A NETWORK launched this year to help companies in the design industries share knowledge and exploit opportunities with manufacturers has topped 100 members.
A number of leading North-East firms are among the 126 companies to sign up to Design Network North (DNN).
The Network was launched in March to boost the region’s design industry, part of the wider commercial creative sector which is worth about £800m to the North-East economy, with the potential to create about 9,000 jobs over the next four years.
World famous North-East companies to back the scheme include Sunderland-based outdoor clothing manufacturer Berghaus and North-East baby equipment company Tommee Tippee.
DNN’s director Mike Dowson said: “We have so far provided funding to 15 new products, which will add value to our regional economy and help create jobs.
“Our aim is to raise awareness of the value of good design throughout the region and raise in-house design capability.”
Funded by One North-East and the European Regional Development Fund, the network is co-ordinated by RTC North and supported by Knowledge House and the universities of Newcastle, Northumbria and Teesside.
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