New Designers ups prizes

New Designers is to expand its awards scheme with plans to introduce more prizes at this year’s exhibition at London’s Business Design Centre.

Sponsorship for awards is running at ú10 000, but the BDC is still in talks with potential sponsors, including Habitat, which last year provided ú50 000. Companies already sponsoring awards include Pantone, Paperchase and lighting company Emess.

The extended two-week format will be repeated this year. The first week will showcase graphics, textiles, fashion, flooring and multimedia, while the second week will be devoted to product, interior design, architecture, design management, glass, jewellery and domestic furnishings.