Design initiative boosts links to local business

Design groups in Liverpool will be given a boost next month through a campaign to promote their services to businesses of all sizes across the region.

Liverpool and Manchester Design Initiative believes many local companies are failing to recognise the value of design and under-investing as a result. It has devised a ‘toolkit’ for improved commissioning and hopes to recruit 40-50 client companies for a seminar at the Fact Centre in Liverpool on 4 September.

Initially, LMDI will focus on identity, print and Web designers, but its aim is to raise the profile of design generally. A ‘taster’ CD-Rom, listing 20 centrally located Liverpool consultancies, is being produced for the event.

The organisation also runs a database – Designbank.org.uk – of designers across the North West. Its commissioning guidelines cover the entire design process.