Design Initiative closes

DESIGN Initiative, the agency that supported the design sector in the North West, has closed. The 20 year-old organisation closed last Friday following the loss of a number of funding sources.

Design Initiative worked with a network of around 3,000 creatives in the region, including designers, artists and makers of craft products.

The organisation was originally founded as Liverpool Design Initiative in 1992 but it later extended its remit to cover Manchester and the remainder of the North West.

It said that it had worked directly with 2,300 of these to help bring in more than £15m of sales and create 150 jobs.

Recent initiaves included the Liverpool Design Show, which showcased 700 designers over the past three years and generated sales of £150,000.

The organisation had been funded by Arts Council England, Liverpool City Council, the government’s Phoenix Fund and by European Regional Development Framework cash.

Roger Morris, chair of Design Initiative’s board, said: “During its 20 years in existence, Design Initiative has had a substantial impact on the growth and continued success of the design and contemporary craft sectors.

“It has enabled thousands of designers to establish, grow and sustain their businesses. It has also retained the talent of designers, makers and artists in the region, to ensure they are part of a thriving community.  

“The organisation would like to take this opportunity to thank all of its staff, funders and sponsors – past and present – for their support over the last 20 years.”