Supporting the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme, ‘Grow with Design’ enables product innovation consultancy Design Reality to build on their track record of helping SMEs realise ideas and achieve business success by offering specialist business and product design support
aving been recently selected to be an Innovation Coach for the Business Wales Accelerated Growth Programme which supports ambitious start-ups and SMEs in Wales, Design Reality, has launched its own initiative, Grow with Design, to not only fulfil its privileged role of supporting Welsh business through the programme, but extend the initiative to the rest of the UK as well. This is part of Design Reality’s drive to support SMEs in investing in design which in return will lead to growth and increased revenue. In fact, for every £1 invested in design, businesses can expect over £20 in increased revenue.
The Accelerated Growth Programme forms part of the Welsh Government’s Business Wales Entrepreneur and SME support services and offers fully funded specialist business support for businesses with high growth aspirations and potential. As part of their role as an Innovation Coach, Design Reality will be one of the few consultancies offering specialist business support in innovation strategies, new product development and project management. Their years of supporting many SMEs puts them in the best place to help small businesses with their next strategic growth move, overcoming any obstacles in their path. They will be offering bespoke packages which will include 1-2-1 support tailored to the businesses needs and aspirations.
For businesses located outside of Wales, or who do not qualify for the Accelerated Growth Programme, Design Reality’s Grow with Design service can be tailored to offer bespoke packages at a competitive price with a businesses’ growth priorities at the heart of its package.
The Grow with Design initiative will support business with three packages. A business may use a combination of the three, or just one, depending on their requirements and goals.
The packages are:
- Innovation strategy – supporting businesses in creating a long-term plan for a sustained competitive advantage
- New product development – helping businesses transform a market opportunity into a product that is ready for sale
- Project management – supporting businesses in delivering the project and hitting all success criteria
Design Reality has worked with many SMEs and start-ups over the years helping them develop an initial idea and bring it to market. One recent success is with LIMB-art, where we worked with former Paralympic swimmer and medallist, Mark Williams, to design and produce a range of beautiful prosthetic leg covers. Under a year, with Design Reality’s design expertise, LIMB-art has gone from concept to successful small business. So impressive is the idea and the product, LIMB-art has received recognition in the prestigious Stellios Award for Disabled Entrepreneurs 2018.
Design should be at the heart of every business. Especially if businesses are looking at the export market. For every £1 invested in design, businesses can expect a return of over £5 in increased exports.
Wyn Jones at Design Reality says,
“Design is the differentiator for many businesses who are looking for success in competitive markets, here and overseas. Investing in design and innovation, with the support of a team of experts who, can not only make sense of the market, but cut through the jargon and support you with your ideas when you need it most, is crucial if businesses are to grow and succeed. We’re very proud to be able to extend out services to Welsh businesses looking for design expertise as part of the Accelerated Growth Programme, as well as SMEs across the rest of the UK.”
