You can apply anytime, with vouchers issued once every three months.

What are the innovation vouchers and how do I apply?

TSB are providing £5k Innovation Vouchers for UK based start-up, micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to work with ‘knowledge suppliers’ including design advisers and technical consultancies.

To be eligible, ideas need to be applicable to one of the priority sectors (the first round themes are Agrifood, Built Environment and Space) and you need to be clear that accessing this knowledge will help your business address a real challenge, not just a small improvement or change to what you currently do.

These vouchers are available to help you obtain expert advice from a knowledge supplier you haven’t worked with before, not to fund general business needs such as training or equipment. 

Next steps:

• Bookmark this webpage so you can return for invaluable advice on finding and choosing the right designer for your business challenge and to access the DBA’s Directory of 400+ leading design agencies
• Visit TSB’s site for full details on the scheme and how to apply

Why design?

“Design takes an idea or a concept and turns it into something of value.”

Sir George Cox, President of the Institution of Engineering Designers

Design is a powerful tool when used effectively throughout an entire R&D and innovation project. It can lead to time and cost savings and to better outcomes, particularly when you bring in design ideas early in the process. Design can have a real impact on the desirability, usability and feasibility of a product or service.

By commissioning the right designer/design consultancy for your business needs, you will be able to benefit from expert knowledge to help you with your thinking and to provide advice on how design can improve and enhance the idea you are working on. The right designer will be able to guide you on how you can use design within the business overall.

Where can I find the right designer?

The DBA can help you.

The Design Business Association (DBA) is the trade association for design in the UK.

Established in 1986, the DBA has over 400 design consultancies in membership. These agencies have a wealth of expertise across a wide range of design disciplines, offering you the opportunity to find the right designer to meet your innovation needs.

DBA members sign up to a code of conduct when they join that includes a commitment to following a set of best practice guidelines. They aim to achieve effective design solutions to better their clients’ businesses and a high degree of confidentiality and professionalism.

DBA Directory

The DBA Directory is an invaluable searchable tool, packed full of information and data on the 400+ design agencies in DBA membership.

It makes commissioning a designer simpler and more effective, giving you the opportunity to gain better value for money from the outset.

To find the best design partner for your needs, use the Directory in conjunction with the DBA’s downloadable Agency selection guides and templates, which will support you at every step of the way.

Go to DBA Directory

Go to Agency selection guides and templates

Are there other innovation voucher schemes?

The Technology Strategy Board has brought together a list of other Innovation Voucher schemes currently available in the UK. Before making an application you should look to see which scheme best meets your needs. Go to Innovation Vouchers Portal

What if I am a designer?

There is no list of approved suppliers for the Innovation voucher scheme. The choice will be down to the individual business and the TSB website directs businesses to the DBA’s website and Directory for advice on finding and choosing the right designer for their business challenge.

As the scheme is intended to build new relationships, businesses are not able to use their voucher towards commissioning a supplier they have worked with before. You may decide therefore, to direct existing clients to other TSB competitions for other ways to develop their ideas.

Go to Technology Strategy Board

Any further questions?

For Frequently Asked Questions click here.

For advice on applying and eligibility contact competitions@innovate.org

For advice on finding and choosing the right designer contact adam@dba.org.uk or call Adam on 020 7251 9229