Industry Launch 15 May 2007

EDC’s industry launch was held on 15 May 2007. This event aimed to inspire Welsh industry by delivering a clear message regarding the commercial advantages of taking an environmentally considered approach and ways to implement ecodesign practices into their companies. Delegates were introduced to EDC and the work we do for industry.

Welsh Champions
Hosted by Hywel James of ITV1 Wales, this event brought together a number of leading companies to share experiences and know-how. Stephen Perkins of Herman Miller Inc made a keynote presentation. This was followed by a panel discussion involving four Welsh companies that have made the environment central to their business strategy – Sony, Bacheldre Mill, Orangebox and The TYF Group. Delegates were then encouraged to discuss the issues raised in facilitated workshops.

Welsh Challenges
To enable the companies to explore further the challenges raised by the panel, several workshops were held. Facilitated by the EDC team, the workshops provided an invaluable insight into the perspectives held by Welsh businesses and their requirements and competencies in relation to ecodesign. The information collected has helped to shape the Ecodesign Support Package and enabled EDC to continue to focus efforts on ‘actual’ rather than ‘perceived’ SME and sector needs.

Ecodesigned Event
As part of its social responsibility EDC ensured that the event was organised in the most environmentally friendly and sustainability conscious way. The venue was chosen specifically because of its proximity to public transport links and was within easy reach of the majority of the target audience. Delegates were actively encouraged to use public transport. Efforts were made to minimise the amount of literature produced for the event. A high quality menu was created, which showcased and celebrated seasonal Welsh produce.

Targeting Key Growth Businesses
The event was tailored to a very specific audience representing key growth businesses, as defined by the Design for Growth survey. EDC felt that this was important to ensure that the messages were relevant and transferable. This strategy paid off and the targeted event was extremely well attended. EDC has received much positive feedback from the launch and as a direct result has managed to build new commercial partnerships and receive more applications for the Ecodesign Support Package.

Delegate Feedback

"I am now much more excited about ecodesign and realise its importance for our future products."
Dr Sohail Hajatdoost, Director, Riochem Ltd.

"It was really an excellent meeting – informative and relevant as well as extremely professional."
David Jones, Executive Design Engineer, Panasonic

"It was a great event that really emphasised the importance of bringing the environment into your business whether that be design or not."
Stephen Hemmings, Studio SDA