This article is from page 39 of the 2008-10-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 39 JPG
WITH next week designated as na- tional Design Week, Deirdre John- ston, Network Manager of Ennis- based Unlocking Innovation Skillnet, is advising Clare businesses to use design more effectively if they want to increase their chances of surviv- ing the current economic downturn.
According to Ms. Johnston, almost three-quarters of businesses that de- velop new products or services ex- perience growth. “This needn’t be in the form of a major new invention,’ she adds, “but can be as simple as tweaking existing offerings to meet marketplace demand. Failure to get products or services right, particu- larly during a downturn, can be the death knell to a business.”
Unlocking Innovation Skillnet is currently running a Series of free seminars for SMEs. “These half-day seminars, which are taking place in Limerick, provide an overview of the tangible benefits of innovation in business, combined with some prac- tical tips on how to apply it on the ground,” Ms. Johnston explains.
The programme also includes op- portunities for one-on-one work- shops with seminar trainers, who are
leaders in their fields, at a nominal fee.
Companies wishing to delve more deeply into the area can take advan- tage of two-year programme, offered by sister Skillnet, Design Shannon Skillnet. “This programme brings together leading experts from Ire- land and abroad, who will guide participating companies on how to determine, develop and deliver new products and services to grow their businesses. Highly subsidised, it provides top level training at a to- ken price; ideal for savvy companies with plans to beat the recession,” she concludes.
Unlocking Innovation Skillnet aims to help businesses identify ways to achieve growth through innovation and design-related activities. It runs in association with Design Shannon Skillnet, and is funded by Skillnets and member firms.
For further information, go to www.designshannon.ie; tel. 065- to VAL ee