The business of design

This workshop develops your understanding of design as a business in a national and international context, and is relevant to all shapes and size of design consultancy.

Putting design in a commercial context, we’ll discuss key issues raised by the group and continue with a tailored presentation on current and international trends in design.

You’ll be asked to prepare a short presentation on an issue around competitiveness, and consider the long-term view for your own business. You’ll take away new insights and ideas that will support your work and contribute to the growth of your business.

Delegate feedback:

“Thought provoking – enjoyed taking time out to talk about the future of the design industry.” Victoria Peppiatt, The Pink Group

About: Michael Thomson

A seasoned consultant, strategist and facilitator, Michael has fostered and directed strategic thinking with and for many of Europe’s leading design consultancies since setting up Design Connect in London in 1995.

Client side, Michael has added value consulting in innovation strategy (USA); strategic design management (Korea) and internal communications strategy (UK). He has run highly effective customer insight workshops in mainland Europe, in addition to facilitating the process that led to a fresh strategic direction for the digital presence of a major UK broadcaster.

An expert on national design policy, Michael has worked in Austria, Iceland, Ireland, Italy and Qatar and with the European Commission in Brussels.

Michael served as President of the Bureau of European Designers Associations, (BEDA) from 2007 to 2009 and on the Executive Board of Icsid from 2001-2005.

Michael has given keynotes in Austria, Belgium, Brazil, China, Iceland, India, Latvia, New Zealand, South Korea, Spain, Turkey and the UK.

Michael is Consulting Director on Strategy for tangerine, London.

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