SUSTAINABLE PROFITS: A Chance for Business, Public Sector and Designers to
exchange ideas and use Sustainable Design to increase Profit
Being in business is about making profit. Making profit means having an advantage. That means being
attractive to customers, suppliers and employees. And that means behaving responsibly towards them. That’s
the bottom line, and the focus of a series of events being co-ordinated by the Somerset Design Enterprise
Network, part of The Design Programme and the Creative Industries iNet. So how can businesses and
organisations operate in ways which are responsible and sustainable?
The ‘Sustainable Business by Design’ conference in being held in Somerset on 22nd March brings together
experts, businesses, designers, policy-makers and the public sector to share ideas and experiences. So how is it
done? How do we create products and services which are sustainable? The conference’s speakers are the
nation’s leading lights on building sustainable business, and on a mission to reveal the golden tickets which
have a genuine positive impact for business.
This won’t be the usual generic ‘greenwash’ we’ve all heard bandied about. Exploring every aspect of a
business, from the strategic vision to the fine-tuning of products and services, the conference is your chance to
find out first hand the techniques, tools and tips which really make a difference. Sector-specific workshops
across Somerset and Devon go deeper, exploring in detail how businesses and organisations across the South
West have turned their sustainable approach to real commercial advantage, helping them grow and build ever
greater profits.
The Sustainable Business by Design conference and associated series of workshops are being run by the
Somerset Design Enterprise Network and supported by a range of national partners including, among others,
The Design Council, the Creative Industries iNet and The South West Design Programme.
Everyone in the Food and Drink Sector is switched on to the latest trends and increasing demand for
sustainable products. Whether it’s about provenance of ingredients and reduced food miles or
environmentally-friendly processes and waste management, you can’t ignore the fact the sustainability is
steering the way that many producers are improving not just what they make but how they make it.
The March conference is your chance to hear the full story, to sit down with industry experts who are leading
the revolution, and to pick up the tricks and tips that will keep your products on shelves and in cupboards.
Sustainability is important for every aspect of a business or organisation, from processes and product design to
service delivery and customer interaction. This is about exploring and using practical, proven ways of designing
sustainability into what you do and how you do it. When it’s done right, there are enormous commercial
benefits. That is the focus of a set of events being held this spring, kicking off with the Sustainable Business by
Design conference on 22nd March. Read more online
Customers are demanding greener credentials. Suppliers are giving us better alternatives. Employees are
choosing to work for businesses and organisations that make a difference. That's the real bottom line. These
events are your chance to learn about and directly influence how sustainability impacts upon businesses
across the South West.
About SDEN
The Somerset Design Enterprise Network is part of the South West Design Forum, the voice of design in the
region. For information on South West Design Forum, visit: www.swdf.co.uk.
For further information please contact Clare Lindstrand, Department707, 0117 300 5213, clare@dept707.co.uk
About the Creative Industries iNet
The Creative Industries iNet (Innovation Network) is a £3.2 million programme of support designed to help the
South West’s creative businesses thrive and advance the area’s growing reputation as a global creative centre
of excellence. Working with both emerging and established companies, the iNet is developing bold products and
business models, exploring new opportunities and ideas, and connecting creatives to a community of innovators
across the South West and around the world.
The Creative Industries iNet is a part of the Government’s Solutions for Business portfolio, funded by the
European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and led by South West Screen. It is delivered by a consortium
comprising local partners including Arts Council England (South West), Arts Matrix, Bristol Media, Bournemouth
Skillset Media Academy, Creative Bath, Creative Dorset, Gloucestershire Media Group, iShed, Plymouth Media
Partnership, South West Design Forum, South West Music Forum, Swindon Media Group and Wessex Media
Group.
iNets South West are supported by £13 million of funding from the South West RDA, the European Regional
Development Fund (ERDF) and partner investments.
Conference partners