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[July 2004]
Star Designer Enthuses Ceramic Leaders
A prominent UK designer added her support to the local ceramic industry recently as part of an inspirational seminar aimed at raising the importance of customer expectation and developing innovative new ranges.
Anne McEvitt, who has completed prestigious contracts for the Royal Family, the Sultan of Brunei and Michael Caine, urged over 60 delegates to "turn the mundane into the magnificent" in a bid to beat off overseas competition and attract new orders.
The event, which was organised by the Ceramic Industry Forum (CIF), gave industry experts from the likes of Aynsley, Dudson and Royal Crown Derby the opportunity to learn more about innovation and identifying new trends, not to mention the chance to throw questions at the self-taught Scot in a one-to-one forum.
The seminar is just one part of CIF's 'Leading by Design' initiative, a £1.8 million project which helps companies improve their design and marketing capabilities through a range of events, funding opportunities and market intelligence networks.
It has already awarded 30 ceramic companies DTI grants to launch new ranges and test different materials and has recently completed all the research for the CIF's free-of-charge 'designers toolkit website', an online guide to introducing new products into the manufacturing process quickly and right first time.
Anne McEvitt commented: "The UK's ceramic industry is evolving and there are some great things happening with new products and brands emerging that are clearly exciting the consumer.
"However, like so many companies in this country, there is still a fear-factor present, which is preventing some firms from moving forward. As soon as they are able to overcome this challenge, the sector will be able to progress and offer strong employment opportunities for local people and continue to influence the global marketplace."
Going forward, CIF is looking to add to the 12 design and marketing events held so far and will shortly be launching its new market intelligence and forecasting service.
www.ceramicindustryforum.co.uk
ENDS