Building Craft and Design Enterprise Programme
About this good practice
The Building a Craft and Design Enterprise training programme (BCDE) has been developed in partnership between The Design and Crafts Council of Ireland (DCCoI) and Local Enterprise Offices (LEO’S) nationally. The programme is delivered by a range of highly respected experts who have an extensive and current practical knowledge of the creative sector. The course content provides participants with the required skills to operate and develop their business in the current changing market place. By bringing Business planning and acumen to craft and design enterprises, through the programme all areas of product and business development are addressed. Objectives are achieved through pertinent workshops and mentoring to enable them to effectively trade on a global basis. Results have been increased market share, expanded markets and work in an increased number of collections. The participating practitioners, the DCCI and the LEOs are the main stakeholders.
The course focuses on the following areas:
-Product review, current and future development
-Bringing new product to market
-Design trends
-Current routes to market for design led work
-How to keep a creative business visible
-Developing a marketing strategy suitable for creative businesses
-Recognising and responding to opportunities at home and overseas
-Recognising problems and developing solutions
-Pricing and costing your work
-Sharing the workload
-Business and time management practices for SMEs.
Expert opinion
Methods and tools supporting effective business management and development, structured innovation processes, funding readiness etc. are commonly used by large businesses and high-tech start-ups benefitting from high-end supportive environments.
However, they are often perceived as too complex by traditional small businesses and require dedicated training. The Building Craft and Design Enterprise Programme provides a successful example of relevant knowledge and skills can be transferred to businesses in the cultural industries with a strong impact.
For further practices on design and innovation, we recommend consulting the website of the Interreg Europe Design for Innovation project.
Resources needed
This is a very cost effective programme – 30,000 euros or 2,000 per enterprise.
Evidence of success
Graduates of the course were exhibiting at international shows and increased market share, by launching new product ranges and processes. Many successful graduates producing batch production work and high end collectable work and utilizing international markets include:
Bareessentials – Artisan soaps
Northcote Designs – Prints
Knut Klimmek - Furniture
Ail and El - Handcast concrete homewares
Isabel Egan – Gallery collectable ceramics
Potential for learning or transfer
This uniquely tailored pragmatic programme is full of excellent examples for learning transfer particularly in the areas of product development and intense market research expert mentoring and workshops. It has excellent scope for participants and trainers to share their learning with others but also with other regions.
Considering the cost-effectiveness of the programme, it can be implemented anywhere where there is a need and willingness to support SMEs with uniquely tailored expert advice and support for their business, like crafts and design in this programme.
Further information
Website
Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Design & Crafts Council Ireland