AMION recently completed an evaluation of the Innovate UK EDGE funded Design for Growth programme for Fluxx.
Design for Growth was designed to support SMEs with growth potential and was part of the Government’s response to the need to support business growth following the Covid crisis. It was designed to help UK SMEs use design to boost business growth, building on the support of Innovate UK EDGE’s team of Innovation and Growth Specialists.
Support was provided online to SMEs across the country, with support comprising: up to 12 hours of one-to-one coaching from Design Coaches; a programme of peer-group workshops, online briefings and networking events; and access to the online Design for Growth Hub.
The evaluation included a telephone survey of beneficiaries (carried out by Spirul) and consultations with programme staff from Fluxx and Innovate UK EDGE as well as a number of Design Coaches.
Our evaluation demonstrated that the programme had been successful in helping businesses to better incorporate design into their products, services, activities and processes. This is expected to translate into substantial jobs and GVA benefits.