter more to the customer experience in 2019
    5 reasons why purpose will matter more to the customer experience in 2019 ‘Brand purpose’ is not a new concept but it has grown to become a widely-discussed topic in the global marketing landscape, in recent months. And conversation is only going to get louder, believes Darren Evans, design director of UK strategic brand consultancy The Engine Room. Here he shares 5 key reasons why…   The stats speak for themselves Research findings published in October highlighted that two-thirds of global consumers now buy...
  • Secondary school students urged to rise to design challenge
    Secondary school students urged to rise to design challenge Lesley Gulliver and Darren Evans – experienced design thinkers from brand consultancy The Engine Room – visited students at Salendine Nook High School this week, in a bid to prevent the ‘death of design’ from the UK curriculum. 280 year eight students gathered to hear the challenge set by the local design experts – four weeks to design something that will help people live a healthier lifestyle in 2019. Whether it’s an app,...
  • Job Opportunity - WordPress Developer
    Job Vacancy - WordPress Developer Closing date: Friday 1st February 2019 Salary: £22,000 - £30,000 Start date: ASAP Urban River is a well established North East agency working with a range variety of clients on some really interesting projects. Following a number of recent project wins, they are looking to further expand and are looking to recruit a new member to join our friendly team. They e are searching for a talented and motivated web developer to be responsible for creating usable content managed websites. You will work as...
  • Children who are the victims of “hidden poverty”, will be kept warm this winter by The All-in-One Company.
    Children, who are the victims of “hidden poverty”, will be kept warm this winter by The All-in-One Company. It has sent onesies to a Baby Bank in Surrey after a Channel 4 Dispatches programme – Born on the Breadline - revealed that tens of thousands of families in the UK rely on handouts to keep their children clothed, warm and clean. “We’ve all heard of Food Banks, but not Baby Banks where people are having to go for clothes and equipment. ...
  • North Chocolates have released the Icon Gift box designed by Decide
    North Chocolates have released the Icon Gift box designed by Decide This summer North Chocolates launched their Icon & Innovation range of chocolate bars celebrating the region's heritage, landscape and inventions. With illustrations including the Tyne Bridge and Stephenson's Rocket by artist Suzanne Homer (www.zannadesigns.co.uk) and packaging designed by Newcastle-based award-winning creative consultancy Decide, the bars have been such a success that North has launched a small but perfectly formed gift box to house all five bars - just in time...
  • Newton Press Winners of 'Greener Business' at the Environment Awards 2018
    Newton Press Winners of 'Greener Business' at the Environment Awards 2018 The winners of the 2018 Environment Awards were announced at a ceremony in Durham last week (Thursday 8 November).  The awards, now in their 29th year, are organised by the County Durham Environment Partnership to recognise great design, environmental guardianship and community spirit. The judges, who included architects, councillors and university experts, were thrilled with the quality of this year's entries which came from all over County Durham. We were very pleased...
  • Latest updates from Pd-m
    Latest updates from Pd-m Design Network North member Pd-m have a few updates to share. This innovation and product design business were featured in New Design magazine this month. The six page interview with Managing Director Richard Hall was an overview of the business since its inception in 2005. Richard reflected on the last thirteen years’ of the consultancy including its research capability, user centred design, innovation management, 3D printing, AI and VR. Early this year Pd-m continued with its growth plans...
  • Marketing Verses Sales – get the best of both
    Marketing Verses Sales – get the best of both By Urban River Marketing and sales aren’t the same – and shouldn’t be treated as such. They’re two very different departments that have been known to have issues with each other, but it doesn’t have to be this way. By ensuring the two are working together, you could have sales and marketing teams that consistently bring business to your door. When sales and marketing teams work together, companies see 36% higher customer retention. Hold regular...
  • The Engine Room completes overhaul of 19th century mill
    The Engine Room completes overhaul of 19th century mill Following six months of hard graft, a six-figure financial investment and what feels like hundreds of  hours of finishing touches, Design Network North Member The Engine Room has moved into its new home in Mirfield – York Mills. The former 19th century piggery – once owned by the employer of Anne Brontë – was purchased by The Engine Room’s managing director Lesley Gulliver and founder Darren Evans, in January 2017. The £225,000 investment...
  • Who should really take responsibility for a company’s internal brand experience? By Darren Evans, founder and director of Huddersfield-based brand consultancy The Engine Room
    Who should really take responsibility for a company’s internal brand experience? By Darren Evans, founder and director of Huddersfield-based brand consultancy The Engine Room   Despite the – albeit gradual – acknowledgement that brand is more than just a logo, in some organisations a brand implementation or roll-out is still handled by the marketing department alone. The same can be said when it comes to the creation, nurturing and development of the internal brand experience. Of course, it is encouraging to see more...
  • Design Network North celebrates 100th Rise and Design event
    Design Network North celebrates 100th Rise and Design event Design Network North celebrates 100th Rise and Design event   RTC North’s Design Network North (DNN) is to celebrate its hundredth Rise and Design event this September. Established in 2008, Design Network North is an active network of people who are passionate about design and the impact it can make. The network’s signature monthly Rise and Design events commenced exactly 10 years ago and staff are excited to celebrate their upcoming hundredth event with a special...
  • Design agency Stop. makes bar soap cool again through branding
    Design agency Stop. makes bar soap cool again through branding Design agency Stop. makes bar soap cool again through branding   As a new UK beauty brand, nuddy asked Newcastle design agency stop. to help them come up with a brand identity that would make a big splash this July with the launch of their all natural eco-friendly soaps. Bold, fruity and, little bit cheeky, a soap for the millennial generation. Made in the UK from a shea butter base combined with the finest...
  • Do you need a digital detox? Blog by Urban River
    Do you need a digital detox? Blog by Urban River Do you need a digital detox? Blog by Urban River   How much time do you spend online? Can you remember a time when you weren’t browsing websites, posting on social media or clearing notifications from your phone? Do you need a digital detox? The digital revolution has been an undoubted success but the online world has become very crowded. How do you sort the wheat from the chafe and ensure your time is spent wisely? Time...
  • Brand consultancy invests £100,000 in 19th century mill transformation
    Brand consultancy invests £100,000 in 19th century mill transformation   Huddersfield-based strategic brand consultancy The Engine Room is midway through a £100,000 plus project to transform a 19th century mill and former piggery, into its new HQ. The company purchased York Mills back in January 2017 for £250,000, following a long hunt for the perfect premises. And having secured £20,000 funding from the Leeds City Region Enterprise Partnership Business Growth Programme, work is now well underway to refurbish the 4,000sqft space into a...
  • Jigsaw Business Group expand as they land major UK contracts
    Jigsaw Business Group expand as they land major UK contracts Jigsaw Business Group expand as they land major UK contracts   After the success of 2018 so far, Jigsaw Business Group are continuing to expand with two new additions to the UK team. Jigsaw are a global consultancy service supporting organisations with their supply chain, process improvements, project management and recruitment increasing productivity and profitability. Cristina Pastor joined Jigsaw back in 2012 as an Administrator and Recruitment Assistant, has been welcomed...
  • Be-Smart Solutions moving Main Design Office as of the 1st August
    Be-Smart Solutions moving Main Design Office as of the 1st August Design Network North members, Be-Smart Solutions Ltd. are moving Main Design Office as of the 1st August.   New Address:- Office 10 Novus Business Centre Judson Road North West Ind. Est. Peterlee Co. Durham SR8 2QJ   Old Address:- The Old Brewery Castle Eden Co. Durham TS27 4SU VISIT THEIR WEBSITE HERE
  • New coworking space to launch in Gosforth
    New coworking space to launch in Gosforth New coworking space to launch in Gosforth   Wonderstuff are to launch a boutique coworking space in Gosforth, in September. Converting their existing office space to accommodate the growing number of ‘residents’ the space will build further on the environment and community already establishing itself at 1 Salters Road. The new brand - Flintlab.co - will provide workspace designed to encourage peer support and provide an oasis of calm to be focussed and productive. Flintlab.co...
  • 49digital is now trading as Helena Hill Consulting after a rather exciting pivot!
    49digital is now trading as Helena Hill Consulting after a rather exciting pivot! 49digital is now trading as Helena Hill Consulting after a rather exciting pivot! Design Network North members, 49digital are now trading as Helena Hill Consulting in an exciting change in direction for the company. Over the last 12-18 months, MD and Founder, Helena Hill has steered the move towards Experience Design consultancy, working with local SMEs as well as global organisations to significantly improve customer experiences both...
  • GoPrint3D partner with Mayku to launch the FormBox in the UK
    GoPrint3D partner with Mayku to launch the FormBox in the UK GoPrint3D partner with Mayku to launch the FormBox in the UK   London-based Mayku’s FormBox was released for sale in the US and the UK last week.  The FormBox smashed it’s Kickstarter goal of  $50,000 goal by over 1,000% and is now in stock at GoPrint3D. Powered by a vacuum cleaner, Mayku’s desktop vacuum forming machine is quick and easy to use.  It allows designers and makers to create items in...
  • Marketing vs. Sales - get the best of both - blog by Urban River
    The power of SEO for your business Marketing vs. Sales - get the best of both - blog by Urban River Marketing and sales aren’t the same – and shouldn’t be treated as such. They’re two very different departments that have been known to have issues with each other, but it doesn’t have to be this way. By ensuring the two are working together, you could have sales and marketing teams that consistently bring business to your door.   When sales and marketing...
  • The power of SEO for your business - blog by Urban River
    The power of SEO for your business The power of SEO for your business - blog by Urban River By implementing a tailored SEO strategy to your business you can expect to see effective results providing a return on your investment. Here’s a list of 5 reasons why your business should consider investing in SEO (Search Engine Optimisation). It’s cost effective For a relatively small amount of investment and ongoing upkeep SEO can reap in big rewards for your company. Your competitors are...
  • r//evolution expands with new talent to meet demand
    r//evolution expands with new talent to meet demand r//evolution expands with new talent to meet demand Newcastle Gateshead based creative marketing agency r//evolution has appointed two new managers to its growing team, following a series of client acquisitions including an international tourism brand and national membership organisation. The agency has appointed PR specialist Samantha Wilcox as an Account Manager, joining its busy communications team with a wealth of media experience, and Chris Glancey as an Account Manager working within the rapidly growing online...
  • DECIDE delivers a unique taste of the North
    DECIDE delivers a unique taste of the North DECIDE delivers a unique taste of the North Newcastle-based, award-winning creative consultancy DECIDE, has designed the packaging for a new range of artisan chocolate bars for leading local brand North Chocolates. Company founder, and chocolate maker extraordinaire, Bev Stephenson wanted to launch a selection of her award-winning, small batch gourmet chocolate bars to celebrate the special heritage, landscape, inventions and culture that are synonymous with the North East as part of The Great Exhibition of...
  • Great Exhibition of the North
    The Northern Design Quest as part of the Great Exhibition of the North The Great Exhibition of the North is a free, summer long celebration of the North East's pioneering spirit. The country's biggest event of the year it will pack a programme of amazing exhibits, live performances, displays of innovation, new artworks and unforgettable experiences...all in 80 days! Led by Design Network North the Design Trail allows you to follow in the footsteps of a designer. You will have the opportunity to design...
  • Workshop success - UX Design with Helena Hill from 49digital
    Workshop success - UX Design with Helena Hill from 49digital   Fifteen delegates from a wide range of IT, digital and creative and design roles attended a User Experience workshop hosted by 49digital and Helena Hill in partnership with Design Network North this week. The three hour session was packed with activities including buyer persona creation, user journey planning, website auditing and navigation design. Helena said, ‘The overall aim of the workshop was to kickstart a change within companies and organisations to a...
  • Create Intrigue with The Art of Visual Merchandising Workshop
    Create Intrigue with The Art of Visual Merchandising Workshop   Visual merchandising is a cost effective and silent sales technique that can benefit all businesses.  Ann English, founder of Create intrigue, is running a workshop in June on how to utilise the power of visual merchandising to help attract customers and increase sales. Ann began her career creating window displays for The Body Shop, and since then has gone on to design and deliver over 500 large-scale creative projects, displays, and interactive...
  • Quality Hospital Solutions expands commercialisation of the Beverage Trolley
    Quality Hospital Solutions expands commercialisation of the Beverage Trolley   Quality Hospital Solutions (QHS), an highly innovative, problem-solving healthcare supplier, has taken a significant step forward in the commercialisation of the Beverage Trolley by handing over sole responsibility for all sales and marketing activities to their long-standing healthcare marketing communications agency, Onyx Health. The Beverage Trolley was originally developed in partnership with Sunderland City Hospitals and QHS to provide an effective and practical solution to meet patient hydration needs. Since then, numerous hospital...
  • Re-brand a repositioning of an unique 'do business' network
    Re-brand a repositioning of an unique 'do business' network   JJ&J were approached by Derwentside Business Network with an existing brand which was inextricably tied to the area in which it was born, this was entirely restrictive in moving forward both geographically and for wider business growth. They were tasked with a unique challenge of re-branding, re-naming and repositioning Derwentside Business Network under the same acronym for which it held great brand equity ‘DBN’. J&J capitalised on the very reason for being of DBN...
  • Bazaar Group - SS18 - Space to breathe with Serenity
    Bazaar Group - SS18 - Space to breathe with Serenity Harnessing the space to breathe trend, the Bazaar Group’s Summer/Spring 2018 collection offers an ingenious new take on outdoor furniture. Inspired by the simplicity and tranquillity of nature the Serenity collection has been designed to inspire a re-connection with the great outdoors. Without a shed or garage for storage through the seasons it can be difficult to make the most of your outdoor space. Icon have set it as their mission this Spring/ Summer to enable people to connect with themselves, the outdoors, and their loved ones however limiting...
  • Visual Marketing by Kuro Dragon
    Visual Marketing by Kuro Dragon In the energy industry there is a regular need to transform complex information into accessible visual marketing material. Kuro Dragon are an industry-renowned studio specialising in conveying brand messages between businesses and its customers. They have an extensive list of clients within the energy and manufacturing industry including the likes of SMD, Fugro, DeepOcean, Hutchinson Engineering and JDR Cables. They can produce a range of styles including 2D explainer animations which can be used to help consumers understand complicated products or processes. Over...
  • Support for compliance in GDPR
    Achieve compliance at every step of your company’s processes and data by May 25th 2018 1.Discover Know your business. Get perspective What is? Build inventory in ‘steady state’: Map process, owners, IT, activity, and data needles to be joined 2.Define Priorities, possibilities and alternatives What if? Baseline ‘steady state’: Answer ‘what if’ questions making amends to policy/ measures 3.Develop Establish deep views. Test options What works? Assess ‘steady state’: Proof ‘what if’ scenarios to test compliance readiness for wider deployment 4.Deploy See proof of performance What wows? Audit, report & monitor comprehensive inventory of all activities in (BAU)...
  • COHDA design an innovative, award nominated luminaire for Innermost
    COHDA design an innovative, award nominated luminaire for Innermost Kepler was designed by Design Network North Members COHDA and  launched by Innermost at Euroluce last year as a concept and went into production a few months later. The first units have just been delivered of this amazing new product. Seemingly simple the minimal form hides a few secrets. The tech is simple enough, as one architect said to us at a recent presentation ‘it’s a hula hoop with an LED strip but...
  • If you missed March's Rise and Design- catch it here
    Watch March's Rise and Design on Podcasts A Founder’s Journey- Industry Angel with Shaun Oakes from ievo- Recorded live at RTC North, Sunderland. For March's Rise and Design we did something a little bit different to usual. We hosted a live podcast, put together by Industry Angel and featuring Shaun Oakes from ievo. Ian Farrar from Industy Angel and FarNorth gave us an introduction on the power of Podcasting, and how you could go about launching your very own podcast. Shaun is...
  • How to effectively promote your consultancy business- by Urban River
    How to effectively promote your consultancy business- by Urban River With so many consultancies out there, how do you make your business stand out from the rest? To effectively promote your consultancy business, you must first understand that you are now the brand. Everything you do, both online and in person, will impact how you are perceived. Below we offer some advice on how to make a great impression and ensure that your name is the first one in people’s minds when they...
  • 3D Printing & Reverse Engineering Event Is A Success
    3D Printing & Reverse Engineering Event Is A Success GoPrint3D hosted a 3D printing event in their new showroom for an (almost) full day of 3D printing, scanning, reverse engineering and CAD. The day was opened by GoPrint3D’s Sales Director, James Blackburn, who welcomed the delegates to Ripon and set the stage for the day before passing it over to John Minto to introduce his company, Mintronics, and first speaker, David Jupp. David’s session focused on CAD design for 3D printing using Alibre....
  • DroneOps- a rundown of their trip to China
    DroneOps- a rundown of their trip to China DroneOps has had a busy month - joining an RTC- Innovate UK - funded recce for Innovative Wind Energy businesses to export to China Day one was hosted by Tuspark ($120bn) Beijing – now this is one impressive campus of innovation and serious investment. TusPark are also now looking to leverage their Newcastle base. The following day we encamped for a day of networking in Qindao then caught the Bullet-train concluding the visit with...
  • Newton Press Celebrates 55th Anniversary
    Newton Press Celebrates 55th Anniversary A unique gem in the printing world is celebrating its 55th anniversary this year and boasts what must be the last working master printer in the country, in its chief editor and founder, 80-year-old Syd Howarth. Design Network North member Newton Press opened for business in 1963, operating out of the back of a baker’s shop, to provide services to the new town of Newton Aycliffe, serving the local area with print and news. It has now...
  • 6 Point Model Booking Checklist
    My 6 Point TTM Model Booking Checklist. Lesley Middlemiss-Lister, Tyne Tees Models. Almost 25 years of booking thousands of models for hundreds of the world’s best known brands reveals patterns. Here are a few pointers to help you when booking professional models. It’s a 3 minute read. 1. Set your shoot date(s) and location as soon as possible. Try to engage with your modelling agency two to three weeks ahead of this date. 2. Give accurate information to get an accurate quotation. Talk...
  • Mammoth announced as official mattress partner for Team Tyne
    North East health and wellbeing company Mammoth has become the official mattress provider for Team Tyne Innovation. Mammoth has been invited to come on board as the rowing quartet prepare to take on the 3,000 mile Talisker Whisky Atlantic challenge in December this year, the world’s toughest rowing race. As part of the challenge, Team Tyne aims to showcase the best in North East innovation. Through its innovative sleep technology, Medical Grade™ Foam, which has been scientifically tested and shown to improve...
  • r//evolution is seeking an experienced, high performing Senior Business Development Representative
    r//evolution is seeking an experienced, high performing Senior Business Development Representative ABOUT THE ROLE As Senior Business Development Representative your role is to seek out and engage “good fit” companies through strategic prospecting and to nurture them through the sales funnel to conversion. You will also manage r//evolution’s existing leads. This is a new role and reflects r//evolution’s ambitious growth targets. At r//evolution we know excellent relationships lead to profitable business growth and are believers in relationship selling. You will therefore seek...
  • Wonderstuff turns 9
    Wonderstuff turns 9 Wonderstuff was founded in 2009 with a vision to build a brand and design agency that adds value for clients, supports staff, and leaves the planet a little better off. Since then they have worked with clients of all sizes, from gin startups based here in the North East of England to established toy manufacturers based in China. Now, after 9 years they are reflecting on everything they have achieved, everyone they have worked with, and everything they have...
  • Design talk with Bibliotheque on 24th April
    24th APRIL 2018: 18:00 to 20:00 NORTHERN DESIGN CENTRE | GATESHEAD | NE8 2DF Tim Beard has over 25 years experience in some of London’s most influential design studios. Alongside his role as joint Creative Director / Partner at Bibliothèque with Jon Jeffrey and Mason Wells, he has taught and lectured on various design courses and events. These include ECAL in Switzerland, Design Indaba in South Africa, University of Ulster in Belfast, ELISAVA in Barcelona and Semi Permanent in New Zealand. Tim's expertise ranges...
  • GDPR - The new 'Equity Release' for Businesses.
    GDPR - The new 'Equity Release' for Businesses. GDPR - The new 'Equity Release' for Businesses A brief from Jason Turner, Data2Action   With virtually every form of media currently saturated with 'all things GDPR', it's a sad fact that many businesses remain both perplexed by the changes and also unclear as to the value this can bring.  With less than 100 days to go, organisations big and small are mobilising to reach the new levels of compliance expected but how many are actually seeing this...
  • Public lecture by professor David Kirk, Professor of Digital Living, Northumbria University
    Public lecture by professor David Kirk, Professor of Digital Living, Northumbria University Wednesday, 14th March, 18:30-19:30   Prof David Kirk, Professor of Digital Living The Human-Centred Smart City Lecture Theatre 003, Business and Law Building, City Campus East, Northumbria University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne  Refreshments will be available from 6.00pm Synopsys David`s research focuses on the design of interactive digital technologies, from a pointedly human-centred perspective. Throughout his career he has concentrated on trying to understand people, their desires, values, and lived experiences. This is used to better design evocative (and...
  • Chief Whip, Julian Smith, Meets The Next Generation of 3D Printing Experts
    Chief Whip, Julian Smith, Meets The Next Generation of 3D Printing Experts   GoPrint3D were delighted to host the Rt Hon Julian Smith MP, Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasury & Chief Whip at their Headquarters in Ripon. Julian met with two of their three current apprentices; Alex who has just completed her first year’s apprenticeship and Sam who has just completed his second, Advanced level, apprenticeship with GoPrint3D. Julian surprised Sam by presenting him with his certificate for his recent qualification before being...
  • Jigsaw Business Group expands again in 2018
    Jigsaw Business Group expands again in 2018   Due to ongoing success Jigsaw Business Group are continuing to grow and they have expanded their team this year. Sue Tatah joined the ‘People Team’ within the company on 1st February 2018. Supporting recruitment, Sue will be dealing with day to day processes of new Candidate applications, and Client vacancies, ensuring all new Candidates are contacted and welcomed to the Jigsaw Business Group. Sue comes from a strong background in both Recruitment and Administration and is a...
  • Wayfinding - the science of signage at Rutherford Cancer Centres
    Wayfinding - the science of signage at Rutherford Cancer Centres   On 6 February, a 55-tonne proton beam therapy machine was lowered into position at The Rutherford Cancer Centre in Bomarsund, Northumberland. The machine, which weighs the same as a plane, is set to revolutionise cancer care in the North East. Advanced care in the North East Opening in May this year, the centre in Bomarsund will be one of the first in the country to offer proton beam therapy, an advanced treatment for...
  • DECIDE celebrates winning another DBA Design Effectiveness award  
    DECIDE celebrates winning another DBA Design Effectiveness award     DECIDE has once again received industry recognition for the effectiveness of their design solutions at the prestigious Design Business Association (DBA) Design Effectiveness Awards. Receiving a Silver for their brand and packaging design for The Travelling Bee Company, DECIDE shared the stage with the cream of the UK’s leading design consultancies and brands such as Tetley, Budweiser, Danone, Pizza Express and Procter & Gamble. Client Mark Chambers joined the team in London...
  • Wonderstuff brand workshops in March 2018
    Wonderstuff brand workshops in March 2018   Newcastle-based strategic brand agency Wonderstuff have organised some fantastic workshops in the upcoming months. Check them out here and book through the relevant links.    Review and Refocus £180 + vat per session 1 hour session and accompanying written action plan. Our Review and Refocus is a focussed one hour work session at Wonderstuff, where brand consultant Erika Sykes will review your current vision with you, and focus on what you want to achieve in the next 12 months. The...
  •  FREE 'DATA DRIVEN' INNOVATION WORKS FROM ENGIE & +ADD STRATEGY
     FREE 'DATA DRIVEN' INNOVATION WORKS FROM ENGIE & +ADD STRATEGY    FREE 'DATA DRIVEN' INNOVATION WORKS FROM ENGIE & +ADD STRATEGY The public sector landscape is undergoing a major transition. Energy and efficiency needs are changing, and fundamental operational principles are being challenged.  In a world of ever-increasing customer demands and expectations there is strong demand for more radical innovation to forge leaner, more sustainable organisational frameworks that resolve the hard challenges of delivering improved service delivery performance and experience with substantially less resources.  Data driven...
  • Job Opportunity: Innovation Manager
    Job opportunity with Innovation Super Network: Innovation Manager Fixed-term contract, initially to December 2020, full-time or part-time £40,000 pro rata per year plus pension The Innovation SuperNetwork is a unique regional programme, helping to cultivate a stronger innovation eco-system in the North East of England and support innovative businesses. The programme works through a partnership of around 50 organisations, including the North East LEP, Innovate UK, North East BIC, Northumbrian Water, Reece Innovation, Engie, local universities and colleges, innovation support organisations and private...
  • Job Opportunity - Product Development Designer
    Job opportunity with COTTAM: Product Development Designer At Cottam they are a little different. Founded in the brush industry in 1858 the business has grown, evolved and diversified over the years. The design function offers a wide and varied service to their main brands - Cottam Brush Ltd (Brushwares), Croglin Ltd (Bespoke Timber Products) and Bower Brands Ltd (ecommerce). To strengthen their team and support business growth they are on the lookout for new talent, a Product Development Designer to be exact....
  • Cast Your Vote for Great Exhibition of the North
    Cast Your Vote and be a part of the Great Exhibition of the North Want to be a part of the Great Exhibition of the North? Have your say... we want to hear what you think are the most influential or inspiring things in the North of England in the following categories: Transport (e.g Stephenson's Rocket) Architecture (e.g. The Liver Building) Culture (e.g. The Angel of the North) Product/Brand (e.g. Yorkshire Tea) and a Wild Card choice  So if you have a passion for the Tyne Bridge, you might...
  • Sail Creative Join Design Business Association
    DNN members- Sail Creative Join Design Business Association Sail are committed to excellence and ethical practice. To support this, we have just been granted membership to the Design Business Association (DBA). With only 450 members nationwide of which 48% are London based, Sail Creative join a select group of Northern agencies, meeting the standards required. The DBA is the trade organisation for the UK design industry, focused on promoting professional excellence and building productive partnerships between commerce and the design industry. The...
  • Networks Manager Job Opportunity
    Networks Manager Job Opportunity RTC North: Design Network North & Service Network We are looking for a Network Manager to help expand and grow the network.  The role will include looking after Design Network North's fabulous existing members, whilst also looking to find new organisations to get on board and be a part of a thriving community. Not only will the appointed candidate be responsible for the growth of Design Network North, but they will also be instrumental in growing Service Network, another of...
  • Continuous Delivery Consulting. Delivered. Blog by Bureau.
    Continuous Delivery Consulting. Delivered. Blog by Bureau. In August 2017 we were approached by Steve Smith, founder of what was then Always Agile Consulting LTD. Steve’s specialism is in Continuous Delivery – a software development methodology that allows extremely fast (you might even say continuous) delivery or release of code. To give some household name examples – Google, Amazon and Netflix develop and release their software using this process. What we did The problem is that while CD is an Agile practice, Always Agile Consulting didn’t accurately...
  • DNN members Always Wear Red collaborate with British monarchy embroiderers and narrow their offer to experimental, rare and classic knitwear
    DNN members Always Wear Red collaborate with British monarchy embroiderers and narrow their offer to experimental, rare and classic knitwear Always Wear Red (AWR) clothing and accessories are narrowing their actual offering down to experimental, rare and classic knitwear only. The core purpose of the brand and its founder Mike Owen is to make their customers feel so confident that they do what they were born to do. As part of their move, AWR are collaborating with two embroiders. One is Hand and Lock in London, who...
  • Muckle tops North East dealmakers for fourth year running
    Muckle tops North East dealmakers for fourth year running   Leading independent law firm for businesses, Muckle LLP, has again maintained its position as the region’s most active corporate legal dealmaker for the fourth year running.  The data published by Experian MarketIQ, which tracks M&A deals valued at over £500,000 at regional and national level, has found Muckle to be the region’s busiest legal adviser in 2017. Muckle’s corporate team advised on 35 deals, nearly double its nearest competitors, who each advised...
  • Rise & Design: The Power of Data - The Highlights
    Rise & Design: The Power of Data - The Highlights On 12th January, we held our first Rise & Design for 2018. The Northern Design Centre saw around 70 delegates coming through its doors eager to learn more about The Power of Data and the different ways they could use this power in order to enhance performance, drive business value and achieve their goals. Our host and DNN Programme Manager Terry welcomed everyone and presented the speakers. First on the stage we had...
  • Panda Babies App Helps Edinburgh Zoo
    Panda Babies App Helps Edinburgh Zoo Everybody loves pandas, especially the makers of Panda Babies - Playhome, a fun new app that involves caring for six adorable little Panda Babies in an interactive house and garden on your iPad or iPhone. From today, the makers, Panda Babies Media will make a donation to the RZSS (Royal Zoological Society of Scotland) for every new download of their game Panda Babies, helping to care for the UK’s only Pandas in Edinburgh Zoo. Director Neil...
  • Leading real estate lawyer joins Muckle
    Leading real estate lawyer joins Muckle The North East’s leading independent law firm for businesses, Muckle LLP, has boosted its growing real estate team with the appointment of a well-respected property expert. Libbie Henderson has joined Muckle as a Partner after leaving her role as Head of Real Estate at Watson Burton. The high profile appointment is a further boost to Muckle’s growing real estate team, which has expanded by over 40% in the last 12 months with the addition of six new...
  • AME helping in the battle against antibiotic resistance
    AME helping in the battle against antibiotic resistance AME have helped guide start-up, healthcare company, Microbiosensor along the journey of turning potential applications for its infection detection chemistries into commercially viable products. The first being a ground-breaking device that provides an early warning system for infection in peritoneal dialysis patients. Medical device use is one of the highest risk factors for patient contracting an infection. One particularly susceptible group are patients requiring long term invasive medical device intervention such as kidney dialysis...
  • Award-win for r//evolution at the CIPR Awards
    Award-win for r//evolution at the CIPR Awards North East based creative marketing agency, r//evolution is celebrating after receiving an award at the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) PRide Awards. The event, held at the Biscuit Factory in Newcastle, was even bigger and better than ever and the team were over the moon to receive the Silver Award for ‘Outstanding Public Relations Agency’. Managing Director, Gill Burgess commented: "In 2017, we continued to work with some amazing clients from across the UK, leading the...
  • 2018 Brings Expansion for DNN Members 49digital
    2018 Brings Expansion for DNN Members 49digital 49digital are thrilled to announce the appointment of Peter Maughan as UX Designer and Business Development Manager. After graduating from Northumbria University with an MA in Design in 2016, Peter soon started working as a freelancer with 49digital on several web design and user experience projects.   'Towards the end of 2017, we found out that Peter was on the lookout for a more permanent design post and we really didn’t want to let...
  • GDPR - No need to Panic! Blog by Data2Action
    GDPR - No need to Panic! Blog by Data2Action A recent chat over coffee with a good friend of mine highlighted the growing weariness of the 'white noise' associated with GDPR.   'Its everywhere' they said, 'people telling me that I should be doing this or doing that; I should be worried about fines and I now have to keep lots of extra paperwork'  she complained. 'All I want is some straight forward, plain and simple help!'   Its hard to argue with...
  • Voice search strategy – top tips, blog by Urban River
    Voice search strategy – top tips, blog by Urban River Do you have a voice search strategy? If you’re reading this, you probably don’t! And who could blame you – when was the last time you asked Siri for anything? Probably when Siri was first released! However, we’ve come a long way since Siri, with Google Home and Amazon Echobecoming must-have gadgets. It’s time to start building voice search into your SEO strategy. Is it really worth worrying about now? Yes! In May 2016, 25% of Bing...
  • Web Developer vacancy at Urban River
    Web Developer Job Opportunity at Urban River Urban River is a well established North East agency working with a wide variety of clients. To support their recent project wins, they are looking to recruit a talented web developer to join their friendly team. Not afraid of hard work, using your initiative and being a part of a team that prides itself on delivering websites which make a real difference, This Newcastle and North East based web developer role could be for you. Urban River are searching...
  • We received funding through Creative Fuse North East
    We've been awarded funding through Creative Fuse North East   We are delighted to announce that we are one of the 31 Innovation Pilots funded by Creative Fuse North East. We teamed up with likeminded businesses to put our project proposal ‘Applying Digital Technologies to Create New Ways of Designing, Manufacturing and Selling Clothing’ forward earlier this year. Creative Fuse North East involves all five of the region’s universities and aims to boost the Creative, Digital and IT (CDIT) sector. We will use the...
  • Orion Product Development hit a major milestone
    Orion Product Development hit a major milestone Orion Product Development celebrated their 10th anniversary at the end of November 2017. Since their inception in 2007 the company has supplemented their customers’ teams with engineering and technical management support at any level required, working with a diverse range of clients from sole inventors to blue chip corporations. The primary function of Orion Product Development is to develop new products and / or value engineer existing ones on behalf of the client, though they have...
  • your film video
    YourFilm Christmas video
    YourFilm Christmas greeting YourFilm have created a little 'Merry Xmas' video to wish their friends and clients a happy festive season and also to present some of the highlights of 2017 for the company.  VISIT THEIR WEBSITE YourFilm is a valued member of Design Network North. Design Network North is part of RTC’s new programme called ‘Designing Better Business’ – launched in 2016 - which will provide support for north east businesses looking to continue to innovate and design better world leading products.RTC was founded...
  • Minister of State for Digital Opens New GoPrint3D Facility In Ripon
    Minister of State for Digital Opens New GoPrint3D Facility In Ripon     Last month The Rt Hon Matt Hancock, MP, Minister of State for Digital cut the ribbon, opening the new 3D printing demonstration suite and training room at GoPrint3D Headquarters in North Yorkshire.  The Minister was touring the North as part of his commitment to a “full fibre” digital policy. GoPrint3D were delighted to talk to the Minister about how Superfast broadband has been critical to their business operation and show him...
  • Have you heard about LEGO Serious Play?
    Have you heard about LEGO Serious Play?     In the next few lines Ann English talks about her experience of attending our LEGO Serious Play workshop. Ann enables entrepreneurs and businesses to turn their ideas into reality by harnessing the power of #IdeasMapping Have you heard about LEGO Serious Play?  I though it sounded intriguing so I booked onto a course hosted by Terry McStea and @Polly Westergaard at Design Network North facilitated by Antony Eddison PFHEA FRSA It was amazing to see the power of...
  • r//evolution marketing launches charity Christmas campaign
    r//evolution marketing launches charity Christmas campaign     As it is the season of joy and goodwill, the team at r//evolution marketing thought that, rather than sending corporate Christmas cards this year, they would support three very worthy charities.  Following on from the success of their 2016 Christmas campaign, they’ve selected Mind, Durham Association of Boys and Girls Clubs (DABGC) and Henry Dancer Days for their 2017 campaign. Each charity will receive a share of a donation.   All you need to do is select the charity you’d like...
  • Bring it On! Opens it's doors to the regions next generation of Engineers
    Bring it On! Opens it's doors to the regions next generation of Engineers Design Network North have been proud to be involved in the creation of this fantastic fully booked engineering event, ‘Bring it On!’, helping to inspire Pupils from across the North East. The exhibition, which aims to help reduce the existing engineering skills gap in the region, will see 156 of the region’s schools participate in the first ‘Bring it On!’ event on the 3rd and 4th October at the...
  • The power of colour in ecommerce websites- by Urban River
    The power of colour in ecommerce websites- by Urban River We know colour is important when designing ecommerce websites – but just how important is it? It can account for up to 85% of the reason why people buy one product and not another! Let’s take a look at how colour can influence your customers, and their spending decisions on ecommerce websites. BlackBlack is associated with luxury, high-end products. Tapping into this colour is a must if you are trying to sell...
  • A strategic re-branding of a practice expanding its services for private clients
    A strategic re-branding of a practice expanding its services for private clients. Design Network North Members Wonderstuff show us one of their latest re-brand projects...   ChallengeAfter 20 years as an NHS dental practice, ‘Queensway Dental Practice’ recognised the need to re-brand in order to communicate the changing nature of their offer to clients, having expanded both their services and number of practices.   OpportunityThe Queensway name was retained to leverage the equity in the existing brand; with a new brand identity and definition to...
  • Ex Meerkat Director sees new opportunities in Data
    Ex Meerkat Director sees new opportunities in Data A former Director of the BGL Group (owners of COMPARETHEMARKET.COM) has set his sights on helping local businesses in the region.   Jason Turner worked for the insurance giant for nearly a decade and after a spell helping the public sector consultancy service, Bloom, has set up a new business 'Data 2 Action' which is aimed at helping local businesses understand and use their data to improve their business performance.  We caught up with Jason...
  • New North East Brand Launches Responsive Design at London Design Week
    New North East Brand Launches Responsive Design at London Design Week   CRAMLINGTON-headquartered Bazaar Group has had a successful launch of its pioneering furniture design brand at Europe’s leading international design festival. The team at Bazaar Group behind the innovative new furniture brand known as ‘Leda®,’has unveiled the first of its ground-breaking product designs at this year’s London Design Fair. Moving away from traditional, structured design and focusing on soft, ergonomic design, the Leda® designers were overwhelmed with the reaction to ‘The Wing’ which...
  • AME Group are celebrating their 20th anniversary
    Design Network North Members- AME Group are celebrating their 20th anniversary The business was founded in 1997 after the managing director Ian Jones - a mechanical engineering graduate, who cut his teeth working at the Selby coalfield - was made redundant from his job with British Coal. Ian spotted an opportunity to launch an engineering consultancy and set up an office in a concrete outbuilding at his home in Rotherham. Keen to meet new contacts and attract new business, he...
  • PD-M design New surgical concept for abdominal keyhole surgery
    Design Network North Members- PDM design New surgical concept for abdominal keyhole surgery   There are clear benefits for the patient in laparoscopic or keyhole surgery. Being minimally invasive, laparoscopic or keyhole surgery is associated with much quicker recovery, less tissue trauma and lower infection rates. But laparoscopic surgery is technically challenging for the surgeon because they have to operate on the patient through small ports. The issue of tissue retraction is one of a number of barriers limiting the adoption of this...
  • Everything is my Design celebrate record year with expansion
    Design Network North Members- Everything is my Design celebrate record year with expansion Design Netwok North members-  Everything is my Design have celebrated a record year with expansion into new premises and growing it’s team. The agency has moved to larger premises at BALTIC 39 on High Bridge in Newcastle, marking the next step for the growing company. The move follows Everything is my Design expanding it’s workforce with the addition of Junior Graphic Designer Joe Gill. Joe recently moved back to his...
  • Onyx Health Takes on Consumer Launch and Design Brief
    Design Network North Members- Onyx Health Takes on Consumer Launch and Design Brief Singapore based Good Pharma Dermatology has appointed marketing communications agency, Onyx Health to manage the UK launch of their fast growing consumer itch-relief product, Suu BalmTM. Since being appointed at the start of the year, Onyx Health has developed and implemented a brand and market entry strategy for Suu BalmTM in the UK, which launched in 600 Lloyds Pharmacy in September 2017. “Our remit has gone beyond basic...
  • Neil Wilson Design's latest project: St James' View
    Neil Wilson Design's latest project: St James' View Neil Wilson Design are one of our valued members, and have just completed an exciting project. Check out some of the images below to see the new St James' View development: St James' View is purpose built accommodation, consisting a number of 1,4 and 5 bed apartments. We designed and styled these apartments with passion and expertise to give them real soul. We used fresh, neutral tones and quirky pops of colour in the...
  • DNN Member - Megomotion help Newcastle Uni gain National and International coverage.
    DNN Member - Megomotion help Newcastle Uni gain national and international coverage. It has been an exciting and busy period lately for Design Network North member Megomotion. With an updated, new look website and new partnerships formed with new friends who are now part of the Megomotion creative pool. Megamotion have been working on some great new projects and are excited to complete an amazing motion graphic, featuring research led by Ilaria Spiga at Newcastle University. This animation visually explains the rationale, the...
  • Missed NCTN event? Catch it here!
    Missed the Northern Clothing and Textile Network event? Catch it here!   June's Northern Clothing and Textile Network event involved fantastic speakers and a great audience! Check out the videos below to see what happened                Northern Clothing and Textile Network is a partnership between David Reay and Design Network North. Design Network North is part of RTC’s new programme called ‘Designing Better Business’ – launched in 2016 - which will provide support for north east businesses looking to continue to innovate and design...
  • Behind the scenes of the "Little Landmarks" Lego build
    Behind the scenes of the "Little Landmarks" Lego build Bricks McGee is a talented LEGO Architect, and long-time supporter of Design Network North. He's written, and kindly shared with us, an exclusive behind the scenes of a recent LEGO build, "Little Landmarks". Read on to find out how he built not one, but ten instantly recognisable South Shields' landmarks.  Make your way down to South Shields Museum & Art Gallery to see it in person! If you are interested in how LEGO can encourage...
  • Fingerprint recognition continues to provide cost effective access control
    Fingerprint recognition continues to provide cost effective access control A blog from one of our members, ievo:   According to a report published by TechSci Research, the global biometrics market size is set to cross $24 Billion by 2021. A further report from Technavio on the global multimodal biometrics market indicated CAGR of more than 15% over the forecast period. Of this marked growth, fingerprint recognition technology holds the largest single factor authentication segment and is predicted to continue to hold this pole...
  • Design Means Business: The highlights
    Design Means Business: The highlights Design Means Business 2017 was an absolutely fantastic conference, and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did! For those of you who missed it, here are our highlights of the day. We started the day by collecting our coffees, catching up with the network and settling down to hear from our first speaker, Nicola Millard.   Nicola MillardBritish Telecom Nicola opened the day perfectly by exploring the question; how can organisations innovate more effectively by better understanding...
  • Do unique Google searches affect my SEO strategy?
    Do unique Google searches affect my SEO strategy? by Urban River Design Network North member Urban River has provided us with an informative blog to share with the network Why are 15% of Google searches new and does this affect your SEO strategy for your business? Google have recently announced that 15% of their yearly searches have never been seen before. They’re entirely unique. 15% doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you learn that Google handle 100 billion queries each month. That they...
  • DNN member's biometrics scans comply with impending privacy legislation
    DNN member's biometrics scans comply with impending privacy legislation Amidst the chaos of Brexit, many security minded organisations are concerned about the implications of the European Regulation on the Protection of Individuals with regard to the Processing of Personal Data, adopted in 2016 and planned to be enforceable in May 2018. As an integral component of EU privacy and human rights law; it regulates the processing and distribution of personal data. In essence it will become illegal, or certainly contrary to the...
  • Can Biometrics increase safety in the NHS?
    Can Biometrics increase safety in the NHS? Today, Design Network North members ievo are asking the question: Can Biometrics increase safety in the NHS?Read on to find out what they think:   Within the NHS, security is always a primary concern for patients, staff and data. Today's NHS must contend with an ever increasing and ageing population whilst also being drained of future funding. The NHS deals with over 1 million patients every 36 hours across the UK, with an increase in hospital...
  • Bring it On! North East firms collaborate to engineer the future of the industry
    Bring it On! North East firms collaborate to engineer the future of the industry Schools from across the region are being invited to explore the world of engineering at ‘Bring it On!’, the first event of its kind in the North East. ‘Bring it On!’ aims to inspire, educate and excite school children between the ages of nine and 14 about the opportunities in the sector within the region and ultimately reduce the existing skills gap. The exhibition, to be held on the...
  • Members Always Wear Red looking for a Marketing Communicator/Co-ordinator
    Exceptional and Rare Career Opportunity: Always Wear Red - Marketing Communicator/Co-ordinator CLOSING: 5pm, Friday 10th March, 2017. This rare and intriguing opportunity is to quickly become the pivotal Marketing Communicator/Co-ordinator for a significant, up-and-coming luxury fashion brand that is based in Newcastle upon Tyne. They have additional team members and a presence in London. This is initially an internal entry-level role so that Always Wear Red leadership can intensively train and support you. It is then entirely down to you to quickly grow your role and consequently your package.  The plan is that, ultimately - with hard work and...
  • Andrew and Pete
    Blow up your Social Media and Content Marketing Strategy (the fun way)
    Blow up your Social Media and Content Marketing Strategy (the fun way) We're holding a Social Media and Content Marketing Strategy workshop with award-winning marketing consultants and international speakers Andrew and Pete! We're offering half-price tickets to our Design Network North members and to ATOMIC members - click here to receive your discount code   The workshop In this Half Day workshop, we're going to be taking a deep dive into your Social Media and Content Marketing strategy to strengthen your business and your...
  • Northern Clothing and Textile Network launch a roaring success
    Northern Clothing and Textile Network launch a roaring success The launch of the Northern Clothing and Textile Network, a collaboration between David Reay of www.davidreay.co.uk and Design Network North, was nothing short of successful with nearly 100 attendees and positive feedback from all involved. Katie Olvanhill, speaker at NCTN launch. ©Burns-Rowatt Photography and Design Network North The day-long event had speakers from Berghaus and the Manchester Fashion Institute, as well as some local entrepreneurs, and ended with workshops on e-commerce, social media, virtual reality...
  • Copyright Law Changes
    Copyright law changes from 28 January – is your business prepared?
    Copyright law changes from 28th January – is your business prepared? Find out about the latest copyright law changes using this helpful guide. Up until now anyone could replicate artistic work provided it was at least 25 years old and had been reproduced more than 50 times. A replica photograph, sculpture or piece of furniture in these circumstances was fair game according to section 52 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. But now section 52 is being repealed, everything...
  • How to rescue your web design project
    How to rescue your web design project Richard Carter of web design agency and Design Network North member Peacock Carter, takes us through the stages of web design rescue and the risks of abandoning a project entirely Web design projects can fail for many reasons. From a poor project specification to misunderstanding and miscommunication, and simply lack of relevant experience, we've seen projects of all sizes require rescuing. To rescue, or to build again? A question we are asked frequently at Peacock Carter from clients...
  • IEVO BIOMETRICS OFFER SCHOOLS A SECURE FUTURE
    IEVO BIOMETRICS OFFER SCHOOLS A SECURE FUTURE ievo are moving into school security with a number of client wins from the education sector. Whilst various access control systems exist, the biometric solution provided by advance fingerprint readers is proving increasingly popular with some 40% of schools in 2014 using biometric technology, not only for access control but also for a range of day-to-day tasks including registration, library borrowing and catering arrangements. Fingerprint scanners at meal times are more efficient, and discrete when it...
  • The Design Portal is LIVE
    The Design Portal is LIVE We’ve been working on this for some time now, and we are delighted to tell you that the Design Portal is finally live and ready for you to sign up! To give you a quick overview, it’s an interactive directory for businesses involved in design. You can browse through all the organisations by their sector, and by the sectors they’ve worked for, as well as check out their portfolios. If you find a few organisations you like...
  • Layers Studio design new bottle for award-winning distillery
    Layers Studio design new bottle for award-winning distillery Newcastle-based Digital Branding Studio and DNN member, Layers, have created a new look for award-winning independent craft distillery, Poetic License. Officially launching at the Boutique Bar Show in London on 20 September, the designs will cover the full range of handcrafted spirits from Old Tom Gin to Graceful Vodka and the latest one-off seasonal range, The Rarities. The stunning design, which features the original copy of Layers Co-founder Andrew Donaghy, is the result of four...
  • In Case You Missed It...Rise and Design: The Power of Design
    #ICYMI Rise and Design: The Power of Design To the delight of our Yorkshire members, Rise and Design finally arrived in Leeds last month. With intentions to showcase great design stories, as well as introduce Design Network North to a new audience, ‘The Power of Design’ succeeded on both fronts. Jayne Purcell, Kirklees Council (courtesy of Burns Rowatt Photography) Almost sixty companies gathered in the White Cloth Gallery in Leeds city centre to hear about two inspiring stories, one describing a novel, award-winning...
  • DNN member ievo providing biometric security for Shetland construction site
    DNN member ievo providing biometric security for Shetland construction site Shetland Facilities Management (SFM) Security have provided Morrison Construction Ltd with a robust access control system utilising Design Network North member ievo's state-of-the-art fingerprint biometric recognition devices for their New Anderson High School and Halls of Residence development at Lerwick in the Shetland Islands. As main contractor for the £56m project, Morrison’s brief for SFM was for an integrated access control system during construction which could give an accurate count of the workforce in each...
  • Cottam Brush design new Rapid Lock system
    Cottam Brush design new Rapid Lock system Design Network North members, Cottam Brush are at the forefront of brush design and manufacture. With extensive knowledge, innovative design capability and modern manufacturing facilities, Cottam has become a trusted partner in specialist industries across the world. After undergoing market research, it was clearly apparent to Cottam that when it comes to brooms, customers have very little loyalty to suppliers with there being no particular differences between what is being offered in the market. To give them a...
  • Design Network North bringing Rise and Design to the Northern Design Festival 2016
    Design Network North contributing to Northern Design Festival 2016 We’re delighted to let you all know that we will be contributing to this year’s Northern Design Festival! It takes place from 7 to 16 October 2016 and takes the theme ‘Where do ideas come from?’ The Festival explores innovation, from the importance of drawing with the RIBA’s Drawing Room exhibition, to collaborative working with Turner Prize-winning Assemble’s Granby Workshop installation. The ‘Where do ideas come from?’ exhibition invites leading designers and image...
  • How Design Network North took ievo from local tech distributor to world leader in biometric innovations
    How Design Network North took ievo from local tech distributor to world leader in biometric innovations iEvo, formerly known as UKB International, started life as a distributor of finger print scanners and other biometric security systems. Whilst successful, UKB International had much more potential in the biometrics industry than they realised. Having spent many years distributing this technology and with their knowledge of biometrics increasing, they recognised that they could produce a much better product that the ones they stocked and shipped....
  • New Northern Clothing and Textiles Network aiming to support growth in the region
    New Northern Clothing and Textiles Network aiming to support growth in the region A recent collaboration between David Reay of Small Circles Consulting and Design Network North has set its sights on the creation of a Northern Clothing and Textiles Network. Design Network North, who hold the ever-popular monthly networking event, Rise and Design, teamed up with David Reay for a ‘Clothing and Textiles’ themed event. Not only was the event a success, but many of the guests expressed an interest in...
  • A week with Design Network North
    A week with Design Network North At Design Network North, one day can be completely different from the next, which definitely keeps things interesting! We thought we’d give you a taste of what a typical week in the office is like. Monday We had Rise and Design on Friday, so we’re all recovering from that. The theme was Design in Sport and showcased some brilliant products from golf swing analysers to fishing waders and the technologies that make them great. We’re always trying to...
  • MULTINATIONAL OIL AND GAS COMPANIES TO FINANCE A LIFE-SAVING DRONE DEVELOPED BY TWO NORTH EAST BUSINESSES
    MULTINATIONAL OIL AND GAS COMPANIES TO FINANCE A LIFE-SAVING DRONE DEVELOPED BY TWO NORTH EAST BUSINESSES Multinational oil and gas companies to finance a life-saving drone developed by two North East businesses A chance meeting at Rise and Design has led to the development of a life-saving solution that could be rolled out worldwide. Drone Ops, who have trained Star Wars, James Bond, Game of Thrones, BBC and ITV staff in drone operation, and currently specialise in survey and inspection, assisting emergency services...
  • Design Effectiveness — Making the intangible tangible
    DESIGN EFFECTIVENESS MAKING THE INTANGIBLE TANGIBLE By local brand and design consultants, Wonderstuff In the democratised world we live in, everyone is entitled to their opinion (and rightly so). And a lot of the time, your opinion is all that is required.But it’s important to remember that without anything to back it up that’s all it is, your opinion. Or as W.Deming put it; “Without data you’re just another person with an opinion.” Like we said, a lot of the time, your opinion is more...
  • The future of ecommerce: ecommerce trends
    THE FUTURE OF ECOMMERCE: ECOMMERCE TRENDS Ecommerce seems to be a growing trend in web design. More and more businesses are selling directly through their own websites, as well as online marketplaces such as eBay and Amazon. And, as with website design, ecommerce changes quickly, with trends 1. More mobile sales, not just traffic For many of our ecommerce clients, it's common to see around about a 50:50 split between mobile and tablet traffic versus desktop traffic to their websites. Conversion of...
  • All change at Google, but where does your website stand?
    The team at Urban River, a Design Network North member and Rise and Design sponsor, have kindly contributed to our blog this month. Read on to gain some valuable insight from their experts. It’s fair to say it’s been a busy few weeks for Google. Not just happy with changes to how it displays its AdWords search results, they’ve also rolled out their new Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) project to the wider world and quietly moved to shut down their Google...
  • In Case You Missed It: Rise and Design 67
    Everyone has heard of the Internet of Things, but most people aren’t entirely sure what it means. With last month’s Rise and Design acting as a beginners’ guide to this year’s buzzword, we almost filled the room with over a hundred delegates, eager to know what this technology could do for them. David Dunn of Sunderland Software City gave us a straightforward definition of the phrase; Internet of Things is simply utilising the potential for any physical object to the connected...
  • In Case You Missed It: Rise and Design 64
    A run down of the last Rise and Design from our Network Manager, Terry McStea The last minute change of venue didn’t stop the latest Rise and Design from getting 2016 off to a great start. The event, which focused on Design in the Biomedical Sector, was hosted jointly by the Academic Health Science Network, who helped us find some fantastic speakers. Jonathan Peat from QuantuMDx gave a potted history of the business from their roots in South Africa to their...