Design Network North (DNN)

Paragon Rapid Technologies are one of 126 companies from industry and the design sector who have signed up to the Network which was launched in March 2009 to place design at the heart of the North East’s economy.

World famous names such as Black & Decker, Berghaus and Tommee Tippee have backed DNN which also includes smaller regional manufacturers as well as industrial and creative design companies.

DNN now delivers a suite of services aimed at sharing design and engineering knowledge, improving processes, raising skills and supporting exciting new design projects through funding.

Director of Design Network North is Mike Dowson. He said:

“The new forum is already proving to be a success. DNN has significantly increased the dialogue and interaction between manufacturers and our region’s design thinkers. We have so far provided funding to 15 new products which will add value to our regional economy and help create jobs.”

“As well as helping companies drive their business forward by solving real design problems from industry, our aim is to raise awareness of the value of good design throughout the region and raise in-house design capability.

“Building better design in to all products and services developed in the North East will aid regional competitiveness and ensure innovative ideas created in the region have the edge in the marketplace.”

The aim of Design Network North is to improve regional companies’ ability to utilise high-quality design, skills and processes to deliver high return on investment, improved competitiveness, and to increase the contribution of design to the wealth of the region.

www.designnetworknorth.org/