About Somerset Innovation + Design
Somerset Innovation + Design (formally known as Somerset Design Enterprise Network) was born in 2005 and is vibrant business focused organisation. Supported then by South West RDA, Inspire South West, European Union, Business Link Somerset, and the private sector, we aim to boost and create a better design community for the county of Somerset.
National Objectives
Somerset Innovation + Design was initially created because there was need to promote and support Somerset design, which coincided with central government wanting British design to be a core economic leader for the nation.
We believe that Somerset designers and organisations have a lot to offer and that’s why we recruit people, businesses and organisations that are proud to be in the design sector in Somerset.
How We Are Funded
Somerset Innovation + Design is not funded in any way. So our operational costs has to be funded by either a membership registration fee or by volunteers providing their time and services for the cause. This gives the business, educational institutions, or organisations many benefits, which you can read more about in our ‘join us’ section. But as the only design organisation representing Somerset businesses and organisations you can find new channels to market through an association with us.
How We Function
Somerset Innovation + Design is run by a steering group, which consists of a range of members from a variety of backgrounds. This includes members from local businesses throughout Somerset and those in education.
Since our conception we have made marks in many directions including Somerset Design Week, Somerset International Design Symposium, and the obvious bidding for funding to help us achieve our aims.
Our work and activities come from those who believe in design of all disciplines and understand its importance within the business landscape.
Andrew Knutt, Chairman
Getting Involved at Committee Level or Becoming A Contributor
We are very keen to get other designers involved and meet regularly to discuss our activities and what is happening in the design industry, so if you would like to volunteer some time to assist our endeavours or contribute activities to the cause then please do get in touch.
A Region Working Together
SID is one of seven design forums across the South West, making it the strongest and most organised region for design activity in the UK. Representatives from each of the seven local design forums – Cornwall Design Forum, Designed in Devon, Dorset Design Forum, Gloucestershire Design Network, West of England Design Forum and Wiltshire Design Network – meet regularly to exchange ideas and create a regional voice as Design South West.